Dolled Up Dogs: 9 Creative Hot Dog Hacks

on August 4, 2015

Joshua Bousel | Serious Eats

Hot Diggity Dogs

Grilling season is far from over, so let's up the grill game with some clever toppings and twists on the ballpark favorite. We've got everything from topping ideas to fillers beyond the typical frank and different bun options. Get your grill on!

Tanya | Lemons for Lulu

Andoille Sausage with Blue Cheese Coleslaw

There's nothing like a little Cajun spice to liven up your typical dog. Andoille is a peppery pork sausage from Louisiana that'll add just the right amount of spice to kick up your dog recipe. With creamy blue cheese slaw made from cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, mayo, garlic, vinegar, and spices, this hot dog recipe packs in full force flavor!

Get the recipe here.

Melanie | Garnish & Glaze

Bacon-Wrapped Hotdogs With Mustard, Jalapeu00f1os and Onion

Fact: Bacon makes everything better. So wrapping a hot dog in bacon is a no-brainer. Topped with fresh, hot jalapeu00f1os, grilled onions, and yellow mustard, this zesty hot dog is a crowd pleaser. Seriously, what's not to love about them?

Get the recipe here.

Country Cleaver

Tex-Mex Hot Dogs

These Tex-Mex topped beef franks start off with a combination of roasted corn, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, pinto beans, red onion, and bell pepper. Add salsa and drizzle with Mexican crema for a creamy, mildly spicy flavor that will keep people coming back for more!

Get the recipe here.

My Name Is Yeh

Bu00e1nh Mi Hot Dogs

Asian fusion style dogs sound like a wild way to dress up a hot dog, but we're totally digging it. Fresh daikon and carrot slaw, hoisin sauce, and sriracha mayo top this dog, along with cucumbers, cilantro, and jalapeu00f1os, making an extra spicy Asian twist on an America's favorite.

Get the recipe here.

Life in the Loft House

Oven-Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

Ah, yes, the chili cheese dog: staple of ball parks, backyard parties, and camping alike. This recipe basically takes the classic chili cheese dog to the next level by popping them in the oven for a melty, gooey bite you can't resist. It's a perfect way to assemble food for a crowd.

Get the recipe here.

Justine | Cooking and Beer

Hot Dogs with Chipotle Cheese Sauce and Bacon Corn Relish

This hot dog recipe is simply irresistible. Chipotle cheese sauce combines butter, flour, milk, cheese, green chiles, chipotle peppers, and diced tomatoes in a queso-style sauce that can't be beat. Add bacon (always) and corn mixed with red onion and cilantro for a crunchy relish topping. You gotta try it!

Get the recipe here.

Karen | The Food Charlatan

"The Best Hot Dog You Will Ever Eat"

The name says it all. We couldn't help but share this one just for that reason. The recipe is a copy-cat of JDawgs, a popular hot dog shack out in Utah. What makes these dogs so special is the cross section cutting that adds juicy flavor and the special sauce that is rumored to be life changing. With some fresh grilled buns and extra condiments, you've got yourself a hell-of-a hot dog.

Get the recipe here.

Buns in My Oven

Pretzel Dogs

Soft pretzels and hot dogs go together like PB&J: they were just meant to be. This Auntie Anne's copy-cat recipe includes a buttery, salted pretzel bun wrapped around a traditional frank. Add mustard or a beer cheese dipping sauce for extra delicious flavor!

Get the recipe here.

Seasons & Suppers

Homemade Top-Sliced Buns

Every hot dog lover needs a good homemade bun recipe, so we bring to you a New England-style sliced bun recipe that's soft, fluffy, and toasts up nicely. Try adding poppy seeds like the classic Chicago dog's buns for a little texture or even sesame seeds to liven things up. These beautiful buns are some of the best ones out there!

Get the recipe here.