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Hot dogs aren’t just for backyard cookouts—they’re an easy, budget-friendly dinner that you can dress up in so many ways.
Whether you keep it classic or get a little creative, these hot dog recipes are tasty, filling, and perfect for weeknights, game nights, or whenever you need something quick that still hits the spot.
1. Classic Chili Cheese Dogs
Hot dogs topped with warm chili, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped onions. Messy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Olivia’s Tip
Toast the buns before serving—they hold up better under all that gooey topping.
Get the Classic Chili Cheese Dogs recipe.
2. Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
These are loaded with yellow mustard, chopped onions, pickle spears, tomato slices, sport peppers, relish, and a dash of celery salt—all tucked into a poppy seed bun. The toppings make the dog taste crisp, fresh, and savory with a little heat.
Olivia’s Tip
Never add ketchup—it’s the unwritten rule of true Chicago dogs.
Get the Chicago-Style Hot Dogs recipe.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Wrap each hot dog in a strip of bacon and cook until crispy. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like avocado, grilled onions, or jalapeños. It’s smoky, salty, and extra indulgent.
Olivia’s Tip
Secure the bacon with toothpicks before cooking so it stays in place while crisping.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs recipe.
4. Hawaiian Hot Dogs
Top grilled hot dogs with pineapple salsa (pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime) and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce. The sweet-and-savory combo is bold and tropical—great for summer nights.
Olivia’s Tip
Grill the pineapple chunks first to bring out extra flavor and natural sweetness.
Get the Hawaiian Hot Dogs recipe.
5. Slaw Dogs
These Southern-inspired dogs are topped with a pile of tangy coleslaw and yellow mustard. The cool crunch of the slaw is the perfect contrast to a warm, juicy hot dog.
Olivia’s Tip
Use vinegar-based slaw instead of creamy mayo-based slaw so the bun doesn’t get soggy.
6. Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs
Stuff hot dogs with cream cheese and chopped jalapeños, then top with shredded cheddar and broil until bubbly. It’s like a jalapeño popper turned into dinner.
Olivia’s Tip
Slice your hot dog lengthwise without cutting all the way through so the filling stays put.
Get the Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs recipe.
7. Tex-Mex Hot Dogs
Top your dog with black beans, salsa, corn, and a sprinkle of Mexican cheese. Add avocado or sour cream if you want to take it even further.
Olivia’s Tip
Use sturdy buns—these toppings are hefty and need support to avoid a soggy mess.
Get the Tex-Mex Hot Dogs recipe.
8. Banh Mi Hot Dogs
Inspired by the Vietnamese sandwich, these are topped with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber ribbons, cilantro, and a squirt of sriracha mayo. Crisp, spicy, and packed with texture.
Olivia’s Tip
Quick-pickle the veggies with rice vinegar and sugar 30 minutes ahead for maximum flavor.
Get the Banh Mi Hot Dogs recipe.
9. Breakfast Hot Dogs
Serve hot dogs in toasted buns with scrambled eggs, cheddar, and crispy hash browns. Add ketchup or hot sauce and you’ve got a fun twist on breakfast-for-dinner.
Olivia’s Tip
Use split-top buns or brioche rolls to help hold everything in.
Get the Breakfast Hot Dogs recipe.
10. Mac and Cheese Dogs
Creamy mac and cheese piled on top of a grilled hot dog is comfort food at its finest. The richness pairs well with the salty dog, especially with a dash of hot sauce.
Olivia’s Tip
Use stovetop mac and cheese that’s thick and cheesy—not too runny.
Get the Mac and Cheese Dogs recipe.
11. BBQ Baked Bean Hot Dogs
Top hot dogs with baked beans, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and a sprinkle of cheddar or crispy onions. It’s sweet, smoky, and filling.
Olivia’s Tip
Drain the beans slightly before adding them so they don’t make the bun soggy.
Get the BBQ Baked Bean Hot Dogs recipe.
12. Greek-Style Hot Dogs
Dress up your dog with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a dollop of tzatziki. It’s fresh, herby, and a cool alternative to the usual toppings.
Olivia’s Tip
Warm the pita or flatbread and wrap it around the hot dog for a Mediterranean twist.
Get the Greek-Style Hot Dogs recipe.
13. Pizza Hot Dogs
Hot dogs topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices—then broiled until bubbly. It’s pizza night meets hot dog night.
Olivia’s Tip
Use thick buns or hoagie rolls to hold the sauce and melted cheese.
Get the Pizza Hot Dogs recipe.
14. Reuben Hot Dogs
Layer hot dogs with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a drizzle of Russian dressing. It’s a hot dog version of the deli classic—savory, creamy, and tangy.
Olivia’s Tip
Toast the buns before assembling to hold up to the toppings and add crunch.
Get the Reuben Hot Dogs recipe.
15. Texan BBQ Dogs
Pile on pulled pork or brisket, BBQ sauce, and crispy onions. It’s smoky, sweet, and super hearty. Great for leftovers, too.
Olivia’s Tip
Lightly toast the bun and use a slotted spoon to avoid dripping BBQ sauce everywhere.
Get the Texan BBQ Dogs recipe.
16. Chili Verde Dogs
Use green chili pork or green enchilada sauce over hot dogs for a Southwestern spin. Add chopped onions, cheese, and a little sour cream to finish.
Olivia’s Tip
Warm the green chili sauce separately so it pours on hot and evenly.
Get the Chili Verde Dogs recipe.
17. Everything Bagel Dogs
Brush your hot dog buns with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. Add cream cheese and scallions for a bagel-inspired twist.
Olivia’s Tip
Bake the seasoned buns for a few minutes before filling—this brings out the toasty flavor and gives them structure.
