August is almost over, but if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer cookouts and BBQ delights, we’ve got a treat for you. We’ve compiled our favourite creative mouth-watering hot dog toppings ideas from around the web just for you. These are easy, quick, and a treat for your taste buds:
The Tiki Dog
Image courtesy of seriouseats.com
Grill pineapple, let cool, then dice. Wrap your favourite kind of hot dog (chicken dog? cheese-stuffed sausage? up to you) in bacon, and cook to desired doneness. Brush the dog with teriyaki sauce. The sauce can be store-bought, or made at home by combining 1 cup of soy sauce and 1 cup of mirin with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of sake. Toast the bun, place the hot dog in the bun, and then top with the pineapple, diced red onion, and a drizzle of teriyaki.
The Nacho Dog
Image courtesy of seriouseats.com
Grill your favourite hot dog to desired doneness. Place a layer of refried beans in a toasted bun, then insert the hot dog. Top with warm nacho cheese (homemade is best!) with pickled jalapenos. There’s nothing better, and the whole thing is assembled in under ten minutes.
The Taco Dog
Image courtesy of foodnetwork.com
Tired of beef tacos, looking to switch up chicken fajitas? Well the taco dog takes it to the next level. Simply grill a hot dog and warm a tortilla. Then top with any and all of your favourite taco toppings: lettuce, shredded cheese, homemade guacamole, salsa, sour cream, hot sauce…the list goes on.
Image courtesy of foodnetwork.com
California Dog
Who says meat eaters get to have all the fun? Grill a tofu dog and place in a multigrain gluten-free bun. Top with julienned carrots, diced cucumber, avocado, and bean sprouts. Complete the killer combo with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar vinaigrette.
Pulled Pork Dog
Image courtesy of cookingandbeer.com
This recipe is a little more intense, requiring you to make coffee barbeque sauce and broccoli slaw from scratch, but it’s worth it. When it’s done, line a fresh bun with broccoli slaw, top your dog with the pulled pork, crumbled queso fresco cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Jerk Chicken Dog
Image Courtesy of foodnetwork.com
Sprinkle homemade jerk seasoning on chicken hot dogs and grill to desired doneness. Place in a toasted bun with jerk sauce, mango chutney, mayo, lettuce, and jalapenos.
Cuban Dog
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This combines two classic comfort foods: hot dogs and Cuban sandwiches. Grill your favourite hot dog to desired doneness, remove from the heat and slice lengthwise. Cut open a sub roll and place the hot dogs, with sliced ham, pickles, mustard, and swiss cheese. Cook in a panini press until the cheese melts, slice in half, and dig in!
Pizza Dog
Image courtesy of realsimple.com
Is there anyone on the planet who loves hot dogs but doesn’t also love pizza? Combine the best of both worlds by cooking your favourite hot dog, placing it in a bun and topping with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Add your other favourite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, and green peppers for more pizzazz.
Peach Salsa Dog
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Image courtesy of realsimple.com
This recipe has a little bit of everything: sweet, salty, spicy, savoury. Make a peach salsa with chopped peaches, chopped jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and some lemon juice. Then simply place on top of your favourite grilled hot dog with a toasted bun. Yum!
Skunk Dawg
If you’re adventurous, why not combine hot dogs with dessert and skip the extra step? This crazy recipe involves cooking your favourite hot dog and placing it in a toasted bun lined with marshmallow fluff (yes, you read that right). Slather peanut butter on the cooked dog and then drizzle with chocolate sauce. Eat and regret everything in life.
