There are certain food items everyone has, or should have, stocked in their kitchen to be prepared for “bottom of the pantry” meals. One of these items is the all American classic -the hot dog.

Hot dogs may be a childhood favorite, but even to children, these kitchen staples can get old after a while.

So change it up.

Obviously you don't want to serve hot dogs for dinner every night, and you especially shouldn't serve hot dogs the same way every time you make them.

Yes, hot dogs and macaroni and cheese are a cheap, easy and tasty combination, but there are other ways to serve hot dogs. If you had a chili dog last week, you may want to try hot dogs in barbecue sauce this week, or maybe hot dogs on bread served with your favorite hot dog condiment (like mayo, ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut or cream cheese).

Of course, one can only come up with so many original ways to serve hot dogs on their own, so I am offering a few hot dog recipes that you may or may not have already tried. The important things are that you should already have all or most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge and that these are very tasty wallet-friendly recipes.

I've included a recipe for cheesy potato dogs, which is a helpful recipe for those times you are forced to be inventive with what's in your cupboards. It's also a wonderful way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Other recipes include: Dogs in a blanket (calling them pigs in a blanket may land you in an argument with a stuffed cabbage fan), Hot Dippity Dogs (these are great for parties) and one for stuffed dogs wrapped in bacon.

By adding these four recipes to your meal plan, you can save money by designating an inexpensive “hot dog night” into your meal schedule that still promises something new.

Caryn Murray is a mother and frugal food shopper.

Hot Dippity Dogs

4 hot dogs

2 ounces Velvetta cheese

Melt cheese and cut (cooked) hot dogs into bite sized pieces.

Serve on toothpicks to dip into melted cheese

Cost: approximately $4.70

Cheesy Potato Dogs

Makes 4 to 8 servings

1 package hot dogs (8)

6 to 8 cups mashed potatoes

4 slices American cheese (cheddar will work also)

Cut hot dogs lengthwise so that you can open them and lay flat on a cookie sheet. Spoon mashed potatoes generously over hot dogs, then break cheese slices in half and place on top.

Grill in oven at 450-500 degrees until cheese is slightly browned and bubbly.

Cost: approximately $4.48 for ingredients

Stuffed Dogs Wrapped in Bacon

Makes 4 to 8 servings

8 hot dogs

8 hot dog buns

8 or 16 slices bacon

4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut

Cook the bacon in a skillet so it is still flexible. Meanwhile, cut a slit into the hot dogs and stuff with cheese.

Wrap the cheese-stuffed hot dogs with one or two slices of bacon apiece, secure with toothpicks and broil until bacon is crispy.

Serve on hot dog buns and enjoy.

Cost: approximately $6.67

Dogs in a Blanket

Makes 4-8 servings

1 package crescent rolls or refrigerated biscuits (10)

1 package hot dogs

Separate crescent rolls or biscuits. (If using biscuits, roll out flat.) Wrap hot dog in biscuit and bake according to directions on biscuit package.

Optional: Place a piece of bacon and/or slice of American cheese before rolling hot dog in biscuit.

Cost: approximately $2.07