20 Fun, New Ways to Eat a Hot Dog (2024)

20 Fun, New Ways to Eat a Hot Dog (1)

During the dog days of summer (get it?), we don't need an excuse to throw some hot dogs on the grill. The easy prep, satisfying snap, and tasty flavor make hot dogs a staple from Father's Day dinner to your 4th of July feast. Sure we love hamburgers, but these hot dog recipes are some of the easiest things you can make on a hot summer afternoon. They're just as delicious at BBQ cookouts as they are for your next camping trip. Of course, we're not alone when it comes to loving hot dogs—Americans are known to consume "7 billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day," according to CNN. So where do you begin? Here, you’ll find tons of hot dog toppings that will inspire you to get creative. Plus, we've even included a few variations like pigs in a blanket and a hot dog casserole to keep things interesting.

Looking for classic hot dog recipes? we've rounded up all sorts of hot dog styles from across the country. There are chili cheese dogs (Ladd Drummond's favorite), hot dogs wrapped in bacon, and even Hawaiian hot dogs with grilled pineapple. Of course, no hot dog round-up would be complete without the Chicago-style hot dog. It's loaded with toppings and piled onto a poppy-seed bun. Prefer a different way to eat a hot dog? Try a homemade version of corn dogs covered in a cornmeal crust or opt for pretzel wrapped dogs for a salty twist. No matter which hot dog recipe you choose, there’s something for every type of summer cookout.

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1

Pretzel Dogs

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Give your ballpark franks an upgrade by swapping the buns for homemade pretzel dough instead! They're perfectly golden, chewy and topped with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

Get the Pretzel Dogs recipe.

SHOP STAND MIXERS

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2

Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket

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Here's a fun way to serve an old-school favorite. The mini franks are wrapped in crescent roll dough and all baked together for a wreath-like look that will having everyone reaching for seconds.

Get Ree's Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket recipe.

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3

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

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Crispy, salty bacon meets ballpark dogs in this fun cookout favorite. You can make them in an oven or on the grill depending on the weather.

Get the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs recipe.

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4

Corn Dogs

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Skip the buns and try corn dogs instead! These cornmeal crusted treats are just like the kind you'd find at a state fair.

Get the Corn Dogs recipe.

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5

BBQ Hot Dogs with Cilantro Slaw

These all-beef hot dogs are brushed with barbecue sauce on the grill. Then, they get a burst of fresh flavor from a topping of creamy, herby cilantro slaw.

Get Ree's BBQ Hot Dogs with Cilantro Slaw recipe.

SHOP GRILL TOOLS

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6

Chipotle Chili Dogs

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Double up on beef with these chili-topped hot dogs. Then add plenty of melty cheese and chopped white onion to garnish.

Get Ree's Chipotle Chili Dogs recipe.

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7

Pigs in a Blanket

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You can pretty much use any pre-cooked sausage for pigs in a blanket—including hot dogs! Instead of cutting the crescent roll dough into smaller triangles, simply use a whole triangle for each hot dog.

Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.

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8

Hot Dogs and Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Relish

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Doctor up store bought sauerkraut and relish with ingredients like pickled jalapeños and crunchy celery, then serve them over an assortment of hot dogs and bratwurst for the ultimate cookout!

Get the Hot Dogs and Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Relish recipe.

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9

Slow Cooker Little Smokies

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Grab your favorite barbecue sauce to get started on this easy appetizer recipe. A smoky, sweet bottle will work really nicely with these mini dogs.

Get the Slow Cooker Little Smokies recipe at Foodie Crush.

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10

Buffalo Chicken Dogs

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This recipe takes ground chicken, bread crumbs, and buffalo sauce formed into the shape of hot dogs for a fun twist on weeknight dinner. Top them off with spicy avocado ranch, lettuce, shredded carrots, and blue cheese!

Get the Buffalo Chicken Dogs recipe at Half Baked Harvest.

SHOP GRILL TOOLS

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11

Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket

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Homemade pretzels nuggets meet pigs in a blanket for this fun take on party food. We love the addition of cheddar cheese in these little bites, too!

Get the Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket recipe at Sugar and Soul.

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12

Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

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A typical Chicago-style dog is not lacking in toppings. It's got yellow mustard, relish, fresh onions, tomato wedges, pickles, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt all served in a poppy seed bun.

Get the Chicago-Style Hot Dogs recipe at Lemons for Lulu.

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13

Hawaiian Hot Dogs with Grilled Pineapple

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These hot dogs are sweet, smoky, and spicy thanks to grilled pineapple and jalapeño peppers on top. Oh, and there's a teriyaki mayo that's also loaded with flavor.

Get the Hawaiian Hot Dogs with Grilled Pineapple recipe at The Endless Meal.

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14

Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs

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This recipe combines two family favorites: Hot dogs and grilled cheese! It's ooey-gooey and so much fun!

Get the Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs recipe at The Baker Mama.

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15

Air Fried Hot Dogs

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If your grill is doing double time this season with your favorite grilled chicken recipes, try making hot dogs in the air fryer instead! You'll get a perfectly crisp and juicy frank in less than 10 minutes.

Get the Air Fried Hot Dogs recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.

SHOP AIR FRYERS

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16

Hot Dogs with Grilled Corn Relish and Chipotle Mayo

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If you really want to dress up your hot dogs, skip the ketchup and try chipotle mayo instead! Then, keep things light and fresh with a grilled corn and pineapple relish.

Get the Hot Dogs with Grilled Corn Relish and Chipotle Mayo recipe at A Classic Twist.

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17

Beer Brats

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Bratwurst is a type of sausage, just like hot dogs, but it's a little more sophisticated. It's sold fresh, then cooked in beer for a hearty flavor.

Get the Beer Brats recipe.

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18

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

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We love when family-friendly dishes become even easier and more convenient like this hot dog recipe turned casserole. It's great for serving chili cheese dogs to a crowd.

Get the Chili Cheese Dog Casserole recipe at Dinner Then Dessert.

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19

Oven-Baked Hot Dogs

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We get it, not everyone owns a grill, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy hot dogs for dinner! This oven-baked method is incredibly quick and easy to make.

Get the Oven-Baked Hot Dogs recipe at My Forking Life.

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20

Mango Kimchi Hot Dogs

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Spicy kimchi (which is a traditional Korean dish made with salted and fermented veggies) gets a burst of sweetness thanks to fresh mango. And it makes the perfect fun topping for hot dogs.

Get the Mango Kimchi Hot Dogs recipe at Grilled Cheese Social.

SHOP CUTTING BOARDS

20 Fun, New Ways to Eat a Hot Dog (2024)

FAQs

What is a New York hot dog? ›

All-beef hot dogs are nestled into a soft hot dog bun, topped with a homemade onion relish, sauerkraut, and brown mustard. The hot dogs are boiled just like they are on the street cart, but you can also grill them or cook them on a skillet.

How to make a tastier hot dog? ›

Additions like feta cheese, cucumber, sautéed peppers, oven-dried tomatoes, and a spicy aioli will impress guests at your summer cookout.

How to make the best tasting hot dogs? ›

Cooking Instructions
  1. Add water to a skillet or frying pan. Cover the surface with half an inch of water.
  2. Turn the heat on medium-high. Heat the pan until the water starts to boil off.
  3. Gently add the hot dogs. You'll only want to cook a few at a time with this method.
  4. Steam them. ...
  5. Serve.

What is on a Sonoran dog? ›

It consists of a hot dog that is wrapped in bacon and grilled, served on a bolillo-style hot dog bun, and topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of additional condiments, often including mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeño salsa.

What pairs well with hot dogs? ›

The Best Simple Sides for Hot Dogs (Besides Potato Chips)
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob with Calamansi Mayo. ...
  • Smoky Coleslaw. ...
  • Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables, Parsley, and Feta. ...
  • Classic Potato Salad. ...
  • Gina Mae's Baked Beans. ...
  • Homemade Veggie Chips. ...
  • Tomato Salad with Red Onion, Dill, and Feta. ...
  • Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries.
Oct 14, 2022

What is a Texas hot dog? ›

In its simple, classic form, the Hot Texas Wiener is an all-beef hot dog "blanched" or par-cooked in 350-degree vegetable oil in a fry basket for a few minutes, cooked by another hot vegetable-oil bath in a tilted steel pan until done, and then placed in a bun, topped (in strict order) with a spicy, ballpark-style ...

What is a Ohio style hot dog? ›

Ohio. In Cincinnati, a hot dog topped with Cincinnati chili is called a "coney," and when grated cheddar cheese is added, a "cheese coney." The default coney also includes mustard and diced onion.

What is an Atlanta style hot dog? ›

Remove from grill, place hot dogs inside buns. Layer with Classic Creamy Cole Slaw, Billy's Kickin' Cowboy Chili, onion, and mustard. Enjoy!

How to butterfly hot dogs? ›

Applying the method to a hot dog means cutting a slit down the length of the link to open and flatten into one piece, creating a wider and more even canvas for blistering and grill marks.

What is a good spice for hot dogs? ›

The most common spices used include red, white and black pepper, garlic, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, paprika and allspice. Sugar and corn syrup - Sweeteners that add flavor and promote browning. Water - Water (or sometimes ice) is mixed in with the meat and spices to help blending.

How to make store-bought hot dog buns better? ›

Steaming store-bought buns can make them more tender and plump up stale buns by adding moisture. "Hot-dog stands steam their buns because it makes them taste good. You can do the same at home in just a few minutes," Alto said.

How to make hot dog good? ›

The Methods
  1. Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Once the butter has foamed and the foam has subsided, add 1 hot dog to the skillet.
  3. Sear, shifting every minute or so, until plumped and beginning to brown on each side, 3 to 4 minutes.
May 18, 2021

How to season a hot dog? ›

Delicious ways to season hot dogs

Garlic powder, paprika, and coriander make appearances in many brands of franks, so they're excellent starting points for a pre-grill seasoning mix. Spicy chili powder, bright celery salt, and warming nutmeg or cinnamon can also perk up the cookout dish.

How do you step up a hot dog game? ›

Consider going for a pretzel roll, brioche bun or Hawaiian sweet roll instead. Toppings like ketchup, mustard and relish are classics, but why not shake it up? Keep reading for some delicious alternative toppings to enjoy on your hot dog. Watch this video for some easy ways to upgrade your hot dog game.

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