These hot dog recipes go way beyond traditional toppings! Get inspired by bold, creative twists like Chicago-style dogs and loaded chili-cheese creations.
29 Creative Hot Dog Recipes for Your Next Cookout
1/29
Pigs in a Blanket
From the Recipe Creator:
These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. —Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 sandwiches: 516 calories, 39g fat (12g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
2/29
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a satisfying meal-in-a-bun I take to tailgate parties, picnics, cookouts and more. I wrap the stuffed hot dogs in foil, then in paper, to transport them. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed hot dog: 363 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1130mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
3/29
Coney Island Hot Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 371 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
4/29
Hot Dog Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were small and I was busy trying to get all those extra things done, I would make this quick hot dish. Kids love it! —JoAnn Gunio, Franklin, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 967mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
5/29
Homemade Corn Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn dog: 316 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
6/29
My Favorite Chili Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
The very thought of a hot dog dressed in chili makes me giddy. To get that straight-from-the-ballpark taste, I combine ketchup, mustard, chili and pepper sauce. —Patricia Pauling, Adams, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 hot dog: 427 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1195mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
7/29
Cowboy Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this dish back in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Since it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 469 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1256mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 28g protein.
8/29
Beefy Chili Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
For years, people have told me I make the best hot dog chili out there. It’s timeless, it’s family-friendly, and I carry the recipe with me because people ask for it. —Vicki Boyd, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 hot dog with 1/4 cup chili: 400 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1092mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
Don’t feel like making your own? These are the best hot dog joints in every state.
9/29
Mexican Hot Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
My stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 310 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 844mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
10/29
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids and adults alike will dive into this hearty, comforting dish. With a crispy cheese topping on a warm cornbread crust, this recipe is a keeper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 638 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 1518mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.
11/29
Mini Corn Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
Fun-sized corn dogs add a little "wow" factor to any cookout or get-together. Kids and adults equally love them, so expect them to disappear fast. —Deb Perry, Bluffton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini corn dog: 68 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
12/29
Sweet Hoosier Dog Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
In our area of Indiana, we love sweet coney sauce on our hot dogs! Our town still has an old drive-in that is famous for its sauce. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 111 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
13/29
Chili Dog Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
My girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 404 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1113mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
14/29
Barbecued Party Starters
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet and tangy bites will tide over everyone until dinner. At the buffet, set out some fun toothpicks to make for easy nibbling. —Anastasia Weiss, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 237 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
15/29
Corn Dog Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Reminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun main dish really hits the spot on fall days. It's perfect for the football parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven. —Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 578 calories, 38g fat (16g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
16/29
Cincinnati Chili Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
My in-laws are from Ohio, so we have Cincinnati chili at many of our family gatherings. I spiced up this family classic with cinnamon and cocoa powder and then ladled it over hot dogs. It's perfect for game day, tailgates and potlucks. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 419 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1135mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
17/29
Bandito Chili Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 450 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1442mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
18/29
Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 198 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
19/29
Dogs in a Sweater
From the Recipe Creator:
For a new twist on an old favorite, try these skewered hot dogs wrapped with breadstick dough and baked. They're fun to dip in ketchup, mustard or ranch dressing. The dressed-up dog recipe comes kid-tested from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 257 calories, 16 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 751 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, General Number g fiber, 8 g protein.
20/29
Hot Dog Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn all-American hot dogs into a fun international treat at your next casual party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. Bet you can’t eat just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider (calculated without toppings): 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/29
Pigs in a Poncho
From the Recipe Creator:
For pigs in a blanket Mexican style, we add refried beans and green chiles. Spice it up even more with pepper jack, jalapenos and guacamole. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without sour cream and salsa): 726 calories, 50g fat (14g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1494mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
22/29
Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to riff on hot dogs, so I made corn dog muffins. I added jalapenos to this kid-friendly recipe and won my husband over, too. —Becky Tarala, Palm Coast, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 216 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
23/29
BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs
From the Recipe Creator:
For these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 293 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 1227mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
24/29
Sloppy Joe Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all! —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 hot dog: 422 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
25/29
Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 325 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
26/29
Hot Dog Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker who loves hot dogs shared this recipe with me. Baked in a purchased crust, the pie is easy to assemble and is on the table in just 30 minutes. —Amy Bullis, Henryville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 487 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 1321mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
27/29
Chipotle Chili Dogs
From the Recipe Creator:
Long live childhood favorites! I created this recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1096mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
28/29
Rhode Island Hot Dog
From the Recipe Creator:
Many Rhode Islanders spell "wiener" with an ei and serve theirs all the way with meat sauce, mustard, onion and a sprinkle of celery salt. —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 hot dog (calculated without mustard and celery salt): 447 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
29/29
Corn Dog Twists
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will have as much fun making as they will eating these cute twists on hot dogs and buns! Set out bowls of relish, mustard and ketchup for dunkable fun. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn dog: 302 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
Hot Dog Recipes FAQ
What are some unique ways to use hot dogs?
Hot dogs can be used to create unique casseroles, skillet meals, kabobs and bite-sized party snacks. For dinner, slice the hot dogs and stir them into mac and cheese, baked beans, chili or fried rice to add salty richness and a savory boost. Or, make easy appetizers by wrapping them in crescent dough or bacon and baking until golden.
Can you grill hot dogs without a grill?
You can cook hot dogs without a grill using indoor methods like a grill pan, oven broiler or air fryer. Use a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat to create char marks indoors. For similar results, broil hot dogs on a foil-lined rack 4 to 5 inches from the heat, turning once for even browning. Air fryers also work well, crisping the skin and heating the center in minutes. Just follow the recommended air-fryer cooking times to avoid overcooking. Lightly scoring the casing and brushing with oil helps prevent splitting and adds color.
What are some unique toppings for hot dogs?
Creative hot dog toppings include pineapple salsa, kimchi, pulled pork, avocado and specialty sauces like curry ketchup or gochujang mayo. You can take a comfort-food route with caramelized onions and warm cheese sauce, or go bold with international flavors like pickled jalapeños and spicy mayo blends. For a tropical spin, try grilled pineapple with teriyaki glaze, or add barbecue flair with slaw and smoked meat.
