A sizzling grill with plenty of hot dogs on it might be one of our favorite scents and sounds of ALL TIME. Why? Because they start so simple (just a dog and its bun), hot dogs actually have so much potential for greatness. From toppings to bun alternatives to fun twists on pigs in a blanket (c'mon, we couldn't forget the best hot dog app of all), these wild-slash-brilliant ways to eat a hot dog will keep your grill feeling fresh all season long. Try all of these cleverly delicious hot dog recipes for the best summer eating ever!
The Buns:
It's a question for the ages—Why are there never enough hot dog buns? You can always make your own homemade hot dog buns, or use a variety of different ingredients to mimic a bun. We're now total converts to weaving hot dogs into pigs in a quilt, pressing them into our hot dog Cubans, or rolling them into our garlic bread hot dogs. No bun doesn't have to mean no hot dogs, not on our watch.
The Toppings:
Ketchup, mustard, and relish are great, but don't stop there. Literally anything can take your hot dogs from good to incredible. Start slow by topping your dogs with classic summer sides, then branch out. For inspiration, check out the pineapple salsa on our Hawaiian hot dogs, the refried pinto beans on our Sonoran hot dogs, the Big Mac sauce on our Big Mac hot dogs, and more for proof that the sky really is the limit.
Corn Dogs & Pigs In A Blanket Whatever We Want:
We can't talk hot dogs without talking about our two other favorite dishes to make with them: corn dogs and pigs in a blanket. The classics are great, but you know we like to take things to the next level, so we've included a number of OTT recipes here for inspiration. Check out our Chicago-style pull-apart pigs in a blanket, our Flamin' Hot corn dogs, our pretzel dog beer cheese dip, or our Korean corn dogs for ideas, then get creative!
Want even more grill inspiration? Check out our favorite burgers and burger toppings, and our best grilled fruits and grilled veggies too.
Hot Dog Cubans
The traditional Cubano is a spin on a ham & cheese sandwich featuring lots of tangy pickles and mustard. Turns out, those flavors are AWESOME on a hot dog too!
Get the Hot Dog Cubans recipe.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
Chicago is as picky about hot dogs as New York is about pan pizza. The specific toppings are as important as the order in which they get layered. It's been "dragged through the garden," as the locals say, and we know you'll love it so very much.
Get the Chicago-Style Hot Dogs recipe.
Big Mac Hot Dogs
We're here to tell you—Mac sauce isn't just for burgers anymore! It's just as good drizzled atop hot dogs (alongside all the other classic Big Mac ingredients, ofc).
Get the Big Mac Hot Dogs recipe.
Korean Corn Dog
With toppings like fries, puffed rice, and crushed ramen, and with a finishing sprinkling of sugar, South Korean corn dogs have become one of the most popular street foods in the world. Whether you're making corn dogs or just regular hot dogs, they're sure to be a topping inspiration.
Get the Korean Corn Dogs recipe.
How To Make A Hot Dog Board
At this point, a beautiful charcuterie board is old news. We've tried our hand at a s'mores board for summer cookouts and a mini pie board for Thanksgiving, and now we've moved on to a new obsession: a hot dog board! Untraditional? Sure, but imagine all of the fun toppings you can include!
Get the How To Make A Hot Dog Board recipe.
Sonoran Hot Dog
Our take on this Mexican-inspired hot dog is based off of versions made in Arizona where it's a standard—warm pinto beans, fresh jalapeño salsa, onion, tomato, mustard, and mayo. The split-top bun is essential to the look, but the hot dogs can be prepared on regular buns; you can simply split the tops yourself and load 'em up!
Get the Sonoran Hot Dog recipe.
Pigs In A Blanket
There's something very classic about the crescent dough flavor in pigs in a blanket, so we tend to gravitate toward it, but puff pastry or even biscuit dough would work in this recipe too.
Get the Pigs In A Blanket recipe.
BLT Dogs
Turns out, everyone's favorite diner sandwich—the BLT—is also perfect as a hot dog. Hot tip: To ensure the bacon stays wrapped while the dogs cook, secure ends with toothpicks. (Just remember to remove them before serving!)
Get the BLT Dogs recipe.
Curry Sausage Corn Dog
Give it up to Disney for teaching us what our corn dogs have been missing—curry powder! Warning: Once you’ve tried this flavorful take, traditional corn dogs will be ruined for you.
Get the Curry Sausage Corn Dog recipe.
Vegan Chili Dogs
We have to be honest, this meatless version might be better than meat-full chili dogs. Sure it's hard to replicate the snap of a true hot dog with plant-based ingredients, but this complex chili is world changing. You're going to want to put it on way more than just veggie dogs. We see chili mac, tamale pie, and plenty of chili fries in your future.
Get the Vegan Chili Dogs recipe.
Hawaiian Hot Dogs
Half the fun of eating a hot dog is loading it up with all kinds of toppings, and this time we took a tropical approach. The pineapple salsa combats the spice from sriracha, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture, especially atop a sweet Hawaiian roll bun.
Get the Hawaiian Hot Dogs recipe.
Garlic Bread Hot Dogs
Feeling fancy? These hot dogs are for you. Rather than top them with garlic, we're enveloping them in a toasty, crunchy baguette that becomes the perfect, garlic-bread-inspired bun. Dip them or drizzle them in marinara for the full Italian restaurant experience.
Get the Garlic Bread Hot Dogs recipe.
Hot Dog Skewers
This simple skewer twist is great for low-carb dieters, or anyone trying to integrate more veggies into their diet. The tangy BBQ glaze is killer too (so try it on your grilled chicken or burgers too).
Get the Hot Dog Skewers recipe.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Your air fryer and hot dogs were simply meant to be. It gives you grill quality without the hassle of cleaning the grates and waiting for the grill to preheat. Hungry for more air fryer summer fare? Try our air fryer hamburgers next.
Get the Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe.
Everything Bagel Dogs
Think outside the bun with these upgraded pigs in a blanket made extra flavorful with our homemade everything bagel seasoning.
Get the Everything Bagel Dogs recipe.
Pigs in a Quilt
Yes, believe your eyes. You know we had to take pigs in a blanket to another level by weaving them with even more flaky, buttery crescent dough.
Get the Pigs in a Quilt recipe.
Perfect Corn Dogs
No one can deny the crispy, slightly sweet, perfectly fried lure of a corn dog. Surprisingly, they are super easy to make at home. The batter fries up quickly and super crispy. These will transport you right back to being a kid at the local state fair 0r carnival.
Get the Perfect Corn Dogs recipe.
Hot Dog Chili
From chili cheese dog enchiladas to chili cheese dog egg rolls, there's no cuisine we won't corrupt with hot dogs and canned chili. Sometimes, though, we like to make things from scratch, and when we want a classic chili dog, this is the chili recipe we turn to.
Get the Hot Dog Chili recipe.
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Canned chili and crescent dough makes this recipe ridiculously easy. For a more traditional Cincinnati-style chili cheese dog, we recommend using bean-less chili. Got time to make a homemade chili? Fancy it up by making our ultimate beef chili.
Get the Chili Cheese Dog Casserole recipe.
Mini Corn Dogs
Could these corn dogs be any cuter? Food on a stick is already a main summertime food group, but these state fair classics have an extra-special secret ingredient in the batter: fizzy Coca Cola.
Get the Mini Corn Dogs recipe.
Watch Next
