A hot dog smothered in the usual tasty toppings is absolutely delicious any time of the year whether grilled outdoors or cooked in a pan. They are great for more than just summer picnics and ball games, and they can be topped in many creative and scrumptious new ways. Instead of serving the usual ketchup, mustard, relish, and chopped onions for topping hot dogs, try something new. When serving hot dogs on buns, offer guests several items to choose from, and get ready for a feast.
Bacon Strips
Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are absolutely delicious, especially right off the grill. Fry or microwave lean strips of bacon, but do not make them crisp. The bacon should be fully cooked but still pliant. Wrap the strips around grilled hot dogs before serving them on steamed poppy seed buns. Everyone will love them!
Chili Sauce
Canned as well as homemade chili is a popular topping for hot dogs, but many people do not like the beans. Instead of buying or making chili without beans or picking them out, buy a bottle of chili sauce for topping hot dogs. They will taste like classic chili dogs but without the lumps.
Sauerkraut
Anyone that savors the flavor of sauerkraut will like it as a topping for grilled, boiled, or steamed dogs. Be sure to toast the hot dog buns and drain the sauerkraut well. Poppy seed buns are especially good with this flavorful topping.
Shoestring Fries and Cheese Sauce
Some restaurants these days are topping ordinary hamburgers with fries. Why not use shoestring fries as a tasty topping for hot dogs? Add the usual toppings such as ketchup, mustard, and chopped onions, and add a handful of shoestring fries topped with hot and steamy cheese sauce. A fork and knife might be required!
Sloppy Joe Sauce
Barbeque sandwich sauce has many uses, but hot dogs rarely come to mind. Use sloppy joe sauce as a tangy topping for hot dogs instead of the usual condiments. The sloppy joe sauce will add flavor and zing to otherwise ordinary fare, and it is available in many mouthwatering varieties.
Sautéed Onions, Crisp Crumbled Bacon, and Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Chopped raw onions are good on hot dogs, but sautéed onions are even better. Sautee white or yellow onion slices in real butter, and drain it away before topping the dogs and toasted buns. Top the sautéed onions with finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese or creamy cheese sauce. Just before serving, consider topping the cheese sauce and onions with crisp bacon bits. The combination of flavors and textures cannot be beat.
Plump juicy sliced dogs are tasty when mixed in with baked beans, and they also make a flavorful topping for hot dogs on buns. Add your favorite baked beans to hot dogs on toasted buns that are crisp on the outside and steamy and soft on the inside. They are available in numerous flavors, and they can be combined with other topping choices such as bacon slices, sautéed onions, and even shoestring potatoes.
Try other tasty topping ideas when serving hot dogs on buns, and start a delicious new trend. Chances are you will continue serving hot dogs with something other than the traditional condiments commonly served with one of the most popular foods in America.
