BBQ Sauce To Pickles: 20 Weird Hot Dog Toppings You Have To Try
Let's Get Weird
For those who think they've tried every hot dog topping, think again. While ketchup and mustard might be the go-to classics, a whole world of unexpected and daring toppings is waiting to be explored. So grab a bun, fire up the grill, and prepare for a wild ride through flavors you never saw coming.
1. Creamy Peanut Butter Delight
Peanut butter on a hot dog? Sounds wild, right? But hear us out—Thai satay skewers have been pairing peanuts and meat for ages, and it works. The creamy, nutty spread melts into the sizzling, smoky frankness, wrapping each bite in a rich, savory-sweet hug.
2. Avocado And Tomato
Take your hot dog on a trip to Chile with this vibrant, flavor-packed upgrade. Creamy avocado and fresh and juicy tomatoes turn an ordinary frank into the legendary Completo Italiano, a Chilean favorite for resembling the Italian flag.
Rodolfo Ditzel Lacoa on Wikimedia
3. Kimchi
Ready to take your hot dog on a flavor-packed trip to Korea? Enter kimchi—the fiery, fermented cabbage that brings crunch, spice, and a deep umami kick to every bite. Modern street vendors have mastered blending East and West, topping hot dogs to create a bold fusion of flavors.
4. Macaroni And Cheese
When comfort food and street food collide, you get this unapologetically over-the-top masterpiece. The creamy, cheesy macaroni piled onto a sizzling hot dog is pure genius. Every bite is a mix of velvety cheese, tender pasta, and the satisfying snap of a juicy sausage, a textural dream come true.
5. Sriracha
Sriracha turns up the heat, adding a bold, garlicky spice that instantly changes a simple hot dog. As the fiery kick builds, each bite becomes more exciting for those who crave a little burn. To balance the intensity, a drizzle of honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
6. Banh Mi Dog
The Vietnamese hot dog twist takes inspiration from the legendary Bánh Mì sandwich, loading up a smoky sausage with crisp pickled carrots, daikon, fresh cilantro, and a generous drizzle of spicy mayo. Although not necessary, a squeeze of lime adds a bright, zesty kick for the perfect finishing touch.
7. Fried Egg
Few things in life are as indulgent as a perfectly runny egg; now, it’s making its way onto hot dogs. Inspired by the French love for topping dishes with eggs, think croque madame; this creation turns an ordinary frank into a rich, velvety masterpiece.
8. Poutine
Take your hot dog to the next level by piling on poutine-inspired toppings. Combining gooey cheese curds and crispy golden fries creates an enjoyable balance of textures and flavors. As the warm gravy melts the cheese, every bite becomes a delicious mix of creaminess and juicy sausage.
9. Wasabi And Seaweed
With this Japanese-inspired hot dog topping, your meal is about to get an exciting upgrade. The sharp, sinus-clearing kick of wasabi mayo instantly electrifies the palate, while delicate shreds of nori add an irresistible umami depth. The combination is a must-try for adventurous eaters and seafood lovers alike.
Dan from Vancouver, Canada on Wikimedia
10. Chili And Coleslaw Combo
The bold, meaty chili heat meets the cool, creamy coleslaw crunch, creating the perfect balance of spice and refreshment. A staple at backyard barbecues and roadside diners, this topping duo has delighted hot dog lovers for generations.
CHILI COLESLAW DOGS/CAMP CHEF FTG600/BEST CHILI DOGS/EASY COLESLAW RECIPE by MeatCranium
11. Cranberry Sauce
For a festive feel, swirl your hot dog with a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce. Just like it complements turkey at Thanksgiving, the tartness cuts through the savory richness of the sausage, creating a deliciously unexpected contrast. To add even more texture, sprinkle on crushed pecans for a satisfying crunch.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
12. Cucumber And Mint
Forget the usual heavy toppings; this light and vibrant combination brings a Mediterranean breeze to your hot dog. Cool, crisp cucumber and aromatic mint contrast the smoky, juicy sausage, making every bite feel bright and invigorating. The topping is perfect whenever you’re craving something fresh.
13. Spaghetti And Marinara
Spaghetti on a hot dog? Absolutely. Inspired by classic Italian-American flavors, this creation layers al dente pasta with rich marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of parmesan. The combination of saucy spaghetti and a smoky hot dog is like a deconstructed meatball sub but way more fun to eat.
14. Mango Chutney
A tropical sweetness never hurts anyone, especially when paired with bold, aromatic spices. Mango chutney delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, creating a vibrant contrast to the smoky, savory hot dog. With every bite, the fruity richness dances on the taste buds.
15. Sauerkraut And Swiss Cheese
The classic Reuben sandwich gets a tubular twist. Tangy, fermented sauerkraut brings a punch of acidity, perfectly balancing the rich, nutty melt of Swiss cheese. A drizzle of Thousand Island dressing ties it all together and turns an ordinary hot dog into a deli-style masterpiece bursting with bold flavors.
How To Make HOT DOGS & KRAUT | Recipes.net by Recipes
16. Grilled Pineapple And Teriyaki
Sweet and smoky grilled pineapple takes this hot dog to tropical heights. As the heat caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars, it deepens the sweetness for a contrast to a decadent, umami-packed drizzle of teriyaki glaze. For extra texture and depth, sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds.
Hawaiian Hot Dogs with Grilled Pineapple and Teriyaki Mayo by The Endless Meal
17. Pickled Red Onions And Feta
You take a bite of your hot dog, expecting the usual, but instead, you’re hit with something completely different. First, the tangy crunch of pickled red onions cut through the smoky richness of the sausage. Then, the creamy, briny feta adds the right amount of saltiness to balance it all out.
Marinated onions and feta cheese. by Traveling Steps
18. Barbecue Sauce And Crispy Onions
Imagine a backyard cookout, the scent of smoky barbecue sauce in the air. Now, take that feeling and pile it onto a hot dog. The deep, caramelized sweetness of barbecue sauce seeps into the sizzling sausage, coating it in Southern-style flavor. When you think it couldn’t get better, crispy fried onions join the party.
19. Pumpkin Pie And Candy Cane
This is not your average hot dog, and that’s the point. Inspired by Sam’s Club’s infamous Holidog, it is a daring creation that layers creamy pumpkin pie filling over a sizzling sausage and then tops it off with crushed candy canes. Each bite is a rollercoaster of flavors that defies logic but somehow works.
Sam's Club Holidog Taste Test ( Holiday Hot dog ) by Jazzy Foodz
20. Buffalo Sauce And Blue Cheese
For a game-day twist, you can make your hot dog a fiery flavor bomb with the classic pairing of Buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese. The tangy, buttery heat of Buffalo sauce seeps into the sizzling sausage, while crumbles of sharp, creamy blue cheese balance the spice with an incredible, velvety contrast.
@praisehisawesomename's Buffalo Bacon Blue Cheese Dogs| Blackstone Griddle by Blackstone Griddles
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