8 Hot Dog Recipes for Grilling Season

Chorizo and Kimchi Hot Dogs
Photo: Victor Protasio

Sure we love a good hot dog topped with some ketchup and mustard but why stop there? How about one topped with chili or wrapped in bacon. Did we mention we've also got the perfect recipe for at-home Buttery Brioche Hot Dog Buns? From classic toppings to fun flavor combinations, these recipes will take your hot dog game to the next level. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy the perfect hot dog.

01 of 08

Ultimate Loaded Chili-Topped Hot Dogs

Ultimate Loaded Chili-Topped Hot Dogs
Jen Causey

Like any “loaded” situation, this hot dog is all about constructing your plate. Split-top buns allow you to hollow out the sides a bit, fitting extra toppings into each bite. A touch of sweetness in the chili balances out the salt from Corn Nuts and the hot dog, while the sharp bite of pickled jalapeños creates balance. Radishes and sour cream offer a welcome hit of freshness. The chili can easily be made ahead of time for quick assembly the day of.

02 of 08

Kogi Dogs

Kogi Dogs
© Greg DuPree

These smoky Kogi dogs, piled high with cabbage, kimchi, and cheddar are so good they made it on our 40 best recipes list. A drizzle of Sriracha finishes them off — pair them with a refreshing Mexican lager beer, if you're feeling it.

03 of 08

BLT Hot Dogs with Caraway Remoulade

BLT Hot Dogs with Caraway Remoulade

These “BLT” hot dogs can turn any weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Topped with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes and crunchy lettuce, the creamy caraway-pickle mayonnaise really pulls it all together.

04 of 08

Hot Dog Melts

Hot Dog Melts
© Lucy Schaeffer

Wolfgang Puck grew up in Vienna, and the food there is one of his touchstones. These sausages, called Wiener Würstchen, are a favorite from chef Wolfgang Puck's childhood. He splits the dogs, fills them with cheese and wraps them in bacon. Once they've been roasted, he serves them on a bun with a spicy horseradish mustard.

05 of 08

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Avocado

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Avocado

Crif Dogs in Manhattan is locally famous for its deep-fried and bacon-wrapped franks. This recipe, which goes by the name The Chihuahua, is wrapped in bacon and topped with sour cream and avocado.

06 of 08

Chorizo and Kimchi Dogs

Chorizo and Kimchi Hot Dogs
Victor Protasio

At chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins’ regional Mexican restaurant in San Diego, this dish is served as an homage to the Sonoran hot dog. Easy hacks like crumbled chorizo make this restaurant favorite easy to pull off for backyard entertaining.

07 of 08

Buttery Brioche Hot Dog Buns

Buttery Brioche Hot Dog Buns
Jen Causey

You don’t have to be an accomplished baker to make these simple homemade hot dog buns — your mixer does all the work! The dough is super-easy to work with and yields incredibly tender yet sturdy buns that will hold up to all your favorite toppings, no matter how much you want to pile on. If you want to jazz these buns up a bit, sprinkle them with poppy seeds before baking.

08 of 08

Hot Dogs with Grilled Pickle Relish

Hot Dogs with Grilled Pickle Relish
Con Poulos

In place of sweet store-bought relish, Justin Chapple grills dill pickles, then combines them with onion, vinegar, mustard seeds and parsley for a smoky, well-balanced relish with delightful pops of mustard seed.

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