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Francheesie

A Chicago-style legend, the francheesie is a twist on the traditional Polish sausage that celebrates the Midwestern commitment to sharp cheddar cheese. In this dish, a 100 percent beef hot dog is split and filled with premium Wisconsin cheddar cheese, and then wrapped in cured bacon and deep-fried. Invented at Chicago’s Cambridge House restaurant and only found in and around Chicago, today the francheesie can be found for sale at Zephyr's, the original Cambridge House having since closed. The dish also can be made with soft cheese spreads and processed American or Velveeta cheese products for a smooth and decadent finish.

Recipe Servings: 6

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 6 jumbo hot dogs
  • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 12–18 strips of bacon
  • 6 hot dog buns
  • Ketchup, mustard, and other condiments as desired

Directions

  1. 1. Slice the jumbo hot dogs down the middle the long way, cutting at least half way through the hot dogs without cutting all the way through. Fill the slit with cheese, crumbling or tearing slices as needed. Wrap each hot dog in 2–3 strips of bacon, sealing the cheese inside.
  2. 2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the wrapped hot dogs for 4–5 minutes, turning, until the bacon is crispy. Serve on a bun, topping with condiments as desired.

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