Hot Dogs My Way, Stuffed with Mustard & Cheese then Wrapped with Bacon

I was so happy when I found hot dogs with NO nitrates or artificial anything including preservatives.  There they were big as life at my local grocery store and we haven't found any taste difference.  Of course we are of the generation who grew up on hot dogs and Campbell's soup and we have carried those likes with us throughout our lives.

We like them every which way but once in a while I spruce them up and this is how :

4 hot dogs
8 slices bacon
2 slices cheddar cheese
mustard

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a half sheet pan with foil.  Place the bacon onto the foil and place it into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.  Check because I use thick cut bacon and the thickness will determine the cooking time.  I want the bacon cooked but not quite crisp yet.  Drain on paper and set aside to cool a bit.

Meanwhile slice each hot dog lengthwise down the center but DO NOT cut all of the way through.  Next slather with a bit of mustard.  Slice the cheese and place a piece or two into the opening.  Make sure you don't cut it too tall, you just want it a little taller than the sides of your hot dog.

Using a tooth pick secure the partially cooked bacon around the cheese stuffed hot dog.  Fasten at each end.  Return the assembled hot dogs to the hot oven for 5-8 minutes until the cheese is melted, the bacon cooked and you have a party for your hot dog bun!  Or,  just gobble them down.  We served these with a side of roast 'n ears and a dish of strawberries.

Yield 2 servings.