Ingredients

  • For the Cheese Dog (4 servings):
    • 4 high-quality, all-beef hot dogs (ensure no added sugars or fillers, ~1g carbs per hot dog)
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra meltiness, ~1g carbs per ¼ cup)
    • 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (~2g carbs per jalapeño)
    • 4 slices bacon (optional, for wrapping, ~0g carbs per slice)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for cooking, 0g carbs)
    • 1 tsp garlic powder (~1g carbs per tsp)
    • 1 tsp onion powder (~1g carbs per tsp)
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika (~0.5g carbs)
    • Salt and pepper to taste (~0g carbs)
  • For the Keto Bun (Optional, 4 buns):
    • 1 ½ cups almond flour (~6g net carbs per cup)
    • 4 large eggs (~0.4g carbs per egg)
    • ¼ cup melted butter (~0g carbs)
    • 1 tbsp baking powder (~1.5g carbs)
    • ¼ tsp salt (~0g carbs)
    • 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder (optional, for better texture, ~1g net carbs per tbsp)
    • ¼ cup warm water (~0g carbs)
  • Optional Toppings:
    • Sugar-free mustard (~0.5g carbs per tsp)
    • Keto-friendly hot sauce (~0.5g carbs per tsp)
    • Sliced avocado (~2g net carbs per ¼ avocado)
    • Chopped green onions (~0.5g carbs per tbsp)

Total Net Carbs (per serving, without bun): ~5-6g
Total Net Carbs (per serving, with bun): ~8-9g

Equipment Needed

  • Oven or skillet
  • Baking sheet (if making buns or baking hot dogs)
  • Parchment paper (for buns)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or fork
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Keto Buns (Optional)

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, psyllium husk powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, and warm water until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms.
  5. Divide dough into 4 equal portions and shape into hot dog bun-sized logs.
  6. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and firm. Let cool before slicing lengthwise.

Step 2: Prep the Hot Dogs

  1. Pat the hot dogs dry with a paper towel to help seasonings stick.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rub the hot dogs with the seasoning mix.

Step 3: Add Jalapeño and Cheese

  1. Make a lengthwise slit in each hot dog, about halfway through, being careful not to cut all the way.
  2. Stuff each slit with a generous amount of diced jalapeños (about ½ tbsp per hot dog).
  3. Press shredded cheese into the slit, ensuring it sticks to the jalapeños and hot dog.

Step 4: Optional Bacon Wrap

  1. If using bacon, wrap each stuffed hot dog tightly with one slice of bacon, securing the ends by tucking them under or using a toothpick (remove before serving).
  2. Ensure the bacon covers as much of the cheese as possible to prevent leakage during cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Hot Dogs

  1. Skillet Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add hot dogs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the hot dogs are heated through, cheese is melted, and bacon (if used) is crispy.
  2. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place hot dogs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and bacon (if used) is crisp.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

  1. If using keto buns, place each cooked hot dog in a sliced bun.
  2. Add optional toppings like sugar-free mustard, keto-friendly hot sauce, sliced avocado, or chopped green onions.
  3. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, No Bun)

  • Calories: ~350-400 kcal
  • Fat: ~30g
  • Protein: ~15g
  • Net Carbs: ~5-6g

Tips

  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or keep some seeds for extra heat.
  • Cheese Variation: Try pepper jack for an extra kick or cream cheese for a smoother texture.
  • Storage: Store cooked hot dogs (without buns) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
  • Bun Alternative: Use large lettuce leaves as a zero-carb bun substitute.

Enjoy your spicy, cheesy, keto-friendly jalapeño cheese dog