Hot dogs are a staple at many summer cookouts, but there’s more to them than just the basic bun and mustard. This article is here to elevate your hot dog game with exciting and unique recipes that will impress your family and friends.
Why settle for plain when you can explore a variety of delicious twists and flavors? From classic favorites to creative new combinations, these recipes are designed to add a burst of fun to your meals. Get ready to discover tasty ways to make your next hot dog night unforgettable.
1) Chicago-Style Hot Dog
The Chicago-style hot dog is a classic and beloved recipe. To make one, start with a steamed poppy seed bun. Place the hot dog inside the bun.
Add yellow mustard in a zig-zag pattern on the hot dog. Then, add bright green sweet pickle relish and finely chopped white onions.
Place two tomato wedges between the hot dog and the top of the bun. Slide a dill pickle spear between the hot dog and the bottom of the bun.
Top the hot dog with two sport peppers. Finish with a sprinkle of celery salt. Enjoy your perfect Chicago-style hot dog!
2) Chili Cheese Hot Dog
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked, mix in chili powder, onions, and other spices. Stir in tomato sauce and let it simmer until the mixture thickens.
While your chili is cooking, prepare your hot dogs. You can grill or cook them on the stove. Meanwhile, warm your hot dog buns in the oven for a few minutes.
Place the hot dog in the bun and spoon a generous amount of chili over it. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili. You can put it back in the oven for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese.
Add your favorite toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or a bit of mustard to give it extra flavor. Serve your chili cheese hot dogs warm and enjoy this classic dish.
3) Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog
Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a delicious twist on the regular hot dog. Start by wrapping a piece of bacon around each hot dog. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon at both ends. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy hot dog.
To cook them, you have several options. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top. Arrange the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the rack and bake for 14-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
Alternatively, you can grill them over medium heat. Turn them frequently to ensure the bacon cooks evenly and becomes crispy. It usually takes about 6-8 minutes. You can also broil them for a similar time.
Serve these bacon-wrapped hot dogs in buns. Top them with your favorite condiments like mustard, ketchup, or relish. You can even add sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor. The combination of smoky bacon and hot dog is sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering.
4) Korean Street Hot Dog
Korean Street Hot Dogs are a popular snack you might find at food stalls in South Korea. These hot dogs are usually skewered, making them easy to eat on the go.
To make these, start by patting dry your sausages and cheese. Then, place them in the fridge to keep cold.
Mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Add milk and egg, then whisk until the batter is smooth.
Next, dip the skewered sausages and cheese into the batter. Once they are well-coated, roll them in breadcrumbs or small pieces of cut fries. This gives them a crunchy exterior.
Deep-fry the skewers in oil heated to 160-170 degrees Celsius. Fry them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
Let the hot dogs cool completely. Then, sprinkle some sugar on them if you like a sweet touch. Serve with your favorite condiments like ketchup or mustard.
Korean Street Hot Dogs can be customized. You can choose to fill them with just sausage, just cheese, or a combination of both.
5) Jalapeño Popper Hot Dog
Imagine taking a bite into a hot dog stuffed with creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños. This Jalapeño Popper Hot Dog brings that dream to life.
To start, slice your hot dogs lengthwise but not all the way through. Insert a few pieces of cheese into each halved hot dog.
Wrap each hot dog with two slices of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks. Make sure the bacon covers the cheese to prevent it from oozing out.
Grill the bacon-wrapped hot dogs over medium heat. Turn them occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
For extra flavor, add a spoonful of cream cheese mixed with diced jalapeños on top. You can adjust the heat by removing or keeping the seeds from the jalapeños.
Serve your Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs on toasted buns. Consider adding a drizzle of hot pepper jelly for a touch of sweetness. This combination gives you a perfect spicy, creamy, and savory bite every time.
Enjoy your Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs with friends and family at your next cookout or casual dinner.
6) Hawaiian Hot Dog
A Hawaiian Hot Dog brings a tropical twist to a classic dish. Start by grilling pineapple slices until they have nice grill marks.
Grill your hot dog to your preferred doneness. While the hot dog is grilling, prepare a pineapple salsa. Combine diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and a little lime juice in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
Make a simple teriyaki mayo by mixing mayonnaise, teriyaki sauce, and lime juice in another bowl. A pinch of sea salt can enhance the flavor.
To assemble, place the hot dog in a bun. Top with the grilled pineapple slices and pineapple salsa. Drizzle the teriyaki mayo on top.
If you prefer a different approach, try the Puka Dog variation. Use a fresh baked roll that has been hollowed out. Fill it with your hot dog and top with a garlic-lemon sauce and tropical relishes.
Your Hawaiian Hot Dog is now ready to enjoy. This recipe offers a sweet and savory combination that’s unique and delicious.
7) Buffalo Chicken Hot Dog
This hot dog recipe brings a spicy twist to a classic favorite. Start by boiling your hot dogs in water for about 5 minutes.
For the topping, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well-coated. You can use store-bought or homemade buffalo sauce.
Next, heat the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, set it aside.
Take your hot dog buns and place a cooked hot dog in each one. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture on top of each hot dog.
To add some crunch, you can sprinkle diced celery on top. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing will also add extra flavor.
This Buffalo Chicken Hot Dog is perfect for anyone who loves a little kick in their meal. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
8) Macaroni and Cheese Hot Dog
If you want a comfort food combination, try mixing mac and cheese with hot dogs. Start with regular macaroni and cheese. You can use store-bought or make it from scratch.
Cook the macaroni until it’s tender but still firm. While the pasta is boiling, slice your hot dogs.
Prepare your cheese sauce by simmering butter and stirring in flour to make a paste.
Slowly add milk and mix until smooth. Then stir in plenty of shredded cheese.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the hot dog slices. Pour the cheese sauce over this mixture. Stir until everything is well-coated.
For an extra touch, pour the mac and cheese with hot dogs into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs or more cheese. Bake at 350°F for around 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with the meaty bites of hot dog.
9) Reuben Hot Dog
Create a twist on the classic Reuben sandwich by transforming it into a hot dog. Start by cooking your hot dogs according to the package instructions. You can grill, boil, or sear them in a skillet.
While the hot dogs are cooking, heat up some sauerkraut in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Next, prepare your toppings. Split and toast or grill your hot dog buns until they are golden brown. If you like, you can wrap the hot dogs in slices of pastrami before placing them in the buns for an extra layer of flavor.
Place the cooked hot dogs in the buns. Top with the warm sauerkraut and a slice of Swiss cheese.
Once the cheese is melted, drizzle some Thousand Island or Russian dressing over the top.
This combination of sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and pastrami wrapped hot dog, topped with savory dressing, makes for a delicious and hearty meal.
Serve these Reuben Hot Dogs hot, and enjoy the blend of tangy and savory flavors.
These hot dogs capture the essence of a Reuben sandwich, making them a standout choice for any occasion.
10) BBQ Pulled Pork Hot Dog
Start by grilling your hot dogs until they’re nicely charred. While the hot dogs are grilling, mix together mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to make a simple coleslaw. Toss the coleslaw mix with the mayo mixture until everything is well-coated.
Next, prepare your pulled pork. Use your favorite pulled pork recipe or buy pre-made pulled pork for convenience. Warm the pulled pork if it’s not already hot.
To assemble, place the grilled hot dog into a bun. Top it generously with the pulled pork. Add a spoonful of coleslaw on top of the pork for a refreshing crunch.
For extra flavor, you can also drizzle some barbecue sauce over the pulled pork. Some people like to add a few slices of red onion or pickles for added texture.
Serve immediately and enjoy your BBQ Pulled Pork Hot Dog! It’s a delicious combination of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors all in one bite.
Grilling Techniques
When grilling hot dogs, mastering heat control and selecting the right grill can make a big difference. Learn how to use direct and indirect heat and choose the best type of grill.
Direct vs. Indirect Heat
Direct Heat: Place the hot dogs directly over the flames. This method cooks them quickly and gives them a nice char. It’s best for quick cook times, making it ideal for thin or partially cooked hot dogs.
Pros: Fast cooking, nice grill marks. Cons: Can easily burn if not watched carefully.
Indirect Heat: Position the hot dogs away from the direct flames. This allows for slower, more even cooking. Use this method for thicker hot dogs or when you want them to cook thoroughly without charring.
Pros: Even cooking, reduces burning risk. Cons: Takes longer, less char.
Choosing the Right Grill
Gas Grills: Easy to control and heat up quickly. You can adjust the flame precisely, making it easier to switch between direct and indirect heat.
Charcoal Grills: They impart a smokier flavor to your hot dogs. However, they require more time to heat up and can be harder to control.
Choosing Tips:
- Size: Consider how many hot dogs you plan to cook.
- Portability: For picnics and tailgating, a portable grill is convenient.
- Maintenance: Gas grills are typically easier to clean than charcoal grills.
Each type of grill has its own benefits, so choose based on your needs and preferences.
Condiments and Toppings
When it comes to hot dogs, the toppings and condiments you choose can make all the difference. From timeless classics to inventive combinations, the right additions can elevate your hot dog experience.
Classic Must-Haves
Ketchup and Mustard:
These two are essential. Ketchup adds a sweet, tangy taste, while mustard brings a sharp, sometimes spicy flavor. You can’t go wrong with these.
Relish:
Sweet pickle relish is crunchy and sugary, complementing the savory hot dog.
Onions:
Chopped raw onions give a strong bite, while caramelized onions offer a sweet, mellow taste.
Sauerkraut:
Fermented cabbage is tangy and slightly sour, making it a perfect contrast to the richness of the meat.
Chili:
Chili adds a hearty, spicy element, transforming a simple hot dog into a more filling meal.
Gourmet and Unique Options
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs:
Wrap your hot dog in bacon for an extra layer of flavor. The salty, crispy bacon pairs well with soft buns and juicy sausages.
Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy):
These jalapeños are sweet, spicy, and tangy. They’re perfect for adding a kick that’s not too overwhelming.
Ham and Cheese:
Grilled ham slices and melted Swiss cheese make for a savory, gourmet topping that’s both rich and satisfying.
Pickled Onion and Mango Salsa:
Mix pickled onions with mango salsa for a sweet and savory topping that introduces a tropical twist.
Mac & Cheese and Bacon:
Combine creamy mac-n-cheese with crispy bacon bits for a decadent, comfort food topping that will satisfy any craving.
