Hot dogs are the quintessential summer meal and while ketchup and mustard may be the most popular, you have so many more options! There are numerous ways to add extra flavor and texture through condiments, veggies, sides, cheese, and more. Grill up your dogs, gather your toppings, and put out an epic summer spread with summery sides like coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, chips, and fresh fruit.
Condiments
Yes, ketchup and mustard are staples, but there are so many other condiments to pull out of your refrigerator that will add interesting and different flavor to your hot dog. Try salsa, bbq sauce, hot sauce, sriracha, ranch, mayonnaise, spicy mayo, pickle relish, buffalo sauce, sour cream, or whatever else you can find.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a great way to add major crunch and veggies to your hot dog. Try this napa cabbage coleslaw or a more traditional mayo-based. You can make your own or buy it from the deli for an easy shortcut. Either way, it’s a must for hot dogs.
Cheese
Cheese isn’t a typical hot dog topping, but it’s an easy way to add major flavor. Try blue cheese for a buffalo dog, fresh mozzarella for an Italian dog with sautéed peppers and onions, shredded cheddar cheese with a dog topped with baked beans, or other varieties like pepper jack, American cheese, havarti, or even Swiss.
Meat
I know, extra meat? It does feel slightly extra. But it’s also delicious and fun and the meat eaters will love it. Try bbq shredded pork, crispy crumbled bacon, or crispy crumbled prosciutto.
Veggies
Veggies are a great way to add flavor, nutrition, and texture to your dogs. Try raw diced onions, caramelized onions, thinly sliced green onions, sautéed peppers and onions, sliced jalapenos, radish, celery, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and shredded lettuce.
Sides
Essentially any side that goes well with hot dogs will go well ON a hot dog. Try baked beans, chili, potato salad, tater tots, french fries.
Dips and Spreads
Dips and spreads are another great way to add flavor (and sometimes a little added nutrition) to hot dogs. Try favorites like corn salsa, guacamole, queso, pico de gallo, hummus, French onion dip, or black bean salad.
Crunchy Toppings
Multiple textures are the key to a great meal and I’ve got a few ideas for adding some major crunch to your dog in the form of chips! Try potato chips, fritos, tortilla chips, doritos, crispy fried onions, cheetos for a fun crunch in every bite.
Estela @ Weekly Bite
I want a hot dog now! This looks beyond tasty!
tanyasdaily
that looks so good…
Holly
i want that hot dog. like now.
Angharad
Hmmm it depends! I love just ketchup/mustard but if there are grilled onions in sight then game over. YUM.
catherine (FOOD SNOB)
I’m kind of a purist . . . I like just ketchup on my veggie dogs!
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
The last “dogs” I had were sun-dried tomato sausages (but they were like brats) from Trader Joe’s. They were awesome on whole wheat buns – hows that for a relatively healthy meal on a bun? I like the idea of adding veggies.
Emily
Definitely! You can get a well-rounded meal on a bun 🙂
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
Um, I forgot to say they were chicken sausages. 🙂 Just wanted to get that in there.
lynn @ the actor's diet
i love crazy toppings on dogs. i usually just do the plain old ketchup and mustard though. thanks for the ideas!
Dawn (HealthySDLiving)
I’ve never wanted a hot dog SO bad in my LIFE! 🙂
Mary (A Merry Life)
That looks so good. Soooo good! I never even thought about putting those things on a hot dog. For me hot dogs have always been the most plain of items with just ketchup and mustard. I’m going to have to change that!
Sagan
Homemade ketchup and whole grain mustard all the way 🙂 Neat that you found local grass-fed hot dogs! I like getting local bison burgers.
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
Emily! I’ve missed your awesome blog, and I love the new layout.
I rarely have hot dogs, but when I do indulge in them I go all out. There’s a great place in NYC called “Crif Dog” and the menu is bursting with scads of hot dog and topping options. My mega indulgence was the nacho cheese dog loaded with onions, salsa, and cilantro. A toasted bun is a must though, your creation looks insanely delicious.
Emily
I was literally JUST thinking about you last week, wondering how you are doing! Are you back? I hope so!!