48 Wild-Slash-Brilliant Ways To Cook & Eat Hot Dogs

Turns out, everyone's favorite diner sandwich—the BLT—is also perfect as a hot dog. Hot tip: To ensure the bacon stays wrapped while the dogs cook, secure ends with toothpicks. (Just remember to remove them before serving!)

Get the BLT Dogs recipe.

All about the hot dog, not the bun? Then let us introduce our new favorite low-carb hot dog option: a zucchini bun. We know, we know, but let us explain: grilling zucchini not only turns it smoky and delicious, but makes it soft enough to serve as a perfect vessel for your grilled hot dog.

Get the Zucchini Bun Hot Dogs recipe.

Our take on this Mexican-inspired hot dog is based off of versions made in Arizona that feature warm pinto beans, fresh jalapeño salsa, onion, tomato, mustard, and mayo. The split-top bun is essential to the look, but the hot dogs can be prepared on regular buns too; simply split the tops yourself and load 'em up!

Get the Sonoran Hot Dog recipe.

Yes, believe your eyes. You know we had to take pigs in a blanket to another level by weaving them with even more flaky, buttery crescent dough.

Get the Pigs in a Quilt recipe.

Chicago is as picky about hot dogs as New York is about pan pizza. The specific toppings are as important as the order in which they get layered. It's been "dragged through the garden," as the locals say, and we know you'll love it so very much.

Get the Chicago-Style Hot Dogs recipe.

We're here to tell you—Mac sauce isn't just for burgers anymore! It's just as good drizzled atop hot dogs (alongside all the other classic Big Mac ingredients, ofc).

Get the Big Mac Hot Dogs recipe.

This simple skewer twist is great for low-carb dieters, or anyone trying to integrate more veggies into their diet. The tangy BBQ glaze is killer too (so try it on your grilled chicken or burgers too).

Get the Campfire Hot Dog Skewers recipe.

Forget what you know about a ballpark hot dog, and elevate it with this simple ingredient swap. We love the richness of a charred hot dog inside of a flakey and buttery croissant. Top it with mustard, and it tastes just like a pig-in-a-blanket—it’s your favorite finger food turned life-size!

Get the Croissant Hot Dogs recipe.

These beer brats are inspired by the Italian-American classic combination of sausage, peppers, and onions. Though usually made on the stove, we love this grilled version for easy cleanup and a simple process. Don't have the right skillet? Make your dogs in a foil pack, à la our sausage & peppers foil packs.

Get the Grilled Beer Brats recipe.

The taco de Soto is a fried, crispy taco filled with sliced hot dog and cheese. While on the surface it seems humble enough, this taco has a cultural significance that is deeply personal for some; for others, it’s a snack with nostalgic memories attached.

Get the Hot Dog Tacos (Tacos De Soto) recipe.

To turn carrots into an incredible hot dog alternative, we marinate them in a smoky, umami-packed, and slightly sweet mixture that not only adds so much flavor to the carrots, but slightly softens them. After then roasting them in the oven, they become just tender enough to have the perfect bite nestled in hot dog buns.

Get the Carrot Hot Dogs recipe.

The traditional Cubano is a spin on a ham & cheese sandwich featuring lots of tangy pickles and mustard. Turns out, those flavors are AWESOME on a hot dog too!

Get the Hot Dog Cubans recipe.

With toppings like fries, puffed rice, and crushed ramen, and with a finishing sprinkling of sugar, South Korean corn dogs have become one of the most popular street foods in the world. Whether you're making corn dogs or just regular hot dogs, they're sure to be a topping inspiration.

Get the Korean Corn Dogs recipe.

There's something very classic about the crescent dough flavor in pigs in a blanket, so we tend to gravitate toward it, but puff pastry or even biscuit dough would work in this recipe too.

Get the Pigs In A Blanket recipe.

At this point, a beautiful charcuterie board is old news. We've tried our hand at a s'mores board for summer cookouts and a mini pie board for Thanksgiving, and now we've moved on to a new obsession: a hot dog board! Untraditional? Sure, but imagine all of the fun toppings you can include!

Get the How To Make A Hot Dog Board recipe.

Give it up to Disney for teaching us what our corn dogs have been missing—curry powder! Warning: Once you’ve tried this flavorful take, traditional corn dogs will be ruined for you.

Get the Curry Sausage Corn Dog recipe.

Half the fun of eating a hot dog is loading it up with all kinds of toppings, and this time we took a tropical approach. The pineapple salsa combats the spice from sriracha, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture, especially atop a sweet Hawaiian roll bun.

Get the Hawaiian Hot Dogs recipe.

We have to be honest, this meatless version might be better than meat-full chili dogs. Sure it's hard to replicate the snap of a true hot dog with plant-based ingredients, but this complex chili is world changing. We see chili mac, tamale pie, and plenty of chili fries in your future.

Get the Vegan Chili Dogs recipe.

Feeling fancy? These hot dogs are for you. Rather than top them with garlic, we're enveloping them in a toasty, crunchy baguette that becomes the perfect, garlic-bread-inspired bun. Dip them or drizzle them in marinara for the full Italian restaurant experience.

Get the Garlic Bread Hot Dogs recipe.

These cabbage wraps are everything you love about beer brats, sans bun! One of the best parts? We cook our onions in the same pan as our brats—one, for less dirty dishes, and two, because it creates the most melt-in-your-mouth-delicious caramelized onions EVER.

Get the Cabbage Wrap Brats recipe.