The hot dog, though humble, is so lovable– Liz Lemon knew this, and so do I. A good hot dog is fantastic with just a squirt of mustard, but boy– add some deluxe toppings and this lowly street food is elevated to an incredible new level! Enjoy these 5 fun and delicious hot dog toppings ideas for your next cookout, or, ya know, any time!
The Top Dog
Sure, the toppings of a classic Chicago dog are nothing new– but in my book, this is as good as hot dog toppings get, so I had to include them! I love the ‘dragged through the garden’ variety of fresh and pickled veg. And don’t forget the celery salt!
Classic Chicago Hot Dog Toppings
- poppyseed bun: if can’t find poppyseed buns or you don’t want to but them special, brush your bun with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle with poppyseeds. Or, sprinkle some poppyseeds on top of your dog for the flavor.
- celery salt
- sport peppers or pepperoncini peppers: sport peppers are traditional, but if you can’t find them, pepperoncinis are a great sub
- diced white onion
- tomato slices
- pickle or pickle relish: technically according to the classic, it should be pickle relish, but a pickle will do!
- cucumber slice
- yellow mustard
The Banh Mi Dog
The Vietnamese Sandwich, aka The Banh Mi, has become increasingly popular in the U.S., and with good reason! Hot dogs are similar in flavor and texture to pork roll, the meat traditionally used on a banh mi– making it a perfect match for fresh and spicy Banh Mi flavors.
Banh Mi Hot Dog Toppings
- pickled carrots and radishes: Traditionally daikon radishes are used, but any radishes will do! To quick pickle your own, combine 3/4 cup water + 3/4 cup rice vinegar + 2 tbsp salt + 1 tbsp sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Add sliced carrots and radishes to the brine and allow to come to room temperature. Enjoy right away, or store in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
- cilantro sprigs
- sliced jalapeno
- sriracha mayo: Combine 1 part sriracha to 2 parts mayo (preferably Kewpie Mayo if you can get it!)
- cucumber slice
The Monsieur Dog
I freaking love dijon mustard, and though it isn’t usually a topping for a hot dog, it goes perfectly with fellow french flavors cornichons, gruyere cheese, and caramelized onions. The crispy cheese bun is a WINNER.
French Hot Dog Toppings
- cornichons
- dijon mustard
- gruyere cheese: To make an awesome crispy cheese bun, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and sprinkle with shredded gruyere cheese. Place the open bun on top of the cheese and press down lightly. Cook until the cheese is crisp!
- caramelized onions: Check out my basic caramelized onions recipe here!
The Aloha Dog
Who can resist bacon, pineapple, and teriyaki?? A simple broil in the oven gives pineapple and red onion a nice char to go with that smoky bacon. Nutty sesame seeds and onion-y scallions pull everything together fabulously!
Hawaiian Hot Dog Toppings
- sliced scallions
- sesame seeds
- chopped bacon
- broiled chopped pineapple + chopped red onion + teriyaki sauce: On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, toss the pineapple and red onion with teriyaki sauce and broil until browned and bubbly
The Bagel Dog
This everything bagel dog is one of my OG favorites. Does cream cheese on a hot dog sound weird? Yes. Don’t knock it ’til ya try it!
NYC Bagel Hot Dog Toppings
- whipped cream cheese
- sliced scallions
- everything bagel seasoning: dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, kosher salt, black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds
