Hot Dog Toppings 5 Ways

Turn up your next backyard cookout with these Hot Dog Toppings 5 Ways. Enjoy them individually, or combine these hot dog toppings in endlessly delicious variations. It only takes about an hour to make all 5 of these, and you can even prep these the day before if you like. Sure, the kids will only want ketchup on theirs, but the adults at the party will appreciate these hot dog toppings, and all you’ll have fun watching them mix and match them to suit their tastes.

Let’s be honest, folks. Grilling hot dogs is not that hard.

Once your fire is going, you just toss ’em on the grate and roll ’em around every once in a while until they start to swell up a bit.

Done.

No sweat, no mess, no problem. They’re easy to make for a big crowd, and kids are guaranteed to eat them. That’s why the simple hot dog remains a staple at backyard cookouts and campgrounds alike during the long and lazy summer months.

Although I prefer an all beef frank for its superior snap when bitten into and for its robust flavor, the hot dog is really just a vehicle for the toppings listed here, so don’t feel like you have to buy the most expensive hot dogs in the store, especially if you’re feeding a big crowd. Likewise with the bun.

The stars of this show are these amazing hot dog toppings, so let’s break them down, shall we?

Chili Dog Chili

Let’s start with the Chili Dog Chili. Because chili dogs are delicious. Leave out the beans and use a potato masher to break up the ground beef into tiny little bits. It will spread easier on your hot dog, which is important, because this is a thick chili. But you want it thick so it stays on your dog, and not on your shoe. Best enjoyed with a stripe of mustard.

Hot Kraut Relish

My wife loves sauerkraut. She used to have cravings for it when she was carrying the twins. And this dressed up version of Hot Kraut Relish makes the perfect partner for a kraut lover’s hot dog. With carrots and bell pepper for extra texture and that Worcestershire kick, this kraut is crazy good. Best enjoyed with a stripe of mustard.

Carrot Relish

I know what you’re thinking. Carrots? On a hot dog? But trust me. It’s got more crunch than pickle relish, but it’s just as sweet with the right amount of twang from the vinegar and cloves. And it looks good on a hot dog, too. Best enjoyed with a stripe of mustard.

Red Onion Sauce

I’ve never been to New York, but I came across a recipe for this Red Onion Sauce years ago and fell in love with it. I can’t speak to its authenticity, but I can tell you it is deliciously spicy, and unlike anything you have ever put on a hot dog before. Cinnamon, chili powder, ketchup and cayenne pepper bring these onions to the next level. Best enjoyed with a stripe of mustard.

Slaw Dog Slaw

Slaw Dog Cole Slaw comes together in minutes. Creamy and crunchy and full of flavor, it’s like dressing up your hot dog with a little bow tie. Classy and elegant and old school southern, this cole slaw will bring out your southern drawl, y’all. Best enjoyed with a stripe of mustard. (Pro Tip: Leftover cole slaw is great on a bologna sandwich.)

The best part is combining these hot dog toppings to make amazing Frankendogs. Why eat a chili dog, when you can have a chili slaw dog? Or a chili dog with red onion sauce? Or a kraut dog with carrot relish? Or a chili kraut slaw dog with carrot relish and red onion sauce (and a stripe of mustard)? Now that’s just crazy!

But any way you combine them, these Hot Dog Toppings 5 Ways are simple to prepare, easy to enjoy, and just the thing to set your party apart from the neighbor’s. Just don’t be surprised when they start asking you for the recipes!

Hot Dog Toppings 5 Ways

You certainly don't have to make all 5 toppings but I don't know why you wouldn't.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Course: dinner

Cuisine: american

Servings: 15 servings

Ingredients

Chili Dog Chili

• 3 T vegetable oil
• 2 lbs ground chuck
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 c . tomato paste
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 cup beef broth
• 5 T chili powder
• 6 T corn meal
• 2 t . sugar
• 2 t . salt
• 1 t . cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Saute onion and garlic in oil until golden.

Hot Kraut Relish

• 1 medium diced green bell pepper
• 2 cups undrained sauerkraut
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 T worcestershire
• 1/4 cup grated carrot

Carrot Relish

• 3 cups shredded carrot
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 t . whole cloves
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 t . salt

Red Onion Sauce

• 2 T vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions , chopped
• 1/2 t . cinnamon
• 1/2 t . chili powder
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 t . cayenne
• 1/2 t . salt
• 1/4 t . black pepper

Slaw Dog Cole Slaw

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• Pinch kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded cabbage

Instructions

Chili Dog Chili

• Saute onion and garlic in oil until golden. Add chili powder, sugar, and cumin. Stir for 1 minute then add in beef. Brown beef. Stir in remaining ingredients. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Use a potato masher and slightly mash the chili until nice and thick. Makes about 20 servings.
  

Hot Kraut Relish

• In a saucepan combine green pepper, water, worcestershire. Simmer, covered over medium heat , stir occasionally for 10 minutes. Add the carrot. Drain if needed .( if you are making this ahead of time, don’t drain. It makes it easier to heat up later. Drain before serving.) 
  

Carrot Relish

• Mix together carrot, pepper and onion in a bowl. In a saucepan, mix together remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and pour over veggies. Store overnight in the fridge, serve!
  

Red Onion Sauce

• Heat oil, add onions and cook until soft. Stir in cinnamon and chili power and cook for 1 minute. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook mixture for 10-15 minutes ot until thickened.
  

Slaw Dog Cole Slaw

• In a medium bowl whisk together all the ingredients except the cabbage. Fold the cabbage in to the mayo mixture until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  

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