You Can't Have Hot Dogs Without These Classic Side Dishes
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When you can't decide what to make for dinner, it's easy to just throw a few hot dogs on the grill. Not only does it have that satisfying snap and tasty flavor, but it's also a simple dinner for when you're camping, hosting a cookout, or even feeding a crew of picky eaters. But you can't just serve up hot dogs alone. That's why we've rounded up the best sides for hot dogs to turn your craving for franks into a full-blown meal.
Just like hot dogs themselves, these side dishes are easy. Think: classic BBQ sides like coleslaw and pasta salad along with fun new recipes like grilled watermelon and pickled okra. Some of these sides like the corn salad and baked beans can even double as hot dog toppings! The best part about these side dishes for hot dogs is that they can go with just about any style dog you want to create. Whipping up a bacon-wrapped hot dog that has double the meat? You might want to add a vegetable to your plate with our cucumber salad or grilled veggie skewers. How about a Chicago-style hot dog? You can't go wrong with a spiced-up potato chips—just like at the ballpark! Even our air fryer hot dogs or state fair corn dogs will taste delicious with a side of crispy fried pickles. So, no matter which hot dog recipe you choose, these side dishes will make the meal complete. Looking for more cookout ideas? Check out our best burger recipes and side dishes for burgers.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
This summer staple is so easy to make using our method for grilling the corn with some husks peeled and some left on. It's a foolproof trick that will yield sweet, juicy corn every time. The garlic-chive butter doesn't hurt either.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Classic Coleslaw
A classic hot dog calls for a classic side like crunchy coleslaw. It's creamy and tangy—and it only takes 10 minutes to whip up!
Get the Classic Coleslaw recipe.
Pickled Okra
Instead of your typical pickles, try pickled okra instead. The veggie is a Southern favorite that becomes crisp and tangy with a quick-pickle brine. They have plenty of dill flavor and a bit of spice from the dried chiles.
Get the Pickled Okra recipe.
Cucumber Salad
This salad is one of the most refreshing things you can eat come summertime. The cool cucumber slices and zippy dressing can even be made ahead. It's that easy!
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Baked Beans
Hot dogs and beans are a match made in cookout heaven! But they're particularly delicious when the beans are smoky, sweet, tangy, and topped with bacon.
Get the Baked Beans recipe.
Grilled Watermelon
Sure, you can serve up watermelon slices with your hot dogs for lunch. But why not take things one step further and make it grilled watermelon instead? The fruit gets smoky and caramelized with an herby fresh pop from the cilantro and lime.
Get the Grilled Watermelon recipe.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
This potato salad is anything but ordinary! It's loaded with all the goodness of a baked potato—including the sour cream, bacon, cheese, and green onion.
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
Corn Salad
This corn dish has a bit of heat from the chopped jalapeño and chipotle-lime dressing, but it's perfectly balanced out by the sweet corn and buttery avocado. In other words? A new summertime favorite.
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
The sweet and tangy flavor of this macaroni salad is always a hit at a summer cookout. You can pair it with steaks, burgers, and hot dogs!
Get the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe.
Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are golden, crispy, and salty—so they're pretty much the ultimate snack food. The key is using thicker dill pickle chips for the best breading to pickle ratio.
Get the Fried Pickles recipe.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Hot dogs might be the main event, but this creamy pasta salad is tasty enough to steal the show! It's packed with fun mix-ins like bacon, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, pimentos, and dill.
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
Mango Salad
This bright and refreshing salad will add some unexpected flavors to your backyard cookout. The sweet mango, crunchy jicama, and spicy chili-lime seasoning are perfectly balanced.
Get the Mango Salad recipe.
Spiced-Up Potato Chips
This is a quick and easy way to doctor up a bag of potato chips. The garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper will give your chips a ton of flavor.
Get Ree's Spiced-Up Potato Chips recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Add a rainbow of veggies to any summer cookout with this easy recipe for grilled skewers. The tangy balsamic marinade and chopped parsley provide tang and freshness in every bite.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Air Fryer French Fries
This classic side for hot dogs and burgers is easy to make when you have an air fryer. You don't need to fuss with a pot of oil, but the fries still come out crispy every time!
Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe.
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