Octo-Dogs in a Cheesy Coral Reef

 

A playful, under-the-sea themed hotdog dish with crispy noodle nests and bubbly cheese “coral.”

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This dish turns classic hotdogs into “octopuses” with curly legs, sitting on crispy ramen noodle nests with a cheddar cheese coral sauce. Add a few “seaweed” peas or spinach and some ketchup “starfish” on the side. It’s whimsical, hands-on, and fun to eat.

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Octo-Dogs in a Cheesy Coral Reef

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Octo-Dogs:

• 4 standard hotdogs

• Toothpicks or uncooked spaghetti (to hold shape while boiling)

For the Noodle Nests:

• 2 packs instant ramen (any kind, discard seasoning)

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup shredded cheddar

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cheese Coral Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack

• Optional: pinch of garlic powder or paprika

Extras:

• Peas or wilted spinach (“seaweed”)

• Ketchup or sriracha for decoration

• Cookie cutter for making star shapes (optional, for veggie or cheese shapes)

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How to Make It

Step 1: Create the Octo-Dogs

1. Slice the bottom half of each hotdog into 6–8 legs, leaving the top half intact (like a jellyfish).

2. Boil in water for 3–4 minutes—the legs curl up into tentacles! You can spear a spaghetti strand through the top to keep them upright during boiling.

3. Optional: Pan-fry for extra color and crisp.

Step 2: Make Ramen Noodle Nests

1. Boil ramen noodles until just tender. Drain.

2. In a bowl, mix noodles with eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper.

3. Spoon into greased muffin tins to form nests.

4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, until crispy around the edges.

Step 3: Cheese Coral Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 min.

2. Whisk in milk, stir until thickened.

3. Add cheese, melt fully. Season lightly. Keep warm.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Place noodle nests on plates.

2. Set one Octo-Dog in each nest.

3. Spoon cheese sauce around it like melted coral reef.

4. Scatter green peas/spinach for seaweed and dot with ketchup star shapes.