Jazz Up Your Hot Dogs with These Tasty Topping Combos

Burgers usually get all the blaze and fame during grilling season, but let us not forget about the tasty dogs that are oh so popular as well. Beyond mustard and relish, we’ve found some of the best topping combos around.

You either love hot dogs or tend to only eat one or two a year at the occasional cookout or baseball game. But if you are hoping to get a little more out of these cost-friendly dinner franks, then you’ll have to give these condiment combos a try.

Grilled Pineapple

While the thought of grilled pineapple seems unnatural to some, once you sink your teeth into these unique dogs, you will have found a new love.

You can either make a simple pineapple relish or learn to grill pineapple rings, chop them up and top them before enjoying every bite. If you’d like a little inspiration, here is the perfect recipe to get you going.

Bacon-Wrapped Dogs

Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are always a hit, especially amongst the meat-lovers. Simply fry the bacon until partially cooked (but not crisp) in a hot skillet, and let the slices cool to the side.

Once the bacon is cool enough to touch, gently wrap them around the hotdog and secure each end with a toothpick. Grill your hotdogs, and be sure to remove the toothpicks before placing them in the buns. These are beyond briny, so be sure to top them with cooling condiments.

Sautéed Mushrooms and Peppers

Sautéed mushrooms and peppers are known for topping off famous Philly cheesesteak grinders, but this combo truly belongs in other dishes. They accompany burgers and quesadillas like no other and taste fantastic in tacos, burritos, and rice bowls.

Don’t stop there—nothing beats a flame-kissed frank smothered with hot and freshly sautéed veggies.

Crunchy Coleslaw and Barbecue Sauce

Coleslaw is famous at summer cookouts, but if you haven’t tried it on top of hot dogs, now is your chance.

Baste your hot dogs with barbecue sauce when they are half-cooked, then spoon on as much coleslaw as you’d like. The sweet barbecue, combined with the salty dogs and cooling coleslaw, makes a combination you’ll want over and over again.

Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Chipotle Ranch

Here’s a winning trio that includes shredded cheese, jalapenos (we like pickled), and cooling chipotle ranch. Each bite bursts with complementing flavors that turn boring hotdogs into little works of culinary art. You can opt for your favorite ranch dressing, otherwise here’s a delicious chipotle ranch recipe to try.

Buffalo Sauce, Bacon, and Blue Cheese Crumbles

Here’s one for all the hot sauce lovers out there—and yes, buffalo sauce belongs on more than just chicken. If you don’t believe us, you’ll have to give this popular combo a try on hotdogs.

After grilling the hotdogs, top them with drizzled buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and of course, chopped bacon.

Crispy Seasoned Fries

If you love French fries with your dogs and burgers, then you’ll enjoy them stuffed in between the buns, too. This one works best with homemade shoestring French fries seasoned to perfection.

Guacamole

Homemade guacamole is both a delicious and healthy topping that provides the perfect refreshing and tangy touch. Simply whip up your favorite recipe and spoon it right over your grilled hot dog.  You can even take it one step further by sprinkling on cheddar cheese and drizzling your favorite hot sauce, too.

Fried Pickles

Some frown at the idea of fried pickles, while others just can’t get enough of them. So, if you enjoy homemade crisp pickles, then you’ll have to try serving these on top of those franks. Here’s a delicious recipe, including a zesty dipping sauce that will make the perfect drizzle topping.

Ale Caramelized Onion

Caramelized onion makes for a tasty topping, but when they are simmering in your favorite ale, nothing quite beats that flavor. Cut a large onion into thin slices, add a few tablespoons of butter, then cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until the onions get soft.

Then slowly add about ½ cup of your favorite ale into the skillet and cook for another 10 minutes or until most of the beer has cooked off and the onions turn a caramel brown hue. Smother your dogs and enjoy each bite, and be sure to wash it all down with the rest of extra beer.

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While many of us enjoy chowing down a few franks topped with simple condiments like relish and mustard, it is always fun to try new things. Give any of the provided topping ideas a try, or come up with a concoction of your own.