11 Incredible Hot Dog Toppings That Will Transform Your BBQ

Ever since the whole gourmet hot dog trend, hot dogs just haven’t been quite the same. We’ve become more creative with our hot hog toppings - somehow, a squirt of ketchup just doesn’t do the trick any more. Ever topped a hot dog with a fried egg? You’ll want to, after you read this…

Mac and Cheese

Yep, I’ll admit that along with the bun, this is a bit of a carb-fest, but in theory it works brilliantly. Salty, smoky frankfurter with oozy cheese sauce and soft pasta. They were created by Chris, from the blog Shared Appetite. “Your family is totally going to love these Macaroni and Cheese Topped Hot Dogs,” he says, “because hello… they are macaroni and cheese topped hot dogs. Duh.”

Sauerkraut

This Reuben Hot Dog was inspired by the sandwich of the same name - a deli roll that’s topped with sauerkraut and a Russian dressing. It was created by Ingrid, from the blog The Cozy Apron - and there’s Swiss cheese melted onto the bun first. Tempting, isn’t it?

Cheddar Cheese

We have Jessica from the blog How Sweet It Is to thank for these hot dogs that have Cheddar cheese melted onto them. She’s also added bacon and mushrooms and a whole load of other tasty ingredients, too. Go check out how to make them on her blog.

Kimchi

You’d probably never think of topping a hot dog with crunchy, spicy kimchi. But Leanne Brown shows us how it’s done, with this Kimchi and Hot Dogs idea. She suggests topping with some Sriracha mayo to finish it off. A good one for those of you who like some spice.

Onion Rings

People, we need to talk. Hot dogs and onion rings. I repeat: Hot dogs and onion rings. Des from Life’s Ambrosia has topped her Loaded BBQ hot dogs with crispy onion rings and a creamy coleslaw before adding a drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Feta Cheese

This idea comes from the blog A Beautiful Mess - and if you never thought about crumbling a piece of feta cheese over a hot dog then it’s definitely one to try. They also have other ideas for your Hot Dog Bar, including jalapeño chillies and salsas.

Banh Mi Hot Dogs

If you love the aromatic flavour and crunch of a Banh Mi roll there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t turn it into a hot dog topping, too. That’s what Molly, from the blog My Name is Yeh did. “Snappy wieners basking in squishy soft buns, topped with heaps of crunchy veggies? Ooh yes,” she writes. Find out how to make it at her website.

Fried Egg

This Breakfast Hot Dog was created by Megan at Country Cleaver and it looks fantastic. The rich, oily yolk of the fried egg adds texture to the smoky frank. Sounds (and looks) amazing.

Avocado (and Bacon)

Avocado has a soft, mild flavour and, although it’s not what you’d usually have handy as a hot dog topping, it does work really well with frankfurters. And obviously, bacon takes it one step further, too. This topping idea from Port and Finn is salty and smoky with the avocado adding creaminess and balancing the strong flavours.

Chimichurri Salsa

You might thank that a green, speckled chimichurri salsa is more at home with a chargrilled rib-eye steak than with hot dogs, but actually it’s perfect. The garlic, vinegar and parsley in the sauce balances out any greasiness in the meat and it’s also at home with the smokiness of the hot dogs. Mrs Regueiro adds some pickled red onions and cheese in this South-American inspired version.  

Pulled Pork

What’s this? Pulled pork on top of a hot dog? Tiffany, from the blog Creme de la Creme tempts us all with this Sweet Pork Tomatillo ranch Hot Dogs. She loads the hot dog with leftover pulled pork and a creamy ranch dressing. Genius. “And just a warning…” she writes, “you may never be able to go back to ‘normal’ hot dogs after this.”

Ever topped a hot dog with a fried egg, or mac and cheese? What are your favourite hot dog toppings?

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