Category: Hot Dogs

Big Mac Hot Dogs

I wanted to make these Big Mac hot dogs the minute I saw the idea floating around in the online recipe world. First, I love Big Macs. I make a few crazy variations on them at home. I’ve made Big Mac smash burgers, subs, hoagies and sliders! I don’t need an excuse to make Big Macs. These hot dogs taste a lot like the fast food favorite and man, were they fun to make! I was smiling the entire time because it felt like I was making the real deal! They are cool and yummy at the same time!

Big Mac Hot Dogs

Of course one of the advantages of making Big Mac hot dogs yourself is that you can kinda play around a bit. Me, I like a lot of onions and lettuce. Oh sure, give me a few extra pickles too. And extra of that special sauce. I want mine messy. The messier the better. Like sauce-running-down-the-front-of-my-arms messy. That’s the right kind of messy. My homemade version of the classic burgers are messy too.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Big Mac Hot Dogs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Big Mac Hot Dogs

One of the most fun things I've made!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 540kcal

Ingredients

For the sauce (you might have more than you need)

For the hot dogs

  • 4 hot dog buns top-sliced
  • 1 egg white whisked
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 4 hot dogs all-beef, preferred
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 16 dill pickle chips
  • ½ cup onion minced
  • 1 cup iceberg lettuce shredded

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the hot dogs

  • Note: Preheat your oven to 350 F to bake the buns.
  • Cook the hot dogs as desired. I grilled mine, but you can also steam them, pan fry them, bake them (you do have the oven on!) or even microwave them.
  • Lightly brush the tops of the buns with the egg white. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Bake in a preheated 350 F oven or on a grill for 3-4 minutes.
  • Slather the insides of the buns with the sauce. Don't be shy.
  • Add a piece of cheese to each bun.
  • Add a hot dog to each bun.
  • Slide 4 dill pickle chips alongside each hot dog.
  • Sprinkle tops of dogs with onion and lettuce.
  • Add more sauce if desired.
  • Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 1418mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 339mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Tennessee Smoky Hot Dog

I have a rule about hamburgers and sandwiches: the messier they are, the better they taste. That same rule also applies to hot dogs. These Tennessee smoky hot dogs follow my rule to a ‘T’. You’ve got your messy, delicious chili. Those are gonna run down your arms. You’ve also got your messy, crunchy slaw. Yep, going down your arm too. Messy and good!

Tennessee Smoky Hot Dog

Feel free to substitute some good ole baked beans for the hot dog chili. And a little hickory smoked bacon won’t hurt either. These Tennessee Smoky hot dogs make for the perfect dog.

Also try my slow cooker chili dogs. They put the ‘mess’ in ‘messy’ too. Or something like that.

Also try my cowboy hot dogs.

Tennessee Smoky Hot Dog
Print Pin
2.50 from 2 votes

Tennessee Smoky Hot Dog

I have a rule about hamburgers and sandwiches: the messier they are, the better they taste. That same rule also applies to hot dogs. These Tennessee smoky hot dogs follow my rule to a ‘T’.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 229kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe on Nibble Me This

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Grill dogs and toast buns.
  • Assemble hot dogs by placing dogs on the buns. Top with plenty of the slaw, lots of chili and a nice long squirt of mustard.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Spiral Hot Dogs Version 2.0

If you have a smoker, you need to make smoked spiral hot dogs. They are quite different than regular ole grilled dogs. Not only do they pick up a great smoke flavor, they have a slightly different texture… a little denser. Cutting them into spirals not only makes for a great presentation, it also makes sure your topping stick to the dogs.

Smoked Spiral Hot Dogs Version 2.0

The first time or two that you try and cut a hot dog into a spiral you might not have great success. I can’t say my first few came out super-duper pretty, but after that I got the hang of it and they came out just like I’d hoped. The same technique can of course be used for sausages such as smoked sausage or half links, too.

I like to marinate my hot dogs in a combination of Worcestershire sauceand seasonings before cooking them. It definitely adds a lot of flavor and moisture to the dogs. It’s an added something that people don’t expect when they take that first bite.

Also try my other version of yummy smoked spiral hot dogs.

Smoked Spiral Hot Dogs Version 2.0
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Spiral Hot Dogs Version 2.0

If you have a smoker, you need to make smoked spiral hot dogs. They are quite different than regular ole grilled dogs
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs, smoked
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 229kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 4 Hot dogs
  • 1 wood skewer
  • Hot dog marinade I used my easy hot dog marinade
  • 4 Hot dog buns
  • Your favorite toppings

Instructions

  • Working one at a time, slide the skewer through the center of a dog, lengthwise. If you get it crooked just carefully pull it back and try again. I’ve found that laying the hot dog on a counter and sliding the skewer in while keeping it perfectly horizontal helps. Alternatively you can buy a hot dog spiralizer. See the post text for more information.
  • Take a sharp knife and starting at one end, slice into the dog until you hit the skewer while keeping a 30-45 degree angle. Rotate the dog until you’ve sliced all the way to the other end. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect and don’t worry if you have to sacrifice a dog or two until you get them the way you want them. Remove the skewer and slice the remaining hot dogs.
  • Place dogs into a container. Add the marinade and refrigerate while you fire up your smoker for 250 F using a light wood such as hickory or maple.
  • Transfer the dogs onto the smoker and smoke for 1 hour.
  • Remove dogs and serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cowboy Hot Dogs

Now THESE are hot dogs. You’ve got your smoky crispy bacon. There’s sauteed sweet onions and mushrooms. And cheese. Add grilled all-beef dogs (or your hot dog of choice) and you’ve got Cowboy hot dogs you can not only enjoy, but be proud of. This right here is why I love making hot dogs. They’re a blank canvas for great flavors and textures. There’s nothing plain or boring about these. They are why I never say “Oh, sigh, hot dogs again for dinner…. “. They’re something to get excited about!

Cowboy Hot Dogs

You don’t really need any condiments to top these off. Dijon mustard would be great, if you have to. Or BBQ sauce. But really, they’re great just as they are.

Although you could cook your bacon in a skillet (you are using skillets to cook the onion and mushrooms), I recommend baking it in an oven. I like to line a baking pan with foil and add the bacon. I bake at 350 F for 20-4o minutes, flipping once. The cook time depends on how thick the bacon is and how crispy I want it to get.

My German cowboy hots dogs aren’t anything to sneeze at either! You’ll also love my Tennessee Smoky hot dogs.

Cowboy Hot Dogs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cowboy Hot Dogs

Now THESE are hot dogs. You’ve got your smoky crispy bacon. There’s sauteed sweet onions and mushrooms. And cheese. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 471kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 2 tablespoon butter divided
  • 1 large sweet onion sliced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 4 hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 6 slices bacon cooked, crumbled or chopped

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in two medium skillets over medium-high heat. Add the butter and melt.
  • Add the onion to one skillet. Stir and saute until softened and golden in color.
  • Meanwhile, add the mushrooms to the other skillet. Stir and saute until the mushrooms are softened.
  • Remove onions and mushrooms from heat.
  • Cook your hot dogs as desired. Toast the buns if desired.
  • Place dogs in buns. Top with onion, mushrooms, cheese and crumbled bacon.

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 756mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Carolina Dogs

I love putting coleslaw on my pulled pork sandwiches, so why not take that same idea and completely amp-up a hot dog? A grilled all-beef dog. Tender moist smoked pulled pork. Tangy Carolina coleslaw. These Carolina dogs were a big hit in our house.

The idea for these Carolina dogs came from watching the show Eat Street, where the host does what I want to do every day: eat from food trucks. In this case, it was the Evil Weiner truck in Austin, Texas, that caught my eye. What a fantastic hot dog menu!

Carolina Dogs

Don’t use a creamy slaw on these dogs. You want that vinegar hit from a good ole Carolina slaw. It’s easy to make or just pick up some pre-made slaw at the grocery store. Same goes for the pulled pork. I found some pulled pork in the freezer leftover from a recent smoke session, but if you don’t have any on hand, grab some from your local BBQ joint. They’d love to sell you a pound or two. Heck, grab some slaw while you’re there too!

Also try my cowboy hot dogs.

Carolina Dogs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Carolina Dogs

I love putting coleslaw on my pulled pork sandwiches, so why not take that same idea and completely amp-up a hot dog? A grilled all-beef dog. Tender moist smoked pulled pork. Tangy Carolina coleslaw. These Carolina dogs were a big hit in our house.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 229kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Evil Weiner food truck

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the dogs as desired.
  • Toast the buns, if desired.
  • Warm the pulled pork in a saucepan. Add just enough of the BBQ sauce to get the meat moist, but don’t over-sauce it.
  • Serve hot dogs on buns topped with warmed BBQ pork and plenty of cold slaw.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fire-Eater Dog Sauce

How do you make a great hot dog better? Yes, you wrap it in bacon. Crispy, yummy bacon. But you’re not done yet. Then you add a good helping of a thick, sweet-heat sauce that makes mustard and ketchup boring. These bacon-wrapped hot dogs with Fire-Eater dog sauce are a great way to change up your everyday dogs. You can add more of your favorite toppings if you like, but don’t bury that great bacon flavor.

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fire-Eater Dog Sauce

The Fire-Eater dog sauce is also perfect on hamburgers and fries, so make an extra big batch and keep it on hand in the fridge. To make a great smoky version use a hickory BBQ sauce. For an even spicier version use a hot BBQ sauce and add a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce. Bacon-wrapped hot dogs with Fire-Eater dog sauce are good no matter what.

Remember that if you have to refrigerate any leftover sauce, let it sit out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before using. Or warm it up a bit on the stovetop. You don’t want to ‘shock’ hot, just-cooked wings with a cold sauce.

Also try my Banh Mi hot dogs.

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fire-Eater Dog Sauce
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fire-Eater Dog Sauce

How do you make a great hot dog better? Yes, you wrap it in bacon. Crispy, yummy bacon. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 508kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the hot dogs

  • 6 hot dogs
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 6 hot dog buns

For the Fire-Eater dog sauce

Instructions

For the hot dogs

  • Wrap the hot dogs in the bacon.
  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Place bacon-wrapped dogs on the grill over indirect heat.
  • Cook for 20 minutes, rotating often, until the bacon is cooked and starting to crisp.
  • Remove and let cool slightly to let the bacon finish crisping.
  • Serve on buns and drizzle with Fire-Eater dog sauce.

For the Fire-Eater dog sauce

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan.
  • Bring to a simmer.
  • Remove from heat and let cool until thickened.

Nutrition

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 991mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Nacho Hot Dogs

This is exactly what little hot dogs hope they’ll grow up to be. Smothered in chili. Covered in cheese sauce. Sprinkled with crumbled Nacho tortilla chips and jalapenos. Cheese and heat, a marriage made in heaven! And of course there’s some nice cool sour cream topping it all off. These nacho hot dogs are the stuff dreams are made of!

Nacho Hot Dogs Version 2.0

With every bite you get crunch, heat, cool and cheese! Perfect! And of course you can kick your dogs up even more by using a really spicy chili. I use the zesty cheese sauce from La Preferida for this and other dogs that call for cheese. It’s smooth and creamy and has a little bit of a spiciness to it. Make sure you pile your toppings high. Get every inch of the dog covered with goodness.

These dogs are also great (maybe greater!) with a few added shakes of favorite Mexican-inspired hot sauces, such as Cholula.

Also try my other variation on nacho hot dogs. Same concept, different toppings.

My Home Run hot dog chili is also fantastic on these dogs!

Nacho Hot Dogs Version 2.0
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Nacho Hot Dogs

This is exactly what little hot dogs hope they’ll grow up to be. Smothered in chili. Covered in cheese sauce. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 711kcal
Author Based on a menu item from Duke’s Gourmet Dogs

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook dogs and toast buns as desired.
  • Place dogs on buns.
  • Top with chili and cheese sauce.
  • Sprinkle with crushed chips and jalapenos.
  • Add sour cream, a bit more of the crumbled chips, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 711kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 1828mg | Potassium: 545mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 325IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 234mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

German Cowboy Dog

Bourbon baked beans, kraut and spicy mustard on a dog? Insanely good! Bourbon baked beans take your standard great dog and make it just fantastic. A little sweetness, then the crunch of the kraut, and the spicy kick from the mustard. Everything great in every bite. I could’ve eaten more of these German Cowboys dogs than I’ll ever admit online. Or admit even in person for that matter!

German Cowboy Dog

The German Cowboy dog is another great menu item I ran across from Duke’s Gourmet Hot Dogs. They have the most fantastic hot dog menu I’ve ever come across. Every single one makes you drool!

Try my American cowboy dogs too. Giddy up!

German Cowboy Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

German Cowboy Dog

I could’ve eaten more of these German Cowboys dogs than I’ll ever admit online. Or admit even in person for that matter!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 446kcal
Author Based on a dog on the menu from Duke’s Gourmet Hot Dogs

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook dogs as desired.
  • Toast buns.
  • Add dogs to buns. Top with the warmed beans and kraut.
  • Add mustard and devour.

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 1576mg | Potassium: 793mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Hot Dogs of the Big 10 Conference

A few years ago the Big 10 basketball tournament was held here in Indianapolis. As part of the event, the Levy restaurant group in Chicago produced unique hot dogs that highlight each of the Big 10 teams. I came across a copy of the list of the dogs recently, and just had to make each of them.

Indiana Hoosier Dog
Iowa Hawkeye Dog
Purdue Boilermaker Dog
Illinois Fighting Illini Chedder Dog
Michigan State Spicy Spartan Dog
Minnesota Gopher Dog
Penn State Roaring Lion Dog
Northwestern Wildcat Dog
Ohio State Buckeye’s Dog
Michigan Wolverines Blue Cheese Bacon Dog
Nebraska Cornhusker Dog

Indiana Hoosier Hot Dog

The Big 10 basketball tournament was in Indianapolis just a few years ago. As part of the event, the Levy restaurant group in Chicago produced unique hot dogs that highlight each of the Big 10 teams. I came across a copy of the list of the dogs recently, and just had to make each of them. The Indiana Hoosier hot dog was one of our favorites of all the dogs.

We were both pleasantly surprised at how well slaw and relish go together. And the crunchy fried onions sealed the deal. These are fantastic dogs, ones we’ll make again and again.

Indiana Hoosier Hot Dog

I haven’t had much red pepper relish in my life. Well, ok, I probably never had it. I think it’s fantastic stuff. It’ll become a staple around here for hot dogs like this Indiana Hoosier hot dog and our wraps.

For a full list of all of the Big 10 team hot dogs, click here and enjoy!

Indiana Hoosier Hot Dog
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Indiana Hoosier Hot Dog

We were both pleasantly surprised at how well slaw and relish go together. And the crunchy fried onions sealed the deal. These are fantastic dogs, ones we’ll make again and again.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 298kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Levy Restaurants

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook or grill the dogs as desired.
  • Toast the buns, if desired (I always do).
  • Add dogs to buns.
  • Add slaw, relish and fried onions and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 905mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.