Cheesy Grilled Hot Dog Sandwich...done Your Way

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 8 hot dogs, cut lengthwise
• 8 slices rye bread
• 2 teaspoons butter (1 teaspoon to saute the onions, 1 to cook the hot dogs)
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 1/3 cup peppardew bell pepper, chopped (you can use any pepper you want, i like a bit of spice and sweet but jalapeno, cubanelle works well )
• 1 medium onion, cut in quarters and thin sliced
• 2 kosher garlic dill pickles, chopped
• 8 slices cheese (2 per sandwich, i like cheddar but use your favorite)
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons yellow yellow mustard
• 1 pinch caraway seed

Recipe

• 1 mustard mayo -- just mix the mustard, mayonnaise and caraway seeds if you have them. if not mustard and mayonnaise is fine.
• 2 topping -- in a small saute pan, add the butter, onion and peppers and saute for 4-5 minutes on medium heat until soft and tender. the last minute or two add in the sauerkraut and stir until well combined and heated through. using a fresh vs canned sauerkraut is best, but a good canned sauerkraut will work fine. just keep warm on the back burner.
• 3 hot dogs -- as the topping cooks, make the hot dogs. i love to grill mine. indoor grill pan is great or even just a saute pan will work. i cut them lengthwise and just cook in a little butter. medium heat and it doesn't take more than 3-4 minutes per side. don't burn them, you just want them lightly golden brown is all. remove, and set to the side.
• 4 sandwich -- first piece of rye bread down and slather with the mustard mayonnaise sauce. then top with 1 slice of cheese, 2 hot dogs cut to fit the sandwich; the sauerkraut, onion and pepper mix, then topped with the chopped pickles and 1 more slice of cheese. finish with the top slice of bread also slathered with the mustard mayonnaise sauce.
• 5 grill -- on a hot grill pan or saute pan, add the butter and bring to medium heat. add the sandwich, and lightly weigh down using another pan - cast iron or a regular pan topped with a few canned foods to weigh it down. use whatever you have. cook on medium heat until golden brown, flip and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is gooey and beginning to melt.
• 6 serve -- cut in half and enjoy. it is an "upscale" hot dog sandwich which is just great treat. serve with a bowl of soup or fries for an easy dinner. enjoy!