Franks & Macaroni

This is the weeknight dinner that kids beg for and parents can pull off in 20 minutes flat. Beef hot dogs sliced on the diagonal, tossed with cooked macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese spread, chopped onion, and brown mustard, then microwaved until the cheese bubbles.

The sharp cheddar cheese spread does triple duty here: it’s the sauce, the cheese, and the seasoning all in one ingredient. It melts evenly in the microwave without clumping or separating the way shredded cheese can, coating every elbow and frank slice in a smooth, tangy layer.

Brown mustard mixed in adds a vinegary bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese spread. It’s subtle enough that mustard-averse kids probably won’t notice, but it keeps the dish from tasting one-dimensional.

Slicing the franks on the diagonal isn’t just for looks. Angled cuts create more surface area for the cheese to cling to and make each piece big enough to spear with a fork alongside a couple of elbows.

Pro Tips

• Cook the macaroni just to al dente before combining. It continues cooking in the microwave and overcooked pasta turns mushy in a cheese sauce.
• Stir the casserole halfway through the 5-minute microwave time. Microwaves heat unevenly, and stirring distributes the melting cheese.
• Use beef franks for the best flavor and snap. Turkey or chicken dogs work but have a softer bite.

Variations

• Baked version: Skip the microwave and bake at 375 for 20 minutes with breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crust.
• Broccoli boost: Stir in a cup of small broccoli florets with the macaroni to sneak in some green vegetables.
• Spicy adult version: Use spicy smoked sausage instead of hot dogs and swap brown mustard for whole grain Dijon.