The Best Hot Dog Toppings You Haven’t Tried Yet
Updated: Apr. 22, 2022Move over ketchup and mustard: gourmet hot dog toppings are all the rage.
Forget about the red and yellow zig-zags on yesterday’s franks: gourmet hot dogs are in! Weird, wild and wonderful, these simple hot dog toppings kick the cookout staple into high gear. Have some fun with these creative topping ideas.
Tomatillo Relish
I have a very hearty tomatillo plant in my garden. To use up the abundant produce, I decided to make a relish. You can use it as a dip or as a condiment on eggs, hot dogs, meat loaf or burgers. It has an addictive taste. —Deb LaBosco, Foley, Minnesota
Elote Hot Dogs
If you love Mexican street corn, then you HAVE to try this recipe. The flavors of sweet corn, salty cotija cheese and fresh cilantro perfectly weave together into a creative hot dog topping. Finish it off with spicy Sriracha mayo and I’m a happy camper!
Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Now that I think about it, I’m not sure why I haven’t been topping my hot dogs with a ton of cheese. This recipe combines my two favorite dishes: grilled hot dogs and melty grilled cheese sandwiches. Have some fun with the cheese mix, and don’t forget to add some bacon!
Seattle Hot Dogs
Everyone knows about Chicago dogs, but did you know that the Pacific Northwest has its own beloved hot dog? Add some caramelized onions, cream cheese and roasted jalapenos to your bun and you’ll know why it’s so highly regarded! Go one step further like this recipe and add some kettle chips to the mix, too.
Chipotle Chili Dogs
Long live childhood favorites! I created this recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Frito Pie Hot Dogs
If you’ve ever spent any time in the Southwest, you know all about Frito pie. It’s not actually pie at all–it’s a bag of crunchy Fritos topped with your favorite bowl of chili and finished with shredded cheese. Add an extra layer of goodness by using it as a hot dog topping!
Hawaiian Hot Dogs
Add some grilled pineapple and sweet Teriyaki mayo to your hot dog and you’ve got yourself a Hawaiian hot dog! The combination of sweet toppings and savory hot dogs makes this a perfect summer treat.
Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs
We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nacho Hot Dog
I love how this hot dog topping really transforms a regular old frank. We’re not just talking about adding nacho cheese here: this recipe adds crunchy tortilla chips, spicy salsa and creamy guacamole to the hot dog. Yum!
Philly Cheesesteak Hot Dog
You don’t have to go to Philadelphia to get your favorite sandwich–just create those flavors as a hot dog topping instead! This recipe even adds roast beef to the mix to make things taste really authentic.
Bacon-Wrapped Sonoran Hot Dogs
This hot dog gets all the flavors of Old Mexico with these creative toppings. Pinto beans, salsa, Mexican crema and avocado pico de gallo bring a lot to the table–but this hot dog had me at “bacon-wrapped.”
Bandito Chili Dogs
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
South Liberty Hall Relish
My grandparents originated this recipe that's been treasured in our family for four generations. It's named after a dance hall they ran in rural Iowa. Whenever I bite into a hot dog or hamburger dressed up with this taste bud-tingling relish, I think of them and their delicious country cooking. —Melinda Winchell, Las Vegas, Nevada
