21 Creative Hot Dog Recipes You May (or May Not) Want to Try
Put Down the Ketchup
Baseball season is upon us, and we are dreaming of sitting down with a glizzy in our hand watching a good game. While little can compare with grabbing a tasty, traditional hot dog with mustard or relish from our favorite hot dog stand, this humble protein is capable of so much more. We've rounded up several no-bun-required recipes to get your creative juices flowing.
Editor's Note: This story was updated in March 2024.
Campfire Corn Dog Dip
Hot dogs are an easy favorite to roast over an open flame, but this sinful mixture of hot dogs, corn, cheese, and green onions is beckoning for your best cast-iron pan. Red pepper flakes and jalapeños give it a kick, too.
Recipe: Delish
One Pot Hot Dog Pasta
We're big fans of one-pot anything, so sign us up for this family-friendly recipe. It combines onion, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, green onions, heavy cream, and plenty of garlic for a comforting, easy weeknight meal.
Recipe: Tasty
Hot Dog and Cheese Pie
Banish thoughts of sweet dessert pies from your mind: This one is savory, cheesy, and easy as ... well, you know what. Made with eggs, pancake mix, and onions, it would be equally tasty for breakfast or dinner.
Recipe: Betty Crocker
Hot Dog Fried Rice
Fried rice blends well with chicken, shrimp, eggs, and plenty of other proteins, so why not hot dogs? Even picky kids may be intrigued enough by this quick, filling dish to expand their mealtime horizons.
Recipe: Food.com
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Hot Dog Stroganoff
Even humble hot dogs can get fancy with this stroganoff recipe. Fortunately, in this case, "fancy" doesn't mean "hard" — just saute them with butter and onions, then add sour cream and parsley. Pair them with your favorite pasta for a quick weeknight meal.
Recipe: Simply Recipes
Related: Delicious Dump-and-Bake Casseroles That Come Together in Minutes
Pigs in Ponchos
We've all heard of pigs in a blanket. Think of pigs in ponchos as their slightly more cultured siblings. Grilled poblano peppers, cheese, beans, salsa, and tortillas give them a south-of-the-border flavor.
Recipe: Rachael Ray
Pretzel Dogs
There's a reason pretzel dogs are a staple theme-park indulgence: They're just that delicious. Choose from a hot dog surrounded by a simple sea-salt-sprinkled pretzel, or indulge in jalapeño cheddar, garlic butter, or pizza flavors.
Recipe: Tasty
Hot Dog Maki Rolls
Know someone who wrinkles their nose at the mere thought of sushi? This might just be the recipe that gets them over the hump. A mix of soy sauce and brown sugar adds a tangy sweetness. Sesame seeds are also an easy substitute for Japanese rice seasoning.
Recipe: Kimchi Mom
Chili Dog Nachos
Make nachos into a main attraction instead of a mere appetizer by adding chopped hot dogs to the mix. Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and cumin bring the flavor, while onions, cheese, sour cream, and salsa add extra layers of indulgence.
Recipe: Food Network
Hot Dog Hash
Stand aside, corned beef: Hot dogs are substantial enough to carry their own hash. This version calls for onions, peppers, garlic, and hot sauce, and the hearty result will hit the spot any time of day.
Recipe: Delish
Hot Dog Casserole
Whether you need a slam-dunk contribution for your next potluck or an easy dump-and-bake dinner, this super-simple hot dog casserole recipe will have you wondering why you didn't think of it sooner.
Recipe: Food.com
Korean Hot Dogs
These sinfully deep-fried dogs, coated in a panko batter and dusted with sugar, are served up on a stick by street vendors in Korea. Top 'em with any condiment your heart desires.
Recipe: Kirbie's Cravings
Related: Weird, Surprising, and Over-the-Top Foods on a Stick
Chicago-Style Hot Dog Salad
Love a classic Chicago dog? Savor the same flavors with this bunless version, perfect for anyone who's watching their carbs. Diced pickles and peppers give it extra zing, while a honey mustard dressing provides a sweet finish.
Recipe: Tablespoon
Grilled Hot Dog Cheese Sandwich
Grilled ham and cheese is a thing, so why not grilled hot dogs and cheese? Mustard and relish give this sandwich more grown-up appeal, but they're easily left off to appease picky kiddos.
Recipe: Kraft
Related: 19 Ways to Make an Ordinary Grilled Cheese Extraordinary
Maple and Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
This drool-worthy twist on the traditional cocktail weenie will have guests elbowing for a space by your slow cooker. There's no barbecue sauce to be found; instead, a sweet brown sugar glaze balances the salty bacon.
Recipe: The Spruce Eats
Chili Dog Pizza
Here's a fun way to use up leftover chili, no bowls necessary. A pizza crust base also makes this a unique idea for a crowd-pleasing appetizer on game day.
Recipe: Taste of Home
Hot Dog Curry
Hot dogs and a sweet, tangy sauce with just a hint of spice make this a gentle, kid-friendly introduction to the wide world of curry. Soak up the sauce with some freshly baked naan.
Recipe: Coco for Curry
Corn Dog Muffins
We love muffins as much as the next guy, but carbs won't fill you up at the beginning of a long day. In this recipe, it's hot dogs to the rescue with some much-needed protein. Brown sugar adds sweetness to this cornbread-based mix.
Recipe: Allrecipes
Fresh and Fruity Hot Dog Skewers
This three-ingredient wonder is a simple way to ditch the buns and add a little nutritional value to your favorite summer indulgence. It's also a cookout- or campfire-friendly way to feed kids and grownups alike.
Recipe: Food Network
Grilled Hot Dog Quesadilla With Mango Pico de Gallo
A juicy hot dog is an easy substitute for chicken when you want to give quesadillas an unexpected twist. Sweet mango pico de gallo with a little bit of habanero takes it from pedestrian to menu-worthy.
Recipe: Kraft
Seashell Hot Dog Bake
Fans of ziti, stuffed shells, and other indulgent baked pasta dishes will want to give this hot-dog version a whirl. It includes all the usual comfort-food suspects, including plenty of cheese, garlic, and tomato sauce.
Recipe: Food.com
Related: 20 Super Simple Twists on Boxed Mac and Cheese
This article was originally published on Cheapism
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