For the Best Hot Dog Toppings; you’ve come to the right place. This article offers a delightful array of flavors and textures that elevate the classic frankfurter to a new level of deliciousness. From the quintessential ketchup and mustard duo, which provides a tangy, savory kick, to the zesty relish that adds a refreshing crunch, there’s something for every palate.
For more ideas for toppings, The Best List of Salad Toppings and Must-Try Soup Toppings will inspire you.
National Hot Dog Day
National Hot Dog Day is a mouthwatering celebration that occurs annually in July. It annually falls on the 3rd Wednesday of July. This joyous occasion pays homage to one of America’s most beloved and iconic foods – the hot dog.
On this day, people from all walks of life come together to indulge in the delightful simplicity of this culinary classic. Whether served at ballparks, barbecues, or food trucks, hot dogs have become an integral of American culture.
National Hot Dog Day presents an opportunity for friends and families to gather, share stories, and create cherished memories while relishing in the savory delight of these delectable treats.
To learn more about National Hot Dog Day go here.
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council also has lots of information.
What to Serve with Hot Dogs – Hot Dog Stand Ideas
When serving hot dogs, a delicious array of side dishes can elevate the meal to a whole new level of enjoyment.
Hot dogs and hamburgers are summertime staples. To plan the amount of food needed for this hot dog season, plan 1 1/2 servings of hot dogs, hamburgers, or sandwiches per person. For side dishes, estimate 1 1/2 cups per person.
One classic option to serve with hot dogs is a side of crispy French fries, potato chips, or tortilla chips with cheese dip. For a healthier alternative, a refreshing salad brimming with fresh greens, tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of hot dogs.
Another popular choice to serve with hot dogs is corn on the cob, grilled to perfection and slathered with butter and seasoning, adding a sweet and smoky dimension to the meal. Additionally, a serving of coleslaw, with its creamy texture and zesty flavor, can be a delightful contrast to hot dogs.
For cool sides, watermelon salad with feta, Greek quinoa salad, and the best cucumber salad are also great options.
For those looking to bring a taste of international flair, consider pairing hot dogs with a side of nachos and zesty salsa or a serving of baked beans.
Creating a Cozy Life Group
Since you found this list of the Best Hot Dog Toppings, I’m guessing you love all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 123,000 like-minded souls.
It’s a group where we share recipes, photos of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.
Here at the Best Hot Dog Toppings
Most Popular Condiments for Hot Dogs
Bacon
Applewood bacon, maple bacon, peppercorn bacon, candied bacon, jalapeños bacon, hickory-smoked bacon, and Canadian bacon are just some of the possibilities for delicious hot dog toppings. Bacon crumbles make everything taste better.
Celery Salt
Celery salt is a great seasoning blend to add to hot dogs. It’s a must-have ingredient for Chicago dogs.
Cheese
Cheese sauce, blue cheese crumbles, feta cheese, cream cheese, gouda cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese, cheese curds, and cheddar cheese are all great options to top your hot dog. Melted cheese on an ordinary hot dog is one of my favorite toppings.
Chili
Adding chili to the top of a hot dog creates a mouthwatering combination, elevating the classic comfort food with a delightful mix of spiciness and savory goodness. Beef or bean chili both work well.
Coney Sauce
Coney sauce is a thinner sauce than chili typically of Greek origin.
Hot Sauce
Honey Sriracha sauce, Tabasco sauce, Frank’s Redhot sauce, Cholula, chili garlic sauce, Louisiana hot sauce, harissa, green hot sauce, scotch bonnet hot sauce, ghost pepper sauce, and Carolina hot sauce are different hot dog toppings to pick from.
Jalapeños
Pickled jalapeños, candied jalapeños, fermented jalapeños, diced jalapeños, roasted jalapeños, jalapeño jam, jalapeño hot sauce, raw jalapeños, and jalapeño relish are all great hot dog topping ideas. Spicy chiles are a fun idea to give your hot dog flavor.
Ketchup
You can stick with plain old ketchup or experiment with more fun varieties. Wasabi ketchup, spicy ketchup, honey ketchup, garlic ketchup, barbecue ketchup, and curry ketchup are all great options for hot dogs.
Mayonnaise
Sriracha mayo, chipotle mayo, kimchi mayo, avocado mayo, garlic mayonnaise, spicy mayonnaise, chipotle mayonnaise, curry mayo, miso mayo, and honey mayo all work well as hot dog toppings.
Mustard
Honey mustard, spicy brown mustard, horseradish mustard, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, Asian mustard, whole grain mustard, and English mustard all taste great on hot dogs.
Onions
Pickled red onions, chopped sweet onions, red onion slices, caramelized onion, green onions, onion rings, sautéed onions, and chopped white onions are popular hot dog topping choices.
Peppers
Diced red peppers, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini peppers, roasted poblano peppers, sport peppers, banana peppers, habanero peppers, cherry peppers, poblano peppers, and serrano peppers are all great additions to top hot dogs.
Pickles
You can add sliced pickles or pickle spears to your hot dog. Fried pickles, dill pickles, sweet pickles, bread and butter pickles, bread and butter zucchini pickles, and spicy pickles are all great ideas for hot dog toppings.
Pico de Gallo
Adding pico de Gallo to hot dogs gives them a refreshing and zesty twist, infusing the classic American fare with the flavors of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice.
Relish
Sweet pickle relish, dill relish, corn relish, onion relish, tomato relish, mango relish, and relish are all great options for toppings for hot dogs.
Sauerkraut
Adding a generous heap of sauerkraut to hot dogs adds a delightful symphony of tangy and savory goodness to every bite.
Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes, pickled tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped green tomatoes, and tomatillo sauce are delicious ways to add flavor to hot dogs.
Vegetables (Grilled)
Grilled bell peppers, grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, grilled corn, grilled zucchini, grilled eggplant, grilled asparagus, grilled artichokes, and grilled cabbage add lots of flavor to your hot dog.
Favorite Hot Dog Recipes
Chicago Dog
This iconic hot dog starts with a poppyseed bun (steamed or toasted), all-beef frankfurter, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped white onions, tomato wedges, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It’s important to note that ketchup is frowned upon on a true Chicago hot dog.
Chili Cheese Dog
Homemade chili, diced white onions, and shredded cheddar cheese or cheese sauce make this chili dog a star player for summer gatherings. You can add sliced or pickled jalapeños for some heat.
Classic Hot Dog
Mustard, ketchup, and chopped onions are the traditional ingredients for a classic dog. Sweet relish is also a popular addition.
Unusual Hot Dog Toppers
Artichoke hearts
Pickled or grilled artichokes are not usually thought of first when looking for hot dog toppings, but they are a delicious addition with their briny and zesty flavor.
Avocado
Embracing creamy indulgence on your hot dogs is easy by topping them with slices of avocado. You can also add pico de Gallo, jalapeño slices, Cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges, all go well together.
BBQ Sauce
Drizzling smoky and tangy BBQ sauce over hot dogs imparts a mouthwatering explosion, infusing each bite with sweetness and flavor. When paired with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese creates a delicious combination everyone will love.
Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is a great way to add spice to your hot dog. The addition of blue cheese sprinkles and fried onions will add even more flavor.
Cabbage
Pickled red cabbage, coleslaw, kimchi slaw, and shredded cabbage are great toppings on hot dogs for a fresh crunchy bite.
Capers
Capers add a wonderful Mediterranean twist to your hot dog. Pairing the capers with thinly sliced red onions, chopped Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese creates an ensemble of savory and salty toppings.
Cucumbers
Adding chopped cucumbers to the top of hot dogs adds a refreshing and crisp element you’ll love.
Fried Egg
Nestling a perfectly fried egg atop hot dogs brings an indulgent touch with the velvety yolk. Adding crispy bacon, homemade aioli, and melted cheddar cheese to this combination will make your taste buds sing.
Fried Onions
Adding fried onion to the top of your hot dog will give it a savory and salty flavor in every bite. The best tasting hot dogs have a little crunch.
Greek Tzatziki Sauce
Drizzle Greek tzatziki sauce on your hot dog for a refreshing taste. Tzatziki sauce has cucumber, Greek yogurt, and herbs like fresh dill in the recipe. Paired with sliced tomatoes, diced red onions, and chopped cucumbers, this tasty combination will bring you to Greece with every mouthful.
Guacamole
Who knew that adding guacamole to hot dogs would taste so good? Its creamy, rich flavor compliments hot dogs well.
Hoisin sauce
Drizzling the savory and sweet Hoisin sauce over hot dogs imparts an irresistible Asian-inspired fusion that will tantalize the taste buds. When complemented with pickled daikon and carrot slaw, chopped scallions, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds, the hot dogs transform into a delicious flavor explosion.
Horseradish Sauce
Layering horseradish sauce on top of hot dogs, along with sauerkraut, crispy fried onions, and a sprinkling of fresh dill, makes a fantastic combination.
Kimchi
If you’re looking for a touch of Korean cuisine, kimchi brings a delightful burst of bold flavors and fermented goodness.
Mango Chutney
Mango chutney adds a tropical and sweet sensation to a classic hot dog.
Peanut Butter
Adding peanut butter to hot dogs creates a surprisingly delicious blend of savory and nutty notes, transforming the humble hot dog into a unique and satisfying treat.
Pesto
Drizzling pesto on your hot dog elevates the taste to a gourmet experience.
Pineapple
Fresh pineapple chunks or grilled pineapple added to hot dogs imparts a tropical and sweet twist that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise with every bite.
Pulled Pork
Topping hot dogs with succulent pulled pork brings a mouthwatering collision of flavors together that you’ll love. Adding tangy coleslaw, pickled jalapeños, barbecue sauce, and pulled pork would be the perfect combination.
Ranch Dressing
Adding ranch salad dressing to hot dogs bestows a creamy and herbal twist to your favorite comfort food.
Refried Beans
Scooping a generous dollop of refried beans atop hot dogs with a hearty and savory touch. Pairing the refried beans with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo creates a Tex-Mex-inspired ensemble that adds bursts of flavor and texture to the hot dog.
Roasted garlic
Introducing roasted garlic to hot dogs infuses them with a rich and aromatic dimension, elevating the taste to a gourmet level. Complimenting the roasted garlic with caramelized onions, grilled red peppers, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese creates a harmonious blend of savory flavors.
Salsa
Mild, medium, and hot salsa are all good choices to add to hot dogs. Mango salsa, avocado salsa, salsa verde, and pineapple salsa make the best toppings for hot dogs. Fruit salsa makes the best hot dog topping to compliment the savoriness of a hot dog.
Seaweed Flakes
Topping hot dogs with seaweed flakes infuses it with a delightful umami essence. Add pickled ginger, toasted sesame seeds, and soy sauce creates a delicious Asian-inspired fusion.
Sour Cream
Dressing hot dogs with a dollop of creamy sour cream imparts a cool and tangy contrast that perfectly complements the savory flavors. Pairing the sour cream with diced red onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder creates a southwestern flavor in every bite.
Sun Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes infuse each mouthful with a rich taste. Adding other hot dog toppings like crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze inspires a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of taste.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sweet and sour sauce goes well with a savory hot dog. You can add diced red peppers, pineapple chunks, and sesame seeds for even more flavor.
Sweet Chili Sauce
In addition to sweet and sour sauce, sweet chili sauce also goes well with hot dogs. It gives the hot dog the little sweetness needed.
Teriyaki Sauce
I love adding teriyaki sauce to top hot dogs. It’s a great hot dog condiment. In addition, grilled pineapple, caramelized onions, and sriracha mayo make the hot dog irresistible.
Thai Peanut Sauce
If you want to add a creamy and nutty flavor to hot dogs, Thai peanut sauce adds the right amount of flavor. Pickled carrots, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkling of crushed roasted peanuts go well with Thai peanut sauce.
Unusualy Hot Dog Topping Combinations
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog
This bacon wrapped hot dog is topped with grilled onions and diced jalapeño peppers and brings an ordinary hot dog to the next level.
Late Night Dog
I saw this yummy hot dog combination on the menu for Vinsetta Garage. This gourmet hot dog had bacon jam, Sriracha mayonnaise, sunny-side up fried egg, spicy fried onions, and chives.
B.L.T. Hot Dog
Bacon wrapped dog, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise is a surprisingly wonderful combination.
Breakfast Dog
There’s no rule that says hot dogs can’t be breakfast food. Bacon-wrapped hot dog, fried egg, and American cheese was on the menu at Crif Dogs.
Hawaiian Hot Dog
Pineapple chunks, pickled carrot, teriyaki sauce, and diced green onion will give you a taste of island life.
Sonoran Hot Dog
A Sonoran hot dog is wrapped in bacon, topped with pinto beans, diced onions, diced tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and jalapeño salsa.
What are the most popular hot dog toppings?
The most popular hot dog toppings include ketchup, mustard, onions, relish, and sauerkraut, which are widely enjoyed across the United States.
Are there any regional or cultural variations in hot dog toppings?
Different regions and cultures have their own variations of hot dog toppings. For instance, the Coney Island hot dog is typically made with ground beef, onions, and savory spices. The Coney dog is then finished with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. While the Sonoran hot dog in Arizona features pinto beans, guacamole, and bacon.
What are some healthy alternatives for hot dog toppings?
For healthier hot dog toppings alternatives, consider using low-sodium condiments, fresh vegetable salsas, grilled onions and peppers, or even topping your hot dog with a variety of colorful and nutritious veggies like shredded carrots or diced cucumbers.
We’ve reached the end of the Best Hot Dog Toppings. I hope you enjoyed it!
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite hot dog combinations are.
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