Hot dog toppings typically pare down to about a half-dozen standards, but we grilled experts for hot dog recipes that will surprise and delight guests around the grates this summer. As American as apple pie, hot dogs are on the menu at every Fourth of July cookout, budget-friendly backyard barbecue, and lake house lunch, but serving them with the same old toppings can seem anything but celebratory.
Our experts offer the simple hot dog some inventive upgrades to make it the dark horse darling of the grill this summer. From an irresistible everything-bagel hot dog to a Carolina-style pulled pork-and-slaw rendition, there's a dressed-up dog here we know you'll relish.
These elevated hot dog recipes come from the staff of HelloFresh:
- Claudia Sidoti is the principal chef and head of recipe development.
- Lindsay Eisenman is a recipe developer.
Caribbean Jerk Hot Dogs
Grab a store-bought jerk seasoning, a pineapple, and (of course) rum to add an island influence to a plain dog.
Step 1: Create a Pineapple Salsa
- Grill pineapple and red onion slices until well-charred.
- Roughly chop and combine with finely chopped jalapeno, cilantro, lime zest, and a splash of rum.
- Finish with salt and a pinch of brown sugar.
Step 2: Rub, Grill, and Serve
- Rub hot dogs all over with oil and jerk seasoning.
- Grill until cooked through.
- Place on buttery toasted buns and top with pineapple salsa.
Quick Corn Relish Dogs
Allow plenty of time (at least 30 minutes) for flavors in this homemade relish to mingle.
Step 1: Make Corn Relish
- Combine ½ cup each white wine vinegar, sugar, and water in a medium pot along with a couple sprigs of fresh thyme.
- Bring to a boil and then cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup each corn kernels, diced bell pepper, chopped tomatillos, 2 sliced scallions, and ½ minced jalapeno, and then season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetables and let sit for 30 minutes (or overnight) in an airtight container.
Step 2: Grill and Serve With Relish
Top grilled hot dogs with the corn relish and mustard.
Poutine Dogs
This Canadian import is best served on a soft potato bun.
Step 1: Grill and Top With Poutine
Top grilled hot dogs with crispy French fries (using frozen here is just fine), roughly chopped cheese curds, and your favorite gravy.
Step 2: Pile on Options
If you like, pile on more toppings like crispy bacon, chopped onions, and jalapenos.
The New York City Classic
Onions, mustard, and sauerkraut are must-have toppings for any hot dog calling itself a New Yorker. The rest are merely suggestions.
Step 1: Create Classic Onion Mixture
- Cook a large sliced onion over medium-high heat until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in 1 Tbsp each yellow mustard and ketchup, and then ¼ cup water.
- Season with 1 tsp each sugar and chili powder, and then simmer until soft and tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Season the onion mixture with salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce.
Step 2: Grill and Top With Onion Mixture
Top grilled (or boiled) hot dogs with the onions along with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard.
Bacon-Wrapped Everything Bagel Dog
Everything seasoning seems to be showing up on everything these days!
Step 1: Thaw Cream Cheese
Bring 8 ounces of cream cheese to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare Capers
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot enough that a caper sizzles immediately when added to the pan, add ⅓ cup capers and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 1 to 3 minutes.
- Carefully transfer capers to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Fry Hot Dogs With Bacon
- Wrap each hot dog with 1 to 2 slices of bacon, using toothpicks to secure if necessary.
- Fry in a pan or on a covered grill over medium heat, rotating until bacon is crispy, 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Bun
Spread a layer of cream cheese on the inside of each bun.
Step 5: Add Hot Dog to Bun
Fill with bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and then top with fried capers, everything bagel seasoning, and chopped scallions. Drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick.
Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork and Slaw Dog
Apply the vinegary tang of Carolina-style BBQ and slaw as a hot dog topping!
Step 1: Make the Slaw
To make Carolina-style vinegar-based slaw, start with a large mixing bowl and combine the following:
- ½ head thinly shredded cabbage
- 1 shredded carrot
- 1 thinly sliced green bell pepper
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp ground celery seeds
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare Pulled Pork
Buy or cook your own pulled pork, and toss in your favorite store-bought Carolina-style BBQ sauce.
Step 3: Grill Hot Dogs and Add Toppings
Grill hot dogs and serve in a bun topped with pulled pork and slaw.
Bibimbap Dog
Bibimbap is a Korean dish of rice and vegetables topped with a fried egg but, for this recipe, skip the rice.
Step 1: Cook Hot Dogs
Fry hot dogs on a stove or cook them on a grill.
Step 2: Prepare Eggs
To fry eggs:
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, crack 1 to 2 eggs at a time into the pan and cover, cooking until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season with salt.
Step 3: Set Egg and Hot Dog in Bun and Add Toppings
Place a fried egg in each bun and top with a hot dog and kimchi. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Reuben-Style Hot Dog
This Reuben has everything but the corned beef.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauerkraut
Heat sauerkraut in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
Step 2: Prepare Hot Dogs and Buns
Cook hot dogs on the stove or grill. Open buns and slightly toast the insides on the grill or pan.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Remove buns from heat and fill with hot dogs and Swiss cheese.
Step 4: Melt Cheese in Buns
Return the filled buns to the pan or grill over medium heat, and cover until the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve Hot Dogs With Toppings
Remove from the heat, top with sauerkraut, and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for cooking hot dogs: grilling or boiling?
The best way to cook a hot dog depends entirely on your flavor and texture preferences:
- Grilling adds a smoky char, resulting in a juicy, flavorful hot dog.
- Boiling is generally the more convenient and quicker cooking method and renders a softer-textured hot dog.
What are some other fun, easy hot dog toppings?
To make a hot dog bar that's the talk of the backyard, set out one or more of these topping options:
- Remoulade
- Truffle aioli
- Cowboy candy (candied jalapenos)
- Caramelized onions
- Salsa
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Coleslaw
- Remoulade
