Big Kahuna Dogs

From the moment i ran across this great idea for the Big Kahuna dogs from the menu at Duke’s Gourmet Hot Dogs (sadly, now closed) I knew one thing: I was going to go big on the pineapple and spicy on the BBQ sauce. Sure, there’s some Canadian bacon down in there too, just enough to give you that great hammy (not smoked) flavor, but for me the winner-winner hot dog dinner is the combination of sweet pineapple and spicy BBQ sauce.

Big Kahuna Dogs

I didn’t throw the pineapple on the grill, which definitely would’ve made them even sweeter. All I had on hand were pineapple chucks, and those would’ve found their way between the grill grates. If you have pineapple slices just toss them on the grill for a few minutes on each side. Then chop them into bite-sized pieces. The pineapple and the sauce is what makes these Big Kahuna Dogs so great!

Also try my blackjack dogs. I love them too!

Big Kahuna Dogs
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Big Kahuna Dogs

From the moment i ran across this great idea for the Big Kahuna dogs I knew one thing: I was going to go big on the pineapple and spicy on the BBQ sauce.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 299kcal
Author Based on a menu item from Duke’s Gourmet Hot Dogs

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill and cook the hot dogs and warm the buns.
  • Toss the pineapple slices onto the grill and grill a few minutes on each side. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • Assemble dogs by first lining the toasted buns with a few slices of Canadian bacon.
  • Add the hot dog. Top with the pineapple and plenty of spicy BBQ sauce.
  • Serve with plenty of paper towels.

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 530mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Salsa Hot Dogs

Mmmmm. Boy oh boy. Salsa hot dogs. Mighty darned tasty. Like a hand-held serving of nachos. As spicy as you want it to be depending on the salsa you use. Of course, like nachos, you can add anything else you want. Like pickled jalapeno slices. Or shredded cheese. No matter what you do, these are great. I love the cool sour cream and tomatoes with the hot beef dogs and the spicy salsa, along with the crunch of the lettuce.

Salsa Hot Dogs

These were the perfect dogs to enjoy outside on the deck on a beautiful spring day.

Also try my sandwich roll hot dogs. They’re different.

Salsa Hot Dogs
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Salsa Hot Dogs

Mmmmm. Boy oh boy. Salsa hot dogs. Mighty darned tasty. Like a hand-held serving of nachos. As spicy as you want it to be depending on the salsa you use. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 253kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 hot dog buns
  • 2 hot dogs
  • ¼ cup iceberg lettuce shredded
  • ½ Roma tomato seeded, chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons black olives sliced
  • 1-2 tablespoons salsa
  • 1-2 tablespoons sour cream

Instructions

  • Toast the buns as desired
  • Cook the dogs.
  • Add dogs to the buns. Top with the lettuce, tomato and olives.
  • Add a dollop or so of salsa, followed by the sour cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 645mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 266IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Blackjack Hot Dogs

I’m always in the mood for a great hot dog. They make for a great quick lunch. And even though I do occasionally make my dogs ‘traditional’, with just mustard, I really like to jazz them up a bit. Like these still-easy-to-make but fantastic blackjack hot dogs. First, you can’t go wrong with sauteed onion on a dog. It’s the perfect pairing. To offset a bit of that onion sweetness throw in some pepperjack cheese and the crunch of fresh tomato. Finally, top it all off with a kicked up mustard.

Blackjack Hot Dogs

I used my favorite mustard, Zatarain’s Creole mustard, which has tremendous flavor. It is a little spicy, but not overwhelmingly so. I keep several squeeze bottles on hand at all times (it lasts darned near forever in the pantry) for my Blackjack Hot Dogs and a whole bunch of other things!

Try my just-as-great blue moon dogs too!

Blackjack Hot Dogs
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Blackjack Hot Dogs

You can’t go wrong with sauteed onion on a dog. It’s the perfect pairing. To offset a bit of that onion sweetness throw in some pepper jack cheese and the crunch of fresh tomato.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 392kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Note: I made these dogs using a griddle on my grill. You can also make them in a skillet (preferably cast iron) on the stove top.
  • Preheat a griddle on the grill or a skillet over high heat.
  • Sprinkle one tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning out on plate. Roll the hot dogs in the seasoning, coating well. Transfer to the griddle or skillet and cook on all sides until nicely darkened. Remove.
  • Toast buns as desired.
  • Toss the onion with the olive oil and remaining Cajun seasoning. Add to griddle or skillet and saute until tender, stirring often. Remove.
  • Top each bun with a slice of cheese. Add a hot dog, half of the onions and half of the tomatoes. Top with mustard and serve.

Notes

The original recipe called for Creole mayonnaise. If you have it, use it. I substituted Creole mustard.

Nutrition

Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 715mg | Potassium: 568mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3885IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 295mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Jersey City Hot Dog

I love a good hot dog. Easy to make, fun to eat. Stuff has to fall off while you’re eating it. That’s the sign of a great hot dog (actually, it’s the sign of good food, period). This Jersey City hot dog combines some of the best things you can have: spicy BBQ sauce, smoked bacon, onion, and of course… cheese. A little crunch and a little kick. Perfect!

Jersey City Hot Dog

I used some of my homemade applewood-smoked maple bacon on my Jersey City hot dog. Wow, what a great combination of flavors. Don’t skimp on the bacon. Life’s too short for tasteless cheap bacon. I didn’t go wimpy on the BBQ sauce. Nope, I used my favorite Bayou BBQ Cajun sauce from Frog Bone. It’s a nice thin sauce with great spice and kick.

Also try my Memphis-style BBQ hot dogs.

Jersey City Hot Dog
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Jersey City Hot Dog

This Jersey City hot dog combines some of the best things you can have: spicy BBQ sauce, smoked bacon, onion, and of course… cheese. A little crunch and a little kick. Perfect!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1312kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 4 hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • your favorite spicy BBQ Sauce
  • extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 small white onion chopped
  • 4 slices bacon cooked, crumbled or chopped

Instructions

  • Cook or grill your dogs as desired.
  • Warm buns.
  • Add dogs to buns and top with BBQ sauce and cheese. Place under broiler just long enough to melt the cheese.
  • Add the onion and bacon and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 1312kcal | Carbohydrates: 126g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 2667mg | Potassium: 755mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 358mg | Iron: 11mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Hot Dogs

Do this next time you cook up some hot dogs. Take a few hot dogs and roll them in Cajun seasoning before cooking them on the grill. Get them covered all around, end to end. That’s it. The result? Totally great tasty twists on a regular ole hot dog, Cajun hot dogs. They have a nice little flavor that makes your hot dogs different. You don’t want boring hot dogs. What’s the point of going through the trouble of cooking if all you’re going to end up with is boring?

Cajun Hot Dogs

These Cajun hot dogs combine great kick with cool pico de gallo. Each bite is fantastic. And the chile mayonnaise? Use it on hamburgers too or to spice up ho-hum sandwiches.

There’s no reason to have boring tasteless dogs. You have to give marinating your hot dogs a try too.

Also try my just-as-great deli dogs.

Cajun Meatloaf
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Cajun Hot Dogs

Do this next time you cook up some hot dogs. Take a few hot dogs and roll them in Cajun seasoning before cooking them on the grill. That’s it. The result? Totally great.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 7
Calories 206kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Sprinkle a bit of Cajun seasoning out on plate. Roll the dogs around in the spices to coat lightly then place on a hot grill and cook until done as desired.
  • Warm the hot dog buns.
  • To make the chile mayonnaise, combine mayonnaise (a tablespoon per hot dog will do) with chile powder as desired. Slather onto hot dog buns.
  • Add cooked hot dogs and top with cheese and pico. Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 612mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Greek Hot Dogs

Yowsa! Talk about a great bite! These Greek hot dogs definitely have it going on. Great beef flavor (don’t use a cheap dog. Ever.). Crunchy red onion, tamed down with some Feta and black olives. All backed up with a great Greek vinaigrette that ties it all together. It’s almost like a Greek salad on a dog.

Greek Hot Dogs

If you think red onion in these Greek Hot Dogs is too strong, soak a few slices in cold water for 5-10 minutes before chopping them for these dogs. They’ll be a little more mellow but still have great flavor and crunch.

Try substituting other types of dogs or sausages, such as kielbasa or polish sausage.

Also try my seriously-yummy grilled Boston dogs.

Greek Hot Dogs
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Greek Hot Dogs

Yowsa! Talk about a great bite! These Greek hot dogs definitely have it going on.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 290kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Toast buns as desired.
  • Grill or cook dogs as desired.
  • Place dogs in buns, then top with onion, olives, and cheese.
  • Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 835mg | Potassium: 148mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

French Connection Hot Dogs

These French Connection hot dogs have quickly become a favorite in our household. We almost always have everything to make them on hand, so they make for a great quick lunch. We love the crunch from the fried onions, the creamy cheese, and the spicy BBQ sauce. These dogs disappear fast.

French Connection Hot Dogs

Although a sweet or smoky BBQ sauce would work just fine on these French connection hot dogs, we prefer a spicier version. I used (and used liberally) some Bayou BBQ sauce from Frog Bone. It’s a nice thin sauce with great flavor and a little kick.

The idea for French Connection dogs came from the menu from The Dogfather Truck, a food truck from Worcester, Massachusetts.

Also try my French onion dogs..They’re magnifique!

French Connection Hot Dogs
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French Connection Hot Dogs

These French Connection hot dogs have quickly become a favorite in our household. We love the crunch from the fried onions, the creamy cheese, and the spicy BBQ sauce. These dogs disappear fast.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 246kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Grill or cook the dogs as you like.
  • Warm buns and top with the cheese slices.
  • Add the dogs, followed by the BBQ sauce and plenty of French fried onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 697mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 159IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 243mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cedar-Planked Hot Dogs

Oh my goodness. I was just about as happy as a kid on Christmas morning as I cooked these cedar-planked hot dogs. I knew I was going to enjoy a truly tasty fantastic dog, topped with onion and crispy bacon that also had just a hint of cedar to them. The dogs cooked up super plump and moist. No overpowering sense of cedar. Just enough, there in the background. Perfect. After the onion and bacon got some cedar ‘happiness’ they went into a cast iron skillet on the grill to get cooked up the rest of the way.

Cedar-Planked Hot Dogs

Just thinking about these great cedar-planked hot dogs has my stomach growling. What great tastes in each and every bite. One of my favorites of all time, that’s for sure.

Cooking on cedar planks (I use my Weber grills!) can really change the ordinary into something special, which is why I do it often. Check out my other cedar plank recipes: creamy mashed potatoes, Cajun mashed potatoes, Twinkies, beef sliders, chorizo portabellos, sausage sandwiches, shrimp and grits and spicy grilled shrimp.

Cedar-Planked Hot Dogs
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Cedar-Planked Hot Dogs

Oh my goodness. I was just about as happy as a kid on Christmas morning as I cooked these cedar-planked hot dogs.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cedar plank, hot dogs
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 348kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 hot dogs
  • ½ medium sweet onion sliced
  • 2 pieces bacon chopped into 1/4″ pieces
  • 2 hot dog buns
  • Your favorite hot dog toppings

Instructions

  • Soak the cedar plank in water for 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Place the plank rough-side down over high direct heat. Let the plank get nice and hot, smoke and even get a bit charred. Move to indirect heat.
  • Add the hot dogs, onions, and bacon to the plank. Close the grill and let the ingredients cook for 15 minutes. Make sure you have the heat high enough to make the plank smoke but don’t let it catch on fire. I keep a spray bottle full of water nearby just in case…
  • Remove the hots dogs to a plate.
  • Transfer the onions and bacon to a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat or use a small cast iron skillet on your grill since it’s already nice and hot.
  • Cook the onions and bacon until the bacon is crisped and the onions are done.
  • Meanwhile toast the buns as desired.
  • Serve dogs on buns topped with the bacon and onions and your favorite condiments.

Nutrition

Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 673mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Blue Moon Hot Dogs

I really like grilled hot dogs topped with a creamy salad. Just about any kind of salad will do, too. This time I went with a simple iceberg mixture, with a good helping of blue cheese crumbles and dressing. And mushrooms. The coolness of the salad on these blue moon hot dogs contrasts well with the just-off-the-grill wieners.

Blue Moon Hot Dogs

Some folk aren’t so keen on blue cheese, and that’s ok. Just substitute Gorgonzola (or diced Monterey jack for an even mellower flavor) for the cheese, and ranch salad dressing for the blue cheese dressing when you make these blue moon hot dogs.

Also try my Brutus hot dogs.

Blue Moon Hot Dogs
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Blue Moon Hot Dogs

The coolness of the salad on these blue moon hot dogs contrasts well with the just-off-the-grill wieners.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 297kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 hot dog buns
  • 2 hot dogs
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 3-4 mushrooms sliced
  • 2 tablespoons blue cheese or more, crumbled
  • ¼ cup iceberg lettuce chopped
  • ½ Roma tomato seeded, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons blue cheese salad dressing

Instructions

  • Toast buns as desired.
  • Grill or cook dogs as desired.
  • Drizzle the mushrooms with the oil. Saute or grill the mushrooms until just tender.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the mushrooms, cheese, lettuce, tomato and salad dressing.
  • Place dogs into the buns and top with the mushroom mixture. Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 762mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 229IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Alpine Hot Dogs

I love mushrooms on a burger, so why not load up a hot dog with tons and tons of sauteed mushrooms and a good helping of Swiss cheese? These Alpine hot dogs combine great mushroom flavor with yummy all-beef hot dogs and great creamy nutty Swiss cheese. Every bite is delicious. These hot dogs are different and that makes them extra special. As much as I love traditional hot dogs, with just mustard, sometimes I want something that’ll really wow me instead! Well, here I am… wowed!

Alpine Hot Dogs


Beefy dogs and beefy mushrooms go together perfectly. I would definitely recommend bigger, juicier, fatter dogs. You could even go with a smoked sausage or Polish sausage. Just don’t use a dog with ‘weird’ extra flavors (like say, jalapeno) that might fight the toppings!

And don’t be tempted to add mustard to these Alpine hot dogs. They stand on their own. No condiments needed. Nothing. Resist the temptation! Trust me, you don’t need them. They’ll hide the wonderful combination of flavors.

Also try my bacon-wrapped hot dogs with Fire-Eater sauce. They’re crazy good too!

Alpine Hot Dogs
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Alpine Hot Dogs

These Alpine hot dogs combine great mushroom flavor with yummy all-beef hot dogs and great creamy nutty Swiss cheese. Every bite is delicious.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 387kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Grill the dogs and toast the buns.
  • Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the mushrooms and cook until they start to soften.
  • Add the Italian seasoning, stir, and continue cooking until the mushrooms are mostly soft. Remove
  • Add one slice of Swiss cheese to each bun.
  • Add a hot dog, top with half of the mushrooms, and another slice of cheese. Place under the broiler to melt the cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 630mg | Potassium: 507mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 292IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 358mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.