Hot Diggity Dog Dish
A comforting baked pasta dish featuring hot dogs, creamy celery soup, and fresh vegetables, perfect for casual family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked and drained elbow macaroni, quartered franks, cream of celery soup, sour cream, shredded carrots, chopped onions, chopped celery or green pepper, and dill weed; mix well.
- Turn the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil or a lid.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Refrigerate leftovers if any.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of milk or cheese to the mixture before baking. You can substitute the franks with vegetarian alternatives or even grilled chicken for a different flavor. If you want to elevate the dish, add some spices or herbs like paprika or thyme. Using whole wheat macaroni can add a healthier touch to this classic. This dish is versatile, much like other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Diggity Dog Dish is a hearty meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. You can also serve it alongside cornbread or garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience. For a fun twist, consider topping it with crushed potato chips or cheese right before serving, adding texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, use a microwave, heating in intervals and stirring in between until heated through. Ensure it's fully warmed before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Diggity Dog Dish contains roughly 369 calories, with 9g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (154% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 985mg per serving (43% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even make a homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, and vegetable broth as a base. This will still provide the creamy texture needed for the dish.
Can I freeze the Hot Diggity Dog Dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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).