Hot dogs are a lot like hot dogs – they’re comfort foods, easy to prepare, and most of all, versatile. While they are good on their own, they taste even better on a plate. These much-loved chunks of meat are mostly eaten for breakfast, but can also be used as an ingredient to create hearty and satisfying dishes that are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Try these hearty sausage recipes now:

Macaroni and Cheese and Sausages and Peppers

What do you need:

• 1/2 kilo of Italian sausage

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 1/4 cups shell pasta

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Olive oil for frying

• Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet and then cook the sausages until cooked through and golden brown. When ready, add bell pepper, onion, and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Add the pasta, chicken broth, and marinara sauce. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Lastly, add the mozzarella and heavy cream. Stir until well combined with other ingredients. Remove from heat and garnish with parsley before serving.

Italian Cheese Garlic Sausage Sandwiches

What do you need:

• 1/2 kilo of Itailan sausage

• 4 secondary rolls, divided lengthwise

• 2 garlic cloves finely grated

• 1/2 stick of unsalted butter

• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup basil leaves thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Combine garlic, unsalted butter, parsley, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Place the muffins on a rimmed baking sheet and spread the cut sides of each with the garlic butter mixture. Bake in a preheated oven (350F) for 8 minutes or until golden. Set aside. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat and then cook the sausages for 7 to 8 minutes. Add the marinara sauce and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Spoon sausage mixture onto toasted buns. Top with mozzarella and bake again for another 6 to 8 minutes. When ready, sprinkle with basil before serving.

You can do a lot with hot dogs – they can be eaten on their own, used in omelets, pasta recipes, soups, sandwiches, and more. Try these delicious sausage recipes now!