Food to Make with Hot Dogs: From Classic to Gourmet

Hot dogs are a staple in many cuisines, and with a little creativity, you can turn them into a variety of dishes that are both classic and gourmet.

The Chicago-style hot dog, for example, is a classic combination that features a hot dog served on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, and pickle spear. This iconic dish has been a favorite in the Windy City since the early 20th century.

One of the simplest ways to elevate a hot dog is to add some gourmet toppings, such as caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg. This adds a depth of flavor and texture that takes the dish from casual to sophisticated.

From classic combinations to gourmet twists, the possibilities for hot dog creations are endless.

I'm a big fan of hot dogs, and I've found that a squeeze of ketchup is all I really need to enjoy one perfectly grilled.

Ketchup is a classic hot dog topping, but I'm slowly inching over to the mustard side.

If you're looking for some delicious new ways to top your hot dog, check out these eight awesome ideas.

A bunch of creative toppings can elevate a hot dog from a simple snack to a gourmet meal.

I decided to branch out by experimenting with different toppings, and I'm glad I did.

If you're looking to take your hot dogs to the next level, you've got to try some creative toppings.

To start, you can't go wrong with a classic Philly Cheesesteak-inspired dog, loaded with sautéed onions and peppers, and a sprinkle of melted provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz.

For a tangy twist, try pairing your hot dog with some sauerkraut and brown mustard, a combo that's typically found alongside bratwurst.

Here are some hot dog topping ideas to get you started:

If you're looking for a hot dog topping that's a nod to the classic Philly cheesesteak, you can't go wrong with sautéed peppers and onions. This combo is a staple of Philly cuisine, and it's surprisingly easy to recreate on a hot dog.

To make it happen, simply sauté up some green peppers and sweet onions until they're tender and caramelized. You can add a little bit of cheese to really make it pop – provolone cheese or Cheez Whiz are both great options.

Here are the ingredients you'll need:

This topping is a game-changer, and it's a great way to add some excitement to your hot dog game. Give it a try and see what you think!

Sauerkraut and brown mustard are a match made in heaven, and for good reason. They're a classic combination that's commonly found on a plate of bratwurst, but they also pair nicely with an all-beef hot dog.

To take your hot dog game to the next level, consider adding sauerkraut, brown or ground mustard, and Swiss cheese. The tangy flavor of the sauerkraut and mustard is balanced by the creaminess of the Swiss cheese.

Here are some key toppings to consider:

Buffalo Sauce is a game-changer for hot dog toppings. It's a must-try for anyone who loves the spicy kick of buffalo wings.

You can make a Buffalo sauce and blue cheese hot dog by drizzling on some Buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese after grilling your hot dog. This is a great alternative to traditional buffalo wings.

The combination of Buffalo sauce and blue cheese is a match made in heaven. Blue cheese adds a tangy, creamy element to the spicy Buffalo sauce.

Here are some key ingredients to make a Buffalo sauce and blue cheese hot dog:

Pimento cheese is a great addition to hot dogs, giving them a one-of-a-kind comfort food twist. You can try pairing it with pickled jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.

Pimento cheese is a type of cheese spread made with cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. It's creamy and rich, making it a perfect topping for hot dogs.

If you're looking for a unique flavor combination, consider adding pimento cheese and pickled jalapeños to your hot dog. This combo is a game-changer for those who want to level up their hot dog game.

Here are some topping ideas that feature pimento cheese as the main attraction:

If you're looking to mix things up with your hot dog game, you've got options. A Cubano-Inspired Dog is a great place to start, featuring layers of deli ham, Swiss cheese, salami, and dill pickle slices.

To make a Cubano-Inspired Dog, you'll need the following ingredients:

This combination of flavors is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

You can enjoy a Chicago-Style hot dog no matter where you live, as the unique flavors can be replicated with a simple recipe.

The Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs recipe is a great place to start, and it's surprisingly easy to make.

If you're looking to level up your hot dog game, the Cubano-Inspired Dog is a must-try. This twist on the classic hot dog features a combination of deli ham, salami, Swiss cheese, and spicy mustard that's sure to satisfy.

To make this mouthwatering hot dog, you'll need to top it with thin-sliced deli ham, Swiss cheese, salami, and sliced dill pickles. Don't forget to add a dash of mustard for extra flavor!

Here's a rundown of the key ingredients you'll need:

Sautéed Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions are a match made in heaven. This combination of toppings is a game-changer for hot dogs.

Sweet onions are a key ingredient in this pairing, bringing a depth of flavor that complements the earthy taste of sautéed mushrooms. Baby bella mushrooms are a great choice for this combination, as they have a rich, buttery flavor.

If you want to take this hot dog to the next level, serve it with melted Swiss cheese and a drizzle of steak sauce. This will add a creamy, savory element that will elevate the overall taste of the hot dog.

Here are the key ingredients you'll need for this hot dog combination:

Elevate your hot dog game with a simple ingredient swap. Try using a croissant as the bun for a rich and buttery twist on the classic ballpark hot dog.

Croissant hot dogs are a game-changer, especially when topped with mustard. It tastes just like a pig-in-a-blanket, but life-size.

The flaky and buttery texture of a croissant pairs perfectly with a charred hot dog. It's a match made in heaven!

To cook hot dogs to perfection, you'll want to preheat your grill. Light one chimney full of charcoal and wait until it's covered with gray ash, then pour out the coals and arrange them on one side of the grill.

To get your grill ready, set the cooking grate in place, cover it, and let it preheat for 5 minutes. Alternatively, if you're using a gas grill, set half the burners to the highest heat setting and cover the grill for 10 minutes.

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Before cooking, make sure to clean and oil the grilling grate to prevent sticking. This is especially important if you're cooking on a charcoal grill.

Here are the basic steps to follow:

Hot dogs can be dressed up in many creative ways. A bacon-wrapped hot dog is a great start, but it's even better with the classic BLT fixings on top.

Adding tangy pickles and mustard can elevate a hot dog to a whole new level, just like it does in a traditional Cubano sandwich. The combination of flavors is truly awesome.

The BLT hot dog is a game-changer. It's essentially a bacon-wrapped hot dog dressed up with the classic BLT fixings.

To make a BLT hot dog, you'll need a few simple ingredients: a hot dog, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent it from unwrapping while the dog cooks.

A hot tip: make sure to remove the toothpicks before serving.

Cubans are a game-changer for hot dogs. The traditional Cubano is a ham & cheese sandwich featuring lots of tangy pickles and mustard, and those flavors are AWESOME on a hot dog too!

You can make a Hot Dog Cuban by adding those same flavors to a hot dog, it's that simple.

Everything Bagel takes hot dogs to the next level.

You can try making your own everything bagel seasoning to add an extra layer of flavor to your hot dog.

Think outside the bun with Everything Bagel Dogs, an upgraded version of pigs in a blanket.

They're made extra flavorful with homemade everything bagel seasoning.

Zucchini bun is a game-changer for low-carb hot dog lovers. It's a great way to get your main and veggies in one.

Grilling zucchini turns it smoky and delicious, making it soft enough to serve as a perfect vessel for your grilled hot dog. The zucchini isn't trying to replace the bun, it's just a tasty alternative.

You can make a zucchini bun by grilling sliced zucchini, and it's a perfect way to add some extra veggies to your hot dog.

Hot dog dishes are a great way to mix things up and get creative with your hot dog game. You can make a taco dog in just 20 minutes with ingredients like beef sirloin, tortilla chips, and shredded lettuce.

For a more traditional take, you can try making a chili dog, smothered in hot chili, cheese, and onion. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can make a jalapeño popper dog by combining a hot dog with the flavors of a jalapeño popper.

If you're looking for something a bit more unique, consider making a hot dog taco, also known as a taco de Soto, which features a fried, crispy taco filled with sliced hot dog and cheese.

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Taco-inspired hot dogs are a game-changer. The Taco Dogs recipe is a great place to start, featuring beef sirloin, tortilla chips, and shredded lettuce in just 20 minutes.

You can also try making Hot Dog Tacos, also known as Tacos De Soto, which is a fried, crispy taco filled with sliced hot dog and cheese. This dish has a cultural significance and nostalgic memories attached for some.

If you're looking for a more traditional taco flavor, you can try making Taco Dogs with pico de gallo, guacamole, and pickled jalapeños. Pro tip: grill some scallions and add them to your hot dog for an extra touch of smokiness.

Here are some taco-inspired hot dog toppings you can try:

If you're looking to spice up your hot dog game, consider giving the Bánh Mì-Style Dog a try.

This unique twist on the classic hot dog uses a sliced baguette instead of the usual bun, which provides a light and crispy base for the savory flavors to come.

To make this dish, you'll want to forgo the usual condiments and toppings, instead opting for a combination of pickled veggies, cilantro, and a drizzle of Sriracha mayo.

A key component of this dish is the use of pickled carrots and daikon radish, which add a tangy crunch to the hot dog.

You can also add some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.

The Hawaiian approach to hot dogs is all about balance and flavor. Hawaiian rolls are the perfect bun for this dish, adding sweetness to the savory hot dog.

Pineapple salsa is a key component, combatting the heat from sriracha with its sweet and tangy flavor. This combination creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

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Chili Casserole is a game-changer for hot dog lovers. You can still enjoy a delicious hot dog experience even if the weather isn't cooperating.

This casserole features puff pastry "buns" that add a fun twist to the classic hot dog.

Chili Cups are a fantastic way to enjoy a hot dog, especially in the summer when you're hosting a get-together. They're perfect for kids and adults alike, and can be made in bite-sized portions.

You can serve Chili Cheese Dog Cups as appetizers or finger food, and they're sure to be a hit. They're also a great way to make kids more excited about dinner.

To make Chili Cheese Dog Cups, you'll need some basic ingredients, including homemade chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced white onion. These ingredients are also used in other hot dog dishes, like the classic Texas Chili Cheese Dog.

The Texas Chili Cheese Dog is a staple in the great state of Texas, and for good reason. It's a simple yet delicious combination of chili, cheese, and onion that's hard to beat. You can even add some crispy cold coleslaw on top for extra texture.

If you're looking for a vegan alternative, you might want to try Vegan Chili Dogs. This meatless version is surprisingly good, and uses complex chili that's perfect for topping veggie dogs or other dishes like chili mac and tamale pie.

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Jalapeño Popper is a flavor combination that's perfect for hot dogs. It's a match made in heaven, especially if you're a fan of spicy food.

You can make Jalapeño Popper Dogs by combining a tasty hot dog with the flavors of a jalapeño popper. The result is a hot dog that's both familiar and excitingly new.

To add an extra layer of flavor, consider grilling some scallions with your hot dog. This will give your hot dog a smoky taste and a boost of green veggies.

Here are some popular Jalapeño Popper-inspired hot dog toppings:

If you're feeling adventurous, try making Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket. These mini pigs in a blanket get amped up with the help of some jalapeños.

Pigs in a Blanket are a classic hot dog dish that can be elevated with a few tweaks. They're essentially mini hot dogs wrapped in dough, but the type of dough can vary.

You can use crescent roll dough, like in the Pigs in a Blanket Ring recipe, for a pull-apart version that's perfect for parties. Crescent dough is a popular choice because of its classic flavor.

Puff pastry or biscuit dough can also work well in place of crescent dough, as mentioned in the Pigs In A Blanket recipe. This adds a new texture and flavor to the dish.

The crescent dough flavor in pigs in a blanket is something that many people gravitate towards, but it's worth experimenting with different types of dough to find your favorite.

Campfire Skewers are a fun twist on traditional hot dogs, perfect for outdoor gatherings. Get the Campfire Hot Dog Skewers recipe to make them.

You can easily make skewers at home by threading hot dogs onto bamboo sticks or metal skewers. This makes them easy to serve and fun to eat.

The Campfire Hot Dog Skewers recipe is a great way to try this fun twist on traditional hot dogs. It's easy to make and always a hit at outdoor gatherings.

Curry Sausage Corn is a game-changer. It's a flavorful take on the classic corn dog, and once you try it, traditional corn dogs will be ruined for you.

The Curry Sausage Corn Dog recipe is a great place to start, and it's thanks to Disney for teaching us what our corn dogs have been missing – curry powder.

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Chili Fries are a popular hot dog dish that's perfect for a quick snack or meal. They're essentially French fries smothered in chili, cheese, and onions.

The chili used in Chili Fries is often similar to the chili served with Chili Dogs. It's a thick, meaty sauce made with ground beef and tomatoes.

Some people like to customize their Chili Fries with extra toppings like sour cream or diced jalapenos.

Baked Beans Bacon is a match made in heaven. The combination of salty, sweet, and smoky flavors is a perfect marriage.

Bacon is a common ingredient used in many classic baked beans recipes. It's a great way to add depth and richness to the dish.

You can put baked beans and bacon on top of your hot dog for a taste of everything all in one glorious bite. This is a great way to elevate a classic hot dog dish.

Get our recipe for Smoky Baked Beans to make the perfect pot of baked beans.

Disco: Gravy Fries is a game-changing hot dog topping that's sure to become a favorite. This indulgent combination of rich brown gravy, gooey melted cheese, and salty, crisp French fries is a match made in heaven.

The key to making Disco: Gravy Fries is to use the right type of cheese. You can't go wrong with American cheese or mozzarella, but if you want to get authentic, try tossing on some cheese curds.

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To take your Disco: Gravy Fries to the next level, make sure to use high-quality ingredients, like freshly cooked French fries and a rich, savory gravy. The result is a hot dog topping that's both comforting and exciting.

Here are the essential ingredients you'll need to make Disco: Gravy Fries: