1. Pickled vegetables
It's clear why so many people enjoy pickles on hot dogs. The sharpness of the vinegar cuts through the richness of the meat, while the crunchy pickles provide a delightful contrast to the juicy hot dog and soft bun. Other pickled vegetables can also enhance hot dogs for the same reasons. You can elevate your pickle experience by incorporating vibrant toppings like pickled carrots, red onions, cabbage, or chili peppers. These additions not only increase acidity and crunch but also add extra nutrients to your dish.
Pickled vegetables are also an excellent way to introduce some global flair. For instance, you could make a banh mi hot dog topped with pickled carrots, cucumber, spicy mayo, and cilantro. If you prefer Italian flavors, giardiniera is a fantastic option. This zesty condiment usually features a blend of pickled vegetables such as cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, and chili peppers. Additionally, sauerkraut is a classic German topping that pairs beautifully with tangy mustard.
2. Mexican street corn
If you're looking to add a Mexican flair to your hot dogs, think about incorporating elotes into the recipe. This beloved street food features roasted or boiled corn kernels blended with mayo, chili powder, Cotija cheese, and lime. The result is a delightful combination of sweetness, creaminess, juiciness, spiciness, and tanginess. Now, picture that delicious mixture paired with the smoky flavor of a grilled hot dog nestled in a soft bun—it's a match made in culinary heaven.
Making Mexican street corn at home is both quick and simple. Just cook the corn or thaw some frozen kernels, then mix in all the ingredients. It serves wonderfully as a topping for hot dogs or as a tasty side dish on its own. For an even creamier hot dog topping, you can transform your Mexican street corn into a warm elote corn dip. Just mix in some sour cream, transfer it to a baking dish with shredded cheese, and bake until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
3. Seaweed
When Japadog launched in Vancouver, Canada, in 2005, it quickly became a sensation with its Japanese-inspired hot dogs featuring inventive toppings. Since then, the brand has grown to include numerous hot dog stands across British Columbia and California. Among the most beloved items on the menu is the Terimayo, which combines teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, fried onions, and seaweed. This creation has inspired various copycat hot dog recipes, each with slight variations in toppings, but all retaining the essential seaweed element.
Nori, a staple in Japanese cuisine, is often used to wrap sushi rolls or enhance the flavor of soups. It can also be incorporated into rice and noodle dishes or enjoyed as a standalone snack. With its mildly salty taste and hints of the ocean, nori complements the richness of hot dogs and creamy condiments like mayo beautifully. You can shred it, chop it into small pieces, or grind it into a powder for an intense umami topping. Furikake seasoning, which includes nori flakes, sesame seeds, and spices, is another excellent choice to add extra crunch and flavor to your hot dog.
4. Mac and cheese
Merge two beloved comfort foods by topping your hot dog with mac and cheese. While many opt to chop hot dogs into their mac and cheese, why not turn the tables and use the mac and cheese as a rich, creamy topping? Simply prepare your hot dog as you normally would, then grill or toast your bun until it’s slightly crispy—this will help support the generous helping of mac and cheese you’ll be adding on top.
While boxed mac and cheese is convenient, homemade is always a tastier option. Plus, crafting your own mac and cheese allows for endless creativity. Consider adding bacon for a savory kick and extra protein. Incorporating vegetables like tomatoes or broccoli can introduce new textures and flavors. Feel free to experiment with various cheeses, add spicy sauces like gochujang or Buffalo sauce for some heat, or try different pasta shapes for a fun twist on your mac and cheese hot dog topping.
5. Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a quintessential condiment from Argentina, made with a vibrant mix of green herbs combined with oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Its lively green hue and robust flavor make it an ideal topping for hot dogs, adding a refreshing acidity that complements the richness of the meat. In Argentina, there's a popular variation known as choripan, which features a chorizo sausage served in a French bread roll and generously drizzled with chimichurri.
A traditional chimichurri recipe typically includes finely chopped fresh parsley, oregano, and garlic. You can either chop the ingredients by hand or use a food processor for convenience. Simply whisk in some olive oil, red or white wine vinegar, salt, and chili flakes, and you're all set. Feel free to experiment with variations by adding cilantro and mint, either alongside or in place of the parsley and oregano. You can also swap out the garlic for chopped shallots and omit the chili flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
6. Fried egg
Looking to boost the protein in your hot dog? Add a fried egg on top, and you'll gain an additional five to seven grams of protein, depending on the egg's size. Fried eggs complement hot dogs perfectly, as their flat shape fits snugly in the bun and drapes over it for convenient eating. Alternatively, you can opt for scrambled eggs, poached eggs, or slices of hard-boiled eggs to enhance your hot dog.
While hot dogs may not be the first food that comes to mind for breakfast, breakfast hot dogs are surprisingly popular. Some people wrap the sausage in bacon and top it with eggs for a quick morning meal. Others whip up a hash with eggs, potatoes, and vegetables like bell peppers, then load it into the bun. You could even prepare an omelet and layer it over your hot dog. It certainly adds an intriguing twist to the traditional eggs and sausage breakfast or breakfast sandwich.
7. Pimento cheese
Often referred to as the "pâté of the South," pimento cheese is a zesty spread that brings a creamy texture and a cheesy punch to your hot dog. It is usually crafted from sharp cheddar blended with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimento peppers. However, variations abound, with some recipes incorporating flavor boosters like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and chopped jalapeños. Just generously spread this thick, cheesy concoction onto your bun, and you’ll instantly elevate your hot dog experience.
If pimento cheese is unavailable and you prefer not to make it from scratch, cream cheese serves as an excellent alternative. In fact, cream cheese is a key component of the Seattle dog, which features a hot dog nestled in a bialy (a flat bun akin to a bagel) and topped with cream cheese and crispy fried onions. The cream cheese lends a luxurious richness to the hot dog, while the sautéed onions add a hint of sweetness. Some people also like to include sauerkraut, brown mustard, and jalapeños for extra flavor.
8. Potato chips
Potato chips have a multitude of uses that go beyond just being a snack. One interesting way to incorporate them is by using them as a crunchy topping for hot dogs. Simply crush the chips and sprinkle them on top of your hot dog to add an extra layer of crispiness, saltiness, and a hint of richness. While regular chips are great, you can also experiment with different flavors like barbecue or sour cream and onion to enhance the taste. Feel free to explore other chip varieties as well, such as Doritos, Funyuns, or potato straws.
Though it may seem unconventional, using potato chips as a hot dog topping is quite popular in Colombia. Known as perros calientes Colombianos, these Colombian hot dogs are typically topped with crushed potato chips, pineapple sauce, and a pink sauce made from mayonnaise and ketchup. Some variations also include hard-boiled quail eggs, cheese, mustard, and diced onions. The result is a deliciously messy hot dog that combines sweet, smoky, crunchy, and creamy flavors all at once.
9. Kimchi
Kimchi is a quintessential Korean dish made from pickled vegetables such as cabbage, radish, and carrots. The vegetables are initially soaked in a brine solution and then fermented with ingredients like garlic, fish sauce, and chilies. During fermentation, the natural sugars in the vegetables convert into lactic acid, which not only preserves them but also imparts a zesty flavor. This fermentation process is similar to that used for making sauerkraut and pickles. Like those condiments, kimchi serves as an excellent topping for hot dogs.
If you can't find kimchi at your local grocery store or Asian market, making it at home is quite simple. You can follow this Napa cabbage kimchi recipe, which details all the necessary ingredients and steps for salting the cabbage, preparing the spice blend, and fermenting the mixture. Just keep in mind that the fermentation process takes a few days. Once your kimchi is ready, be sure to drain and chop it before adding it to your hot dog. This way, you'll enjoy a burst of spicy, tangy flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite, all without making your bun soggy.
10. Peanut butter
Some individuals believe that peanut butter pairs well with just about anything, including hot dogs. Before you dismiss the idea in disgust, consider this: peanut butter's sweet, nutty, and salty notes complement the smoky flavors of the meat beautifully. The creamy texture of the peanut butter contrasts nicely with the snap of the hot dog, and when you add the softness of the bun, it transforms into an elevated version of a classic peanut butter sandwich.
There are numerous ways to incorporate peanut butter into your hot dogs. You can simply spread it on the hot dog and bun as is, or warm it up to make it easier to spread or drizzle. If you prefer to tone down the sweetness, opt for natural peanut butter or introduce a salty element like bacon, or even something spicy like sriracha. On the other hand, if you're looking to indulge your sweet tooth further, you could add jelly for a delightful PB&J twist.
11. Tropical fruit salsa
Incorporating sweet elements into hot dogs is a long-standing tradition. Take relish, for instance—it's such a beloved condiment that Heinz even offers a product called Hot Dog Relish, designed to enhance the meat with its sweet and spicy notes. However, relish isn't the only way to introduce sweetness to your hot dog. Tropical fruit salsas can bring vibrant colors and bold flavors to the table. The acidity of the fruit can also provide a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the meat.
Salsas come in a variety of styles. For instance, you might opt for a smooth pineapple sauce, commonly used in Colombian hot dogs. A mango habanero hot sauce can infuse your dish with fruity notes and a kick of heat. Alternatively, you could whip up a chunky salsa featuring diced mango or pineapple for added texture. A fruit chutney is another excellent choice, offering a consistency that lies between smooth sauces and chunky salsas.
12. Crispy onions
Onions are a fairly popular topping for hot dogs, typically served sliced and sautéed or diced and added raw. However, crispy onions are less frequently seen, and in our opinion, they surpass all other onion varieties. The batter on the fried onions provides a delightful crunch and a touch of saltiness that enhances the meat's flavors. Additionally, the onions contribute a subtle sweetness that ties everything together.
Preparing crispy fried onions at home is quite easy. Simply slice your onions very thin, coat them in cornflour, and fry them in oil until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, you can sprinkle them with salt for extra flavor. Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or paprika for a kick. Some recipes suggest soaking the onions in buttermilk beforehand to soften them and add a hint of tang. If you want to elevate your hot dog toppings, consider using classic or beer-battered onion rings as well.
13. Buffalo sauce
Buffalo sauce is usually associated with chicken wings, but it also makes a fantastic topping for hot dogs. The origins of Buffalo wings are fascinating, though some details are debated. What we do know is that they were first created in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. The dish was either developed to utilize an unexpected shipment of chicken wings or as a late-night snack for Teressa Bellissimo's son. Regardless of its origin, the sauce is a brilliant blend of rich butter and zesty hot sauce that quickly became popular.
Drizzling Buffalo sauce over your hot dog is an excellent way to add some spice and tangy flavor. You can either pour the sauce directly on top or serve it on the side for dipping. If you want to take it to the next level, think about making a Buffalo wing-inspired hot dog. You can generously coat the hot dog with Buffalo sauce, crumble blue cheese on top, and finish it off with a sprinkle of finely chopped celery.
14. Pork floss
If you want to wow your friends and family with a distinctive hot dog topping at your next barbecue or hot dog gathering, consider trying pork floss. This airy condiment is popular throughout Asia, where it enhances a variety of dishes, from buns and sushi to congee. It consists of pork that has been braised, shredded, and cooked until it reaches a dry, wispy consistency. You can often find it in Asian grocery stores, or you can prepare it at home on your stovetop.
Pork floss makes an excellent hot dog topping because it adds a delightful combination of salty and slightly sweet flavors. With the first bite, you'll experience a satisfying crunch, followed by the strands of pork melting in your mouth, leaving behind a rich pork flavor. To maintain its fluffy texture, it's best to sprinkle the pork floss on the hot dog just before serving. Be cautious with wet condiments like ketchup or mayo, as they can introduce moisture and make the topping a bit slimy.
15. Apples
Apples are often seen as healthy snacks that are best enjoyed on their own or as a sweet addition to desserts like pies and tarts. However, these crunchy fruits can also enhance your hot dogs. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory meat, while their acidity helps balance the richness. Additionally, the crisp texture of raw apples contrasts beautifully with the softness of the hot dog and bun.
The simplest way to incorporate apples into your hot dog is to slice or dice them and add them directly into the bun with the hot dog. You could also create a refreshing apple slaw by mixing sliced apples with ingredients such as cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar. Alternatively, cooking the apples can intensify their sweetness and soften their texture. Don’t hesitate to try different apple varieties, such as the tart Granny Smith or the sweet Hidden Rose.
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