Pickled Hot Dogs

When I made these pickled hot dogs, a little voice in the back of my head kept asking if I was making Vienna sausages. To which I replied, No. They may sort of look like Vienna sausages (if they came in a Mason jar), but oh my, they are something completely different.

Pickled hot dogs are just delicious. A little spicy (I added habaneros from our garden), a little garlicky, and a great hit of pickling spice and vinegar.

Pickled Hot Dogs

As much as it’s quite alright to just eat these yummy dogs right out of the jar, and I certainly have, they are even better grilled. I grilled them just like regular ole dogs, put them on buns, and gobbled them down. You don’t want to add a bunch of toppings, though. You don’t want to bury the great pickled flavor. And while you’re at it, try a quick and easy batch of grilled pickles!

Get a big jug of quality white vinegar, you’re going to want a whole bunch of these hot dogs!

Pickled Hot Dogs
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2.75 from 8 votes

Pickled Hot Dogs

When I made these pickled hot dogs, a little voice in the back of my head kept asking if I was making Vienna sausages. To which I replied, No. They may sort of look like Vienna sausages (if they came in a jar), but oh my, they are something completely different.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs, pickled
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 day 15 minutes
Total Time 1 day 20 minutes
Servings 2 jars
Calories 724kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the jars

  • 12 hot dogs or so
  • 2-4 jalapeno peppers sliced (or habaneros for more kick)
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced

For the pickling brine

Instructions

For the pickling brine

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

For the jars

  • Pack hot dogs into jars. My hot dogs were a little long so I cut the ends off first.
  • Pour in the cooled pickling brine.
  • Add pepper slices and garlic in the empty spaces.
  • Add lids and seal.
  • Place in fridge for at least 24 hours before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 724kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 2472mg | Potassium: 536mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 767IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Stroganoff Hot Dogs

Hot dogs should never get boring. I make them often, specially during the nicer weather months of the year. Fortunately, it takes very little effort to transform a normal dog into something fantastic. These Stroganoff hot dogs combine grilled onions and mushrooms with a creamy sauce and fresh toppings. For easy outdoor cooking, cook the onions and mushrooms on the same grill you cook the dogs on, using a vegetable basket or griddle.

Stroganoff Hot Dogs

A nice Italian sausage or bratwurst can be substituted for hot dogs for an even more amazing dish. But using a regular, good ole dog will still make for an outstanding Stroganoff hot dog!

Also try the Capone hot dog.

Stroganoff Hot Dogs
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5 from 1 vote

Stroganoff Hot Dogs

These Stroganoff hot dogs combine grilled onions and mushrooms with a creamy sauce and fresh toppings. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 322kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 hot dog buns
  • 2 hot dogs
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup mushrooms fresh, sliced
  • ¼ cup sweet onion sliced
  • ¼ cup iceberg lettuce shredded
  • ½ Roma tomato seeded, chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

  • Toast the buns, if desired
  • Cook the hot dogs on the grill or per package instructions.
  • Mix the mushrooms and sweet onion with the oil. Saute in a skillet over medium heat or on the grill until just turning tender.
  • In a medium bowl combine the cooked onion and mushroom, the lettuce, tomato and sour cream. Stir well.
  • Top buns with a slice of cheese each.
  • Add the hot dogs and onion mixture. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 363IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 234mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Capone Hot Dog

I was enjoying another great episode (I think it was a re-run, but it doesn’t matter because I can watch the show all day) of Eat Street on the Cooking Channel when they came across The Dogfather food truck in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Dogfather has a seriously great menu full of hot dog variations. I mean everything you can imagine and a lot of things you didn’t. Like this Capone hot dog.

The Capone Hot Dog

So I took a gander at their full truck menu and saw this awesome hotdog. The Capone Hot Dog is seriously easy it make, but it’s also seriously tasty to boot. Grilled pepper crunch and smoky bacon, topped with melted yummy cheese. It’s a wonderful combination of flavors and textures in every single bite. For something different, something that will wow your guests, make this at your next cookout!

I made the dogs on my little ole Weber Q 1200, my favorite portable grill. It’s perfect for the two of us, and with the griddle insert, perfect for sautéing things like bell peppers for these tasty dogs.

Also try the Chicago dog.

The Capone Hot Dog
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4 from 1 vote

The Capone Hot Dog

The Dogfather food truck has a seriously great menu full of hot dog variations. I mean everything you can imagine and a lot of things you didn’t. Like this Capone hot dog.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 365kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red bell pepper
  • 2 hot dogs butterflied
  • 2 hot dog buns split
  • ¼ cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 2 pieces bacon cooked, crumbled

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill with a griddle (or alternatively, you can make this entire dish in a large skillet on a stove).
  • Add the peppers and cook just slightly. Remove.
  • Add the butterflied dogs cut-side down and cook until nice and lightly charred. Remove.
  • Add the buns, cut-side down, and toast lightly.
  • Assemble by placing dogs on bottom buns. Top with cheese, peppers and bacon. Return to the grill just long enough to melt the cheese (or place under your broiler).
  • Add top bun and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 754mg | Potassium: 192mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 266IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Charlie Mac Hot Dog

This is another (fantastic) copycat of a hot dog that you can grab from the Dougie Dog food truck in Vancouver, Canada. Nope, I’ve never been there. But, I saw the Dougie Dog truck on a recent episode of Eat Street on the Cooking Channel and fell in love with their menu. They have some crazy great dogs. Like this Charlie Mac hot dog. This is one creative delicious idea for a hot dog.

Charlie Mac Dog

Everything about this Charlie Mac hot dog screams yummy. And I didn’t skimp on the buns, either. I picked up some fresh-baked hot dog buns from my local bakery, Taylor’s Bakery. All I have to do is call the day ahead and place my order. The next morning I’m picking up the most soft and fantastic smelling buns ever.

Ooey gooey cheese belongs on a hot dog. Also give my Wiz dog a try. It’s loaded with cheese.

Charlie Mac Dog
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5 from 1 vote

Charlie Mac Dog

Everything about this dog screams yummy. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 519kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook your dogs and warm your buns.
  • Place dogs in buns and top with plenty of the mac-and-cheese.
  • Add cheese sauce if using.
  • Sprinkle with bacon and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 1119mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Derby Dog

I’m borderline addicted to food trucks. Which also means I love watching Eat Street, the show about food trucks that airs on the Cooking Channel. Host James Cunningham travels around North America visiting all of the great trucks. What a dream job that would be. An episode aired the other day on Dougie Doug, a truck in Vancouver. Every hot dog on the menu looked absolutely scrumptious, so I decided to make a few of them here at home. I started with the delicious Derby Dog. Topped with Swiss, grilled mushrooms, onion, jalapeno and BBQ sauce, this is one mighty fine dog.

Derby Dog

A great Derby dog needs a great bun, so I’ve ditched the grocery store offerings and have been ordering fresh buns from our local bakery, Taylor’s Bakery. The buns are so fantastic. Soft, tasty, with a wonderful bread aroma. They barely cost more than the ones in the store that just can’t even compare at all in quality or flavor.

Also try my seriously-yummy French Connection dogs.

Derby Dog
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5 from 1 vote

Derby Dog

Topped with Swiss, grilled mushrooms, onion, jalapeno and BBQ sauce, this is one mighty fine dog.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 340kcal
Author From a menu item at Dougie Dogs

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook dogs as desired. Since you’re going to also grill the mushrooms, might as well grill the dogs too!
  • Warm buns.
  • Grill mushrooms until starting to get tender.
  • Serve dogs on buns. Top with mushrooms and cheese. Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
  • Add onion, jalapeno and BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 366mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Cuban Hot Dogs

Although certainly not an authentic take on the (yummy) Cuban sandwich, these grilled Cuban hot dogs do remind you of the tastes of the handheld classic. Easy to make, they’re perfect for lunch. I just fired up my Weber Q1200 grill and tossed a few dogs on. Minutes later we’re enjoying lunch!

Grilled Cuban Hot Dogs

I used McClure’s Sweet and Spicy wavy cut pickles on these dogs. They are by far our favorite pickles. They are crunchy, tasty, and have a really nice kick to them. They were perfect on these grilled Cuban hot dogs.

Also try my super-yummy Hawaiian hot dogs.

Grilled Cuban Hot Dogs
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Cuban Hot Dog

Although certainly not an authentic take on the (yummy) Cuban sandwich, these grilled Cuban hot dogs do remind you of the tastes of the handheld classic. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 237kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Grill the dogs and toast or warm the buns as desired.
  • Insert one piece of ham into each bun.
  • Add a piece of cheese, followed by the hot dog.
  • Add pickles then mustard to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 657mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs

Wow, what great hot dogs these New Jersey Italian hot dogs are. Fried potatoes and sausages and onions… well, you already know they’ll be good before even trying them. Italian seasoning adds great savory flavor. And last, a fantastic kick from Creole mustard (my favorite).

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs

I used Ball Park’s new Park’s Finest Signature Seasoned beef franks and found them to have a great complimentary flavor. They have a really nice seasoning, very much like a smoked sausage. I think good bratwurst would also be great for these New Jersey Italian hot dogs. But regular good ole beef hot dogs ain’t so bad either!

Also make my oven-baked hot dogs.

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs
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5 from 1 vote

New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs

Wow, what great hot dogs these New Jersey Italian hot dogs are. Fried potatoes and sausages and onions… well, you already know they’ll be good before even trying them.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 414kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2″ squares
  • 1 medium green bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1 medium sweet onion sliced into strips
  • kosher salt
  • ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns you'll need buns that are larger than the usual hot dog bun. Bratwurst buns works great too!
  • Creole mustard or whole grain

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add potatoes. Spread them out evenly and let cook 2-3 minutes. Do not stir, you want them to brown.
  • Flip the potatoes and again cook 2-3 minutes, undisturbed. Remove.
  • Add the pepper and onion strips to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook 2-3 more minutes without stirring.
  • Add the potatoes back to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning. Stir, reduce heat to medium, cover and let cook 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are softened.
  • Meanwhile, grill or cook your hot dogs and toast your buns, if desired.
  • Slather the buns with the mustard. Add the dogs and top with the potato mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 599mg | Potassium: 1044mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Hot Dogs with Hot Creole Blender Sauce

Grilled hot dogs with hot Creole blender sauce is the bomb. It’s mustardy and a bit hot (as you kinda figured). And there’s bacon. The bacon and sauce really compliment each other perfectly. The sauce would also make for a fantastic dipping sauce for corn dogs now that I think about it. Actually the sauce would be great anywhere you normally use mustard. Just use this sauce instead.

Grilled Hot Dogs with Hot Creole Blender Sauce

I used Zatarain’s Creole Mustard to make the sauce for these grilled hot dogs with hot Creole blender sauce. It is my favorite mustard by far. I love it so much I have a subscription for it on Amazon. I can’t even think of what would happen if I ran out of it. So, I have to keep it on hand at all times! You can substitute a good grainy mustard too.

You’ll need peppadew peppers to make the sauce. If you can’t find peppadews, you can substitute roasted red peppers, with a bit of hot sauce added for kick. In a big pinch you can substitute some well-drained pimentos.

Also try my grilled taco dogs.

Grilled Hot Dogs with Hot Creole Blender Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Hot Dogs with Hot Creole Blender Sauce

Grilled hot dogs with hot Creole blender sauce is the bomb. It’s mustardy and a bit hot (as you kinda figured). It’d also make for a fantastic dipping sauce for corn dogs now that I think about it.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 505kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the hot dogs

  • 4 hot dogs
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and broken into large chunks
  • 4 hot dog buns

For the sauce

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.
  • Add the onion and peppers and saute until the onion is soft.
  • Add garlic and cook another minute.
  • Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool.
  • Place onion mixture into a blender. Add mustard and mayonnaise and pulse until combined. If too thick, add a bit of the liquid from the peppadew jar. You want the sauce to be thick, but still easy to spread.
  • Grill the hot dogs and toast the buns as desired.
  • Place dogs on buns and top with blender sauce and bacon chunks.

Nutrition

Calories: 505kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 1190mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 314IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

French Onion Hot Dogs

Yeah, now we’re talking about some great hot dogs! Savory and sweet. All-beef dogs smothered in caramelized onions (well worth the 30 or so minutes they take to make), melted Swiss cheese, and topped with thyme. French onion hot dogs are amazingly tasty, and a taste unlike your standard yellow mustard dog. You’ll be very happy devouring one of these.

French Onion Hot Dogs

I used Vidalia onions for a little sweeter flavor, but any sweet or white onion will do on these French Onion hot dogs. Shallots would be great too, though you’re going to need a good handful or two of them. In a pinch, red onions will work just nicely also.

Also try my Greek hot dogs.

Why stop at hot dogs? You can make French onion hamburgers too!

French Onion Hot Dogs
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5 from 1 vote

French Onion Hot Dogs

French onion hot dogs are amazingly tasty, and a taste unlike your standard yellow mustard dog. You’ll be very happy devouring one of these.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 336kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Halve the onions and slice thin. Add to skillet and stir to coat in oil. Spread the onions out and let cook for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the sugar and a few good pinches of salt.
  • Let the onions cook for about 30 minutes, making sure they don’t get dry (if they do, add a bit more oil). Do not stir them too much, the idea is get them good and browned and soft.
  • When the onions are just about done add a few splashes of Balsamic vinegar, to taste. Stir.
  • Cook dogs as desired and lightly toast the buns if you wish.
  • Place dogs into buns. Divide the onions and cheese between the dogs. If you want the cheese to get good and melted, throw the dogs under the broiler for a minute.
  • Sprinkle tops with thyme and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 564mg | Potassium: 265mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 249mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Banh Mi Hot Dogs

This is my take on Banh Mi hot dogs. It’s simple and straightforward. Nothing fancy. There’s a great contrast between the vinegary carrots, the cold crunchy cucumbers, creamy mayo, and of course the raw heat from the jalapenos. The carrot and cucumber mix is really what makes these dogs so great. It is also great on sandwiches or even hamburgers.

Banh Mi Hot Dogs

For a little extra kick, mix in some Sriracha with the mayo. Mmmmm good! Or if heat isn’t your thing, leave off the jalapenos and still enjoy some great Banh Mi hot dogs. Also check if your local grocery store carries Japanese mayonnaise. It’s a bit thicker and not as sweet as your typical mayo.

Also try my Big Kahuna dogs!

Banh Mi Hot Dogs
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5 from 1 vote

Banh Mi Hot Dogs

This is my take on Banh Mi hot dogs. It’s simple and straightforward. Nothing fancy. There’s a great contrast between the vinegary carrots, the cold crunchy cucumbers, creamy mayo, and of course the raw heat from the jalapenos. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 253kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 carrots shredded
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 hot dogs grilled or cooked however you prefer
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • mayonnaise with some Sriracha mixed in if you prefer
  • 1 small cucumber sliced thin
  • 1 large jalapeno sliced
  • handful cilantro leaves only

Instructions

  • Stir together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Stir in the shredded carrots and the salt. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  • Place hot dogs in buns.
  • Top with mayonnaise, a few slices of cucumber, jalapeno and cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 833mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5162IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.