Deli Style Franks with Cheese & Bacon

INGREDIENTS

• 4 slices bacon
• 4 jumbo all beef franks or knockwurst
• 4 slices Sargento® Deli Style Sliced Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 4 poppy seed hot dog buns, split, lightly toasted if desired

• 2 Tbsp. yellow or spicy brown mustard
• Sweet pickle relish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

• 1

  Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes or until just cooked through but not crisp. Drain on paper towels. Or, place on paper towel-lined microwave-safe plate, cover with a second paper towel and cook in microwave oven at high power about 2 minutes or until cooked through but not crisp.

• 2

  Use a sharp knife to split each frank down center, forming a pocket for the cheese. (Take care not to cut all the way through the frank.) Cut each cheese slice into four strips. Fill pockets with cheese strips. Wrap a slice of cooked bacon spiral fashion around cheese-stuffed frank; secure with wooden picks if needed.

• 3

  Place franks on a small baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven or toaster oven 5 to 6 minutes or until franks are heated through and bacon is crisp.

• 4

  Place franks in buns; top with mustard and serve with relish if desired.