20 Outrageously Good Ways to Upgrade Your Hot Dog

Dinner, For Moms, Labor Day, Recipes, Seasonal Foods, Tailgating
on February 5, 2016

The hot dog is a classic American standby, but even old favorites can stand a makeover every now and then. Whether you’re headed to a tailgate or grilling out back, these recipes will take your hot dog to the next level of awesome.

Hawaiian Hot Dog

The Endless Meal

The Endless Meal

For a taste of the islands all year round, top your dog with sweet grilled pineapple, teriyaki mayo and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
J-Dawg’s Hot Dog

J-Dawg's Hot Dog

The Food Charlatan

The two secrets to this decadent dog: diagonally cutting before grilling for extra charred flavor and a secret sauce that hails from JDawg’s, a Western favorite.
Banh Mi Hot Dog

Banh Mi Hot Dog

My Name Is Yeh

Recreate this Vietnamese favorite on the grill. Topped with fresh Asian vegetables and hints of spice courtesy of Sriracha mayo, it’s a perfect combination of two worlds.
Firecracker Dog

Boulder Locavore

Boulder Locavore

The sparks flying from this aptly-named hot dog come from the out-of-this-world beer-battered deep fried jalapeños. It takes a little extra time, but they are SO worth it.
Crunchy Crescent Nacho Dogs

Crunchy Crescent Nacho Dogs

Pillsbury

Ditch the bun and wrap your dog in layers of flaky crescent dough, then cover in a crunchy nacho chip coating. These are a home run with the kiddie crowd.
Crispy “Crack” Dogs

Kitchen Tested

Kitchen Tested

We’re not even sure how this culinary creation came to be, but we love it. Slice hot dogs to form this unique shape and brush with an apricot and honey mustard glaze. You’ll never look at a hot dog the same way again.
Perfect Preztel-Wrapped Dogs

Perfect Pretzel Dogs

Le Creme De La Crumb

Although you might have seen one of these before, making your own pretzel dough really makes these a special-occasion knockout.
Smoky Barbecue Carrot Dogs with Chickpea Salad

Vegan hot dog carrot dogs 6

Vegan Sandra

Don’t let carnivores have all the fun! Grilled carrots shine in this completely vegan version of the classic.
Loaded Cheddar Hot Dogs

How Sweet Eats

How Sweet Eats

White cheddar cheese, garlic mushrooms, caramelized onion and crispy bacon. Need we say more?
Buffalo Chicken Dogs

Half Baked Harvest

Half Baked Harvest

We love this fusion of our two favorite tailgate foods: hot dogs and buffalo chicken.
Reuben Hot Dog

Girl Carnivore

Girl Carnivore

Sandwich or hot dog? You decide. Meanwhile, we’ll be reaching for seconds.
Mac & Cheese Dog

Mac and Cheese Dog

Taste and Tell

Layer that cheesy goodness right on top of your hot dog for an easy-peasy upgrade.
Pulled Pork Hot Dog With Broccoli Slaw

Cooking and Beer

Cooking and Beer

Don’t pick between tailgate favorites—just throw ’em together! Sweet pulled pork and a crunchy broccoli slaw are ideal compliments to the humble hot dog.
Spicy Taco Dogs

Self Proclaimed Foodie

Self Proclaimed Foodie

This mashup between two of America’s favorite foods is everything you want it to be.
Chipotle Cheese Hot Dogs with Bacon Corn Relish

Cooking and Beer

Cooking and Beer

Make sure you save some extra cheese sauce for dunking these bad boys.
Andouille Sausage Dog With Blue Cheese Cole Slaw

Lemons For Lulu

Lemons For Lulu

Smoky andouille sausage combined with a crisp, creamy slaw makes turns an ordinary hot dog into something extraordinary.
Portobello Veggie Dog

Impromptu Kitchen

Impromptu Kitchen

Grilled portobello mushrooms make these meat-free hot dogs just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. They’re topping-friendly, too!
Oven Baked Chili Dog

Back to Her Roots

Back to Her Roots

A good chili dog recipe is hard to come by. Not only are these extremely flavorful, but also perfect for a crowd, since they’re cooked up in big batches in the oven.
Smoked Salmon Hot Dog

Country Cleaver

Country Cleaver

For an entirely new gastronomical experience, try smoked salmon on your dog. Cream cheese, cucumber and cilantro garnishes are a must.
Bratwurst Dog

Bratwurst Dog

Center Cut Cook

If you’re not a fan of the standard hot dog, a hearty bratwurst might be just the thing for you. Grilled onions and red pepper—along with a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese—take this dog right to the top.