Blanket Franks
A comforting baked dish featuring hot dogs and melted cheese wrapped in bread, soaked in a creamy egg mixture. Perfect for casual gatherings or quick weekend dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- About 2 1/2 hours before serving, in a greased 13 x 9 x 3-inch baking dish, place 6 slices of bread.
- Cover with hot dogs and cheese.
- Top with the remaining bread slices.
- Pour the beaten eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard mixture over the assembled layers.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake the franks for 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on Blanket Franks, consider using whole grain or flavored bread instead of white for added nutrition. You can substitute turkey or chicken hot dogs for a lighter option, and cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella work well. If you're short on time, skip the refrigeration step, but letting it sit helps the flavors meld. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Blanket Franks with a side salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with chips or a light vegetable platter. For a fun twist, offer various dipping sauces like mustard or ketchup. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or game day, making it a great addition to your entertaining menu alongside recipes like Salad Rice And Polish Sausage Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Blanket Franks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This ensures the bread stays soft while the flavors remain intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blanket Franks contains roughly 805 calories, with 19g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1283mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Blanket Franks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Blanket Franks a day in advance. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just remember to pour the egg mixture over before refrigerating. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg. Alternatively, a commercial egg replacer like flaxseed meal mixed with water works well, providing similar binding properties without compromising taste.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for standard cheese slices, feel free to experiment with different types like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or Swiss for a milder flavor. Mixing cheeses can also create a deliciously unique taste that elevates the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).