15 Best Hot Dog Recipes for Every Cookout This Summer
Top them with cheesy chili or wrap them up in bacon.
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There are some foods that just scream summer—and hot dogs are one of them. Between Memorial Day, Father's Day, and 4th of July, there are tons of occasions for throwing some dogs on the grill. But what’s the best way to make hot dogs? While you can certainly just set out a bunch of hot dog toppings, why not upgrade your grill game this year with these fun hot dog recipes?
You can wrap them in bacon, spiralize them onto long wooden skewers, or even make them in an air fryer on busy weeknights. Then again, you might want to make a ballpark-inspired hot dog with all the trimmings or a smoky BBQ hot dog for your next camping trip. There's even a few variations on pigs in a blanket! But no matter which style of hot dog you choose, don’t forget the hot dog sides—pasta salad and watermelon are always a hit.
Looking for classic hot dog recipes? Here, you'll find chili cheese dogs (Ladd Drummond's favorite), bratwurst with sauerkraut, and of course, no hot dog round-up would be complete without the Chicago-style hot dog. It's loaded with toppings and piled onto a poppy-seed bun. Prefer a different way to eat a hot dog? Try a homemade version of corn dogs covered in a cornmeal crust or opt for pretzel wrapped dogs for a salty twist. Whatever you do, don't settle for any ol' frank this year. Now fire up the grill and get started!
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Make hot dogs throughout the year—or any day when you don't feel like firing up the grill! It's so easy using your air fryer, and they still have that charred texture and juicy interior you know and love.
Get the Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe.
Chili Dogs
Make your dogs anyway you like (boil, grilled, fried) and then top them with a homemade chili. Ree's version doesn't have beans so it stays on the dog and bun better.
Get Ree's Chili Dogs recipe.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
A typical Chicago-style dog has seven (!) different toppings. Along with the yellow mustard, green relish, chopped raw onion, dill pickles, tomato slices, sport peppers, and celery salt, a poppy seed bun is a must!
Get the Chicago-Style Hot Dogs recipe.
Pretzel Dogs
Give your ballpark franks an upgrade by swapping the buns for homemade pretzel dough instead! They're perfectly golden, chewy and topped with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
Get the Pretzel Dogs recipe.
BBQ Hot Dogs with Cilantro Slaw
These all-beef hot dogs are brushed with barbecue sauce on the grill. Then, they get a burst of fresh flavor from a topping of creamy, herby cilantro slaw.
Get Ree's BBQ Hot Dogs with Cilantro Slaw recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Crispy, salty bacon meets ballpark dogs in this fun cookout favorite. You can make them in an oven or on the grill depending on the weather.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs recipe.
Beer Brats
Bratwurst is a type of sausage, just like hot dogs, but it's a little more sophisticated. It's sold fresh, then cooked with beer, onions, garlic, seasoned salt, caraway seeds, paprika, and black pepper for lots of flavor.
Get the Beer Brats recipe.
Pigs in a Blanket
You can pretty much use any pre-cooked sausage for pigs in a blanket—including hot dogs! Instead of cutting the crescent roll dough into smaller triangles, simply use a whole triangle for each hot dog.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
French Onion Franks
Why choose between French onion dip and a hot dog when you can have both in one bite? Top with caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra flavorful bite.
Get the French Onion Franks recipe.
Little Smokies
Mini franks as an appetizer are a classic. Here, Ree makes an simple but flavorful sauce for them, made even easier thanks to a slow cooker. Then grab those toothpicks and go to town!
Get Ree's Little Smokies recipe.
Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
Here's a fun way to serve an old-school favorite. The mini franks are wrapped in crescent roll dough and all baked together for a wreath-like look that will having everyone reaching for seconds.
Get Ree's Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Corn Dogs
Skip the buns and try corn dogs instead! These cornmeal crusted treats are just like the kind you'd find at a state fair.
Get the Corn Dogs recipe.
Chipotle Chili Dogs
Double up on beef with these chili-topped hot dogs. Then add plenty of melty cheese and chopped white onion to garnish.
Get Ree's Chipotle Chili Dogs recipe.
Hot Dogs and Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Relish
Doctor up store bought sauerkraut and relish with ingredients like pickled jalapeños and crunchy celery, then serve them over an assortment of hot dogs and bratwurst for the ultimate cookout!
Get the Hot Dogs and Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Relish recipe.
Corn Dog Muffins
These adorable bite-sized corn bread muffins have a hidden hot dog inside! They're kid-friendly and only take 30 minutes to make.
Get Ree's Corn Dog Muffins recipe.
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