Juicy and delicious Gourmet Hot Dogs will take your next backyard BBQ or potluck to a whole new level. Whether you prefer a classic dog, Mexican flavors, or an Asian-inspired option, we have a hot dog toppings combo for you. Can't choose which one to try? Make a hot dog bar and let your guests serve themselves!
It might sound like an oxymoron, but gourmet hot dogs are a real thing! It's all about pairing flavors and ingredients. With the right sausages, buns, and toppings, the humble hot dog can become something quite special. Fancy hot dogs are becoming more and more common (and expensive) these days, but you can save your cash and make your own in the comfort of your own home. This trio of hot dog recipes is perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, and any summer gathering!
Why You'll Love These Gourmet Hot Dogs
- Looks so appetizing. These hot dogs are decorated to the nines with all the best toppings. We eat with our eyes after all, and these hot dogs taste as good as they look!
- Easy to serve a crowd. Hot dogs are a staple at sports arenas and barbecues for a reason. Since they are precooked, they just need to be warmed up, which makes them super quick to make. Grill a bunch, lay out your favorite hot dog toppings and serve!
- Three flavor combinations. Instead of just one perfect hot dog, how about 3 delicious options? Keep it simple with a classic hotdog, spice it up with a Mexican-style dog, or incorporate some Asian flavors. It's fun to try all 3!
- Elevated flavor. With higher-quality ingredients, you can really see why hot dogs are so beloved. You feel the snap of the sausage, the soft bite of the bun, and the mixture of flavors and textures from the toppings. It takes the plain old hot dog and really makes it something special!
Ingredient Notes
To make these delicious Gourmet Hot Dogs, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- weiners - pay a little extra for premium hot dogs from either your local grocery store or butcher.
- hot dog buns - I like to make my own hot dog buns for a really fresh flavor and perfect chew. Feel free to mix and match different options, like brioche, sweet Hawaiian hot dog buns, artisan-style rolls, etc.
Hot Dog Toppings
| Classic hot dog | - onion - sauerkraut - play around with specialty flavors of sauerkraut or make your own. - sliced pickles - use any type you like: classic dill, bread and butter, spicy pickles, etc. - ketchup - mustard |
| Mexican style hot dog | - pico de gallo - make your own Pico de Gallo from scratch or substitute your favorite type of salsa. - cheddar cheese - to melt onto the hot dog for a cheesy bite. - jalapeños - for a less spicy kick, you could substitute this with sautéed bell peppers. - sour cream |
| Asian style hot dog | - fried onions - see how to make fried onions in our Potato Onion Pierogi recipe. - teriyaki sauce - it's worth it to take 10 minutes to make your own Teriyaki Sauce. - mayonnaise - look for Japanese mayo (Kewpie) for the best flavor. - seaweed flakes (furikake) - these add a crunchy, salty flavor that's perfect as a garnish. |
You will also need a grill, tongs, and any serving supplies you need.
How to Make the Best Gourmet Hot Dogs
- Cook the weiners. Grill the hot dogs over medium-high heat until the skin on all sides begins to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toast buns. Toast the hot dog buns for a few minutes on the grill until warm and toasty.
- Assemble. Place the hot dog wieners in the buns and top with desirable toppings. Serve warm.
Recipe Variations
- Use different sausages. Instead of regular hot dogs, try brats, Italian sausage, veggie dogs, or even blends of specialty meats (elk or bison sausage, etc). There are even hot dogs made from brisket, wagyu beef, and other specialty options. You have lots of potential here!
- Change the buns. Make your own tender hot dog buns or mix and match the buns with the recipe. A sweet bun would pair well with the Japanese-style hot dog, while I like an artisan roll for the Mexican one. Pretzel buns are a nice option for the classic dog.
- Add different toppings. There are so many ways to top hot dogs — you're really spoiled for options! Get creative and try something new.
- Make a Seattle dog by brushing cream cheese on the bun and adding grilled onions.
- Try Hawaiian hot dogs by adding bacon, pineapple, red onion, and my spicy mayo or the teriyaki mayo from the Asian-style dogs.
- For a Swiss-style dog, top with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, and a little Dijon mustard.
How to Serve
These Gourmet Hot Dogs are delicious served on their own, or paired with some complimentary side dishes. I like pairing each flavor with different sides, including:
- To pair with the Classic Hot Dog: Caesar Salad, Baked Potato Wedges, Grilled Vegetable Skewers, or Classic Potato Salad.
- To pair with the Mexican Hot Dog: Guacamole, Mexican Stuffed Peppers, Air Fryer Mexican Shrimp, or Crispy Refried Bean Tacos.
- To pair with the Asian Hot Dog: Vegan Soba Noodle Salad, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges, Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad or Vegetarian Fried Rice.
For more recipes, see our 25+ Best BBQ Side Dishes.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Focus on quality. Fortunately, hot dogs are pretty affordable, but the price can go up when you focus on higher-quality ingredients. Splurge on the hot dogs themselves. You want really good hot dogs, not the $1-2 packs from the store. The fresh components are generally not very expensive and making these fancy hot dogs at home will still save lots of money compared to buying them from a gourmet hot dog stand!
- Make components from scratch. If you have a little time, try to make your own buns, mayo, teriyaki sauce, pico de gallo, etc. Those homemade elements taste much fresher than the prepackaged stuff from the store and can make a big difference.
- Grill the dogs. Technically, hot dogs can be prepared on the stove, in the oven, in the air fryer, and more, but grilling will give the best texture and bite.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Once assembled, these hot dogs are best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store the cooked hot dogs and any perishable toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
After grilling, the hot dogs can dry out a bit. Return some of that moisture by wrapping them with a damp paper towel and microwaving for 45-50 seconds. You can also gently steam them in a skillet on the stove with a splash of water.
FAQ
That answer depends on where you live, as there are major differences across stores. However, I recommend looking for a mixture of beef and pork in a natural casing whenever possible. If you can find locally made hot dogs or weiners, definitely go for those. For a storebought brand, look for Nathan's, Sabrett, Boar's Head uncured beef frankfurters, or a beloved local option near you.
The best tasting hot dogs are grilled, which gives the skin a little bite and a smokiness that pairs well with the toppings. You can definitely prepare them in different ways, but grilling really kicks them up a notch,
There are truly endless options! At gourmet hot dog stands, you'll often find a variety of different, rotating flavors. I prefer to either keep things simple with the classic combo of mustard, ketchup, onion, sauerkraut, and pickle or incorporate a few different flavor profiles. My Mexican-style hot dog has homemade pico de gallo with cheddar cheese, jalapeno, and sour cream, while my Asian-style hot dog has mayo, teriyaki sauce, fried onions, and seaweed flakes. They're both totally different in their own ways, but still delicious! Play around with different flavor profiles, seasonal ingredients, and sauces to make your own custom creations.
More Sandwich Recipes
- Lobster Rolls
- Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich
- Cheeseburger Sliders
- Beef and Bean Burritos
- Chicken Shawarma
- Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Recipe
Gourmet Hot Dogs
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
Juicy and delicious Gourmet Hot Dogs will take your next backyard BBQ or potluck to a whole new level. Whether you prefer a classic dog, Mexican flavors, or an Asian-inspired option, we have a hot dog toppings combo for you. Can't choose which one to try? Make a hot dog bar and let your guests serve themselves!
Ingredients
For the base:
- wieners
- hot dog buns
For the toppings:
Classic hot dog:
- yellow onion, diced
- sauerkraut
- pickles, sliced
- ketchup
- mustard
Mexican style hot dog:
- pico de gallo
- cheddar cheese, shredded
- jalapeños, sliced
- sour cream
Asian style hot dog:
- fried onions
- teriyaki sauce
- mayonnaise
- seaweed flakes (furikake)
Instructions
- Grill the hot dogs over medium-high heat until the skin on all sides begins to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toast the hot dog buns for a few minutes on the grill until warm and toasty.
- Place the hot dog wieners in the buns and top with desirable toppings. Serve warm.
Notes
How to store: Once assembled, these hot dogs are best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store the cooked hot dogs and any perishable toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to reheat: After grilling, the hot dogs can dry out a bit. Return some of that moisture by wrapping them with a damp paper towel and microwaving for 45-50 seconds. You can also gently steam them in a skillet on the stove with a splash of water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
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