Hot dogs can be as simple as a cooked sausage in a bun. If you want more flavor, you can slather some mayo, ketchup, or mustard – maybe even all three! But when you really want to make the most out of your snack, condiments won’t cut it.
You need a whole assembly of toppings and side dishes to bring flavors, textures, and complexity. This article has got your back on that and can help you decide what to serve with hot dogs. It has 12 classic and tasty sides for hot dogs that you can make at home. Take your pick among the fried goodies, salads, and other delicious recipes.
1. Chili
With chili starting the list, you and your hot dogs are in for a decadent treat. This savory bean and meat dish is excellent on the side, but many love to pour this right on top of the hot dog. Such allows the spicy, savory, meaty, and tangy flavors to mingle and mix. Then, when you bite into the bun, all those tastes ooze into your mouth, blowing you away!
2. Carrot Chips
Potatoes are classic, but they aren’t the only type of chips. There are other exciting and, more importantly, healthier options, like zucchini, broccoli, and these carrot chips! They’re light, healthy, and crunchy and don’t need much time or ingredients to make them. Within thirty minutes and some sliced carrots, oil salt, and seasonings, you can eat a crispy and light treat with hot dogs and other snacks!
3. Waffle Fries
If you want to switch up from the usual potato fries, you can use zucchini, sweet potato, turnip, or polenta as the main ingredient. They’d be great with hot dogs, like the classic! But if you prefer sticking to potatoes and just getting a new look, these waffle fries are what you need. They hit that sweet spot: not too thick or too thin, and the right tenderness and crispness.
4. Fried Dill Pickles
Dill pickles from the fridge or jar are usually used as a topping or side dish for hot dogs. They’re even non-negotiable for Chicago-style hot dogs. However, there are other ways you can serve them. For instance, be slightly extra and make these tangy and crunchy fired dill pickles famous in the south. They take only five minutes to make, so they’re perfect for those in a rush.
5. Fresh Pineapple Relish
If you want your hot dog to exude fresh juices and flavors, serve it with this fresh pineapple relish. They’re a tropical dessert made with pineapple, ginger, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion, scallions, and other delicious ingredients. It’s reminiscent of salsa, which is a great alternative too! Instead of serving on the side, use this relish or salsa as a hot dog topping.
6. Quick Pickled Carrots and Daikon
Take your hot dogs and taste buds from the tropics to Asia by serving them with pickled carrots and daikon. Julienned carrots and daikon are pickled in white vinegar, rice vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. These pickled veggies are usually used for banh mi, but many love them with their hot dogs. They contribute fresh, crisp, and sour flavors, as well as hints of sweetness, spiciness, saltiness, and savoriness.
7. Sauerkraut
Cabbage as a hot dog pairing is versatile. You can use freshly sliced strips as a topping. Meanwhile, many love it as a coleslaw side dish. The last but also classic route is to ferment it with kosher salt and juniper berries to make homemade sauerkraut. The latter provides the most exciting textures and flavors, so you must try topping your hot dogs with it, even just for once!
8. Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions aren’t just for French onion soups or roast beef sandwiches. They make an incredible side or topping for your hot dogs as the dish’s sweet flavors and tender textures melt on your tongue. But before you set out to make these, know that they take time and effort to make – at least an hour. However, there are alternatives, like crisp and crunchy onion rings.
9. Marinated Roasted Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are often used as a fresh ingredient, so their flavors are usually subtle. But when you roast and marinate them as this recipe does, your mind will be blown away by the intense and rich taste profile. Such depth is achieved by layering many flavors, like the sweetness of the bell peppers, the herbiness of the parsley, and the savoriness of the garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
10. Creamed Corn
Many corn dishes, like grilled cob, salad, and Mexican-style, are highly recommended with hot dogs. This creamed corn is also part of that list, but it stands out for its luscious, juicy, and sweet flavors. You’ll also love its versatility – you can make it with fresh or frozen corn or use it as a topping or side dish. Plus, you can eat it with other dishes besides hot dogs.
11. Avocado Corn Salad
Avocados, corn, and tomatoes are individually recommended with hot dogs. Their derivative dishes, like guacamole, elote, and salsa, are also excellent suggestions! Thus, if you want the perfect side dish for your hot dogs, nothing else could be better than avocado corn salad. It has all the best hot dog toppings and sides on one plate. Moreover, it doesn’t even take more than 30 minutes to make!
12. Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber
Hot dogs are usually enjoyed under the hot summer sun; thus, it’s fantastic with cold salads, like fruit, macaroni, or watermelon. Each has pros and cons, but the watermelon salad is perfect for fans of juicy and cool flavors. It has watermelons, cucumbers, and mint leaves, which primarily contribute to that taste profile. Besides those three, there are feta cheese, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper for savoriness.
