Unique & Delicious Hot Dog Recipes
Hot dogs are a quick and easy-to-prepare menu staple, as well as a popular choice for cookouts. They are also available at a Freddy’s near you! While hot dogs can certainly be a comfort food, diners may also be interested in exploring more unique hot dog recipes and variations on occasion. Therefore, fans of this food may be curious about the following:
● Tips for updating their hot dogs
● Creative hot dog recipes to try
● Hot dog recipes that feature hot dogs in formats without any kind of bun
Keep reading to explore a collection of hot dog recipes, including tips and non-traditional approaches to hot dog preparation and use of hot dogs in a variety of dishes.
Easy Tips for Changing Up Your Basic Hot Dog Recipe
You don’t have to entirely revamp your weekly hot dog preparation to bring in different flavor components. Instead, make a notable impact with even small adjustments to your basic hot dog recipe. Consider changing one component, like the bun or the condiments, and see how you like it. To bring a fresh twist to your standard hot dog preparation, here are 9 tips you might choose to try:
1. Vary your bun selection. If you’ve always used buns sliced on the side, then a bun that’s sliced on top might be one option. However, if you are looking for changes with a flavor impact, consider a brioche, pretzel or potato bun, as well as seeded or seasoned selections. As another option, try making your own buns, such as the Brioche Hot Dog Buns in this recipe from Pinch and Swirl.
2. Try a different hot dog. Choose the all-beef hot dog at Freddy’s or a new hot dog brand. You might also exchange your hot dog for a comparable swap that can also be served in a bun, like chorizo, bratwurst or a veggie dog.
3. Alter your cooking method. From the stovetop to the microwave and the grill to the air fryer, Allrecipes explains 8 different methods to use for cooking hot dogs.
4. Explore different pickled elements. Instead of a cucumber-based relish, use one with a different fruit or vegetable base, like corn or tomato. In this recipe from Food., it’s the hot dogs themselves that get pickled!
5. Add cheese. The next time you visit the grocery store, you’ll likely find hot dogs that already have cheese in them. Many hot dog recipes also recommend various cheeses as toppings. If you’ve already got your favorite queso dip open, then try adding it to your hot dog. Another option is to grate and melt a cheese like cheddar directly onto the hot dog or bun.
6. Create a mashup with another favorite dish. At Freddy’s, we understand the flavor potential of creatively combining dishes, as reflected in our Grilled Cheese Steakburger and limited-time offers like the BBQ Brisket Steakburger. One of our hot dogs takes a similar approach by pairing an all-beef hot dog with chili to create our craveable Chili Cheese Dog.
7. Pick a new condiment. If you like relish, then try a fermented condiment like sauerkraut or kimchi. Instead of the usual ketchup, mayo or mustard, explore other prepared condiments, like one of Freddy’s Famous Fry Sauces®. Alternatively, you might make your own, like this Spicy Ketchup from Marcus Samuelsson via Food Network.
8. Change your toppings. For an easy weeknight variation, perhaps you just swap raw onion for pickled onions, as in this recipe from Love and Lemons. If you want to liven up the hot dog options at this year’s family picnic or just this week’s Friday night dinner, consider offering several different toppings, like these recommendations from The Pioneer Woman.
9. Be inspired by regional or international preparations. For international hot dog recipe variations, Tasting Table offers a list of 20 different approaches. Additionally, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council provides a brief guide on hot dogs that you may find in different locations throughout the United States.
Creative Hot Dog Recipes to Try
After exploring the above tips, you may already have some ideas in mind for adjustments and enhancements to your future hot dogs. If you’d like a little more guidance or to check out other unique preparations, we’ve assembled a collection of creative hot dog recipes to try. Please note that the recipes in this list adhere to the typical serving format of a hot dog in some type of bun.
Everything Bagel Crescent Dogs: In this recipe from Pillsbury, find a swap for the standard hot dog bun and a preparation that adds even more flavor and little crunch. Instead of the usual condiments, this hot dog recipe also features a creamy chive and onion filling.
Korean Hot Dogs: The condiments and toppings are what distinguish this hot dog recipe from Good Food. After kimchi is layered on top of the prepared hot dog, a homemade spicy mayonnaise, as well as a few finishing touches, are then added.
Carrot Dogs: One rather unique hot dog variation is the carrot dog. In this recipe from Forks Over Knives, carrots are marinated for several hours and grilled to achieve a smoky and slightly sweet flavor and softer texture. Then, they can be served like any other hot dog and work similarly well with variations on the usual hot dog recipe components.
Homemade Corn Dogs: This recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen includes a video tutorial to help you make your own corn dogs from scratch. They are even freezer-friendly, so you can save some (or double the recipe) and have some on hand for future meals!
Brunch Hot Dogs: EATernally Yours reinforces the versatility of the hot dog by transforming it into the savory dish you may want to serve at your next brunch. Try the recommended toppings or incorporate your own!
Texas Dog: BBQ sauce and coleslaw as a topping appear in this hot dog recipe, as shared by Bobby Flay via Food Network. These hot dogs include homemade BBQ sauce and coleslaw, but these components could be swapped for your own favorite recipes or prepared components as a time-saver.
Pizza Hot Dogs: While this recipe from Ooni has quite a few steps, it may be a fun one to try when you have some extra time or a great source of inspiration for your own creations. The final product may also be quite impressive to someone who loves pizza and hot dogs with equal amounts of enthusiasm.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs: Wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cheese, this hot dog recipe from Quick Weeknight Meals claims to take just about 15 minutes in the air fryer.
Tempura Dogs: For a lighter tempura batter instead of bread in which to enclose your hot dogs, consider this recipe from Kikkoman®. While a prepared tempura batter mix is part of the ingredient list, you could also make your own. The Spruce Eats provides a relatively quick recipe if you are interested in this preparation but don’t have the packaged mix on hand.
Dessert Dogs: Featuring their Long Potato Rolls, Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread takes a sweet approach to their hot dog recipe. With a banana in place of the hot dog and very different toppings and condiments than would usually appear on the table, kids are sure to get a kick out of this treat preparation! It’s also a great way to use up extra hot dog buns.
Hot Dog Recipes Reimagined
Did you make too many hot dogs at the last cookout? Are you looking for a different way to incorporate them into your meal planning? Below, discover how to integrate hot dogs into a variety of dishes, aside from putting them in a bun with your favorite toppings.
Hot Dog Fried Rice: This dish from Katie Lee Biegel as shared at Food Network helps you make the most of the hot dogs you have on hand. Especially if you don’t have enough hot dogs to serve each person, the rice, fried eggs, and vegetables make sure that everyone will have plenty of food to enjoy!
Filipino Spaghetti: This recipe, shared by The Kitchn, features both hot dogs and ground beef, as well as a variety of sauces. It also includes shredded cheese to finish the dish!
Hot Dog Stroganoff: Thin slices of hot dog combine with a creamy sauce in this dish from Simply Recipes. If you’ve also got leftover pasta from the week’s meal prep to use up, then this dish will come together quickly and in just one pot!
Chili Dog Casserole: This four-ingredient recipe from Allrecipes will likely be assembled in less time than it takes to do the necessary oven preheating. However, if you opt to shred your own cheese or make your own chili to incorporate into this recipe, some extra time may be needed. Below the recipe, you’ll also find other adjustments and tips shared by reviewers.
Chicago Dog Salad: Hot dogs are a celebrated specialty in Chicago and one of the more well-known regional preparations. To incorporate more vegetables and inspiration from Chicago-style hot dogs, Rachael Ray via Food Network shares this recipe for a hot dog-based salad.
BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs: If grilling your hot dogs is your go-to choice for the cooking method, then this recipe from Taste of Home might be of interest. Hot dogs, cheese, barbecue sauce, onion and potato wedges are combined in foil packs for cooking and easy clean-up!
Impossibly Easy Hot Dog and Cheese Pie: While this recipe from Betty Crocker specifies dinner as the meal of choice, the quiche-like construction may make it suited for brunch as well.
Hot Dog Bourbon Appetizer: This dish from Allrecipes may evoke childhood memories of an older relative’s contribution to a family gathering. On the other hand, it may be the perfect quick choice for a game day spread or as an appetizer that requires few ingredients. Make sure to adhere to the reviewer reminder about letting the dish cook for a while to ensure that the alcohol cooks out but the flavor remains.
Campfire Hot Dog Skewers: You don’t have to go camping to try this recipe from Delish. Whether you didn’t realize that you were out of buns or just looking for a creative way to prepare tonight’s hot dogs, pineapple, peppers, and a barbecue sauce-based glaze are just a few of the interesting components included in this grill-friendly preparation.
Hot Dog Tots: At Freddy’s, our Tots serve as a savory side dish, which pairs well with our steakburgers, hot dogs and other sandwiches. In this hot dog recipe from Tasty, buns are swapped for a tot-like coating that also includes cheese!
Other Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Dog Recipes
I now have ideas about using extra hot dogs, but what about the buns?
In addition to the hot dog recipe included above for using buns in dessert preparations, Allrecipes offers 10 more ways to use up any hot dog buns that you may have. In many of the provided recipes, it’s likely that no one will even know that you used this bread option instead of a more familiar selection.
What are popular side dishes for hot dogs?
Chips or carrot sticks are quick sides to serve with hot dogs. For something a little more unique to accompany your chosen hot dog recipe, check out these options from Food & Wine, including choices like Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries and a Smoky Coleslaw.
Are hot dog recipes good to make for a crowd?
Many hot dog recipes are designed to feed at least four people. Typically, it’s also possible to increase batch size, but how you plan to serve and enjoy the hot dogs may impact your choice of preparation. If you want to enjoy delicious hot dogs, a variety of toppings and kettle chips, then be sure to explore Freddy’s catering options, such as our Deluxe Hot Dog Bar. That way, we can take care of the cooking, while you enjoy the time with friends and family!
When you are looking to shake up your usual menu or to kick off the grilling season with new flavors, consider trying one of these hot dog recipes! At any time of year, you can also find delectable hot dogs on the Freddy’s menu. Prior to placing your next order for dine-in, carry-out or delivery, remember to join Freddy’s Rewards so that you can earn points toward free items with each order!