Gourmet Hot Dogs

How to create the ultimate Gourmet Hot Dogs with all of the delicious hot dog toppings. You can create famous hot dogs such as Chicago Dogs, Chili Dogs, and even BBQ Bacon Dogs. Tips on how to turn an ordinary hot dog into the most flavorful hot dog you will ever eat!

It is officially hot dog season! It is warming up and this means that it is time to fire up the grill. It is so much fun to throw a Gourmet Hot Dog party where you grill up all-beef hot dogs and have a hot dog toppings bar where your guests can customize their favorite hot dog. Some of the most popular hot dog combinations are the famous Chili Dog, the Chicago Dog, and the Bacon Dog. 

You won't want to eat a plain 'ol hot dog ever again! You are going to love these Gourmet Hot Dogs!

Tips for making the best hot dogs:

1. Choose a high-quality hot dog. This is the star ingredient so you want to go with the best tasting and highest-quality hot dog. Here are some of the most popular, highest-rated hot dog brands -- Nathan's Angus Beef Hot Dogs, Costco Beef Hot Dogs, Trader Joe's Organic Hot Dogs, Hebrew National All-Beef Dogs, and Applegate Farms Hot Dogs.
2. Grill the Hot Dogs! This is where you really bring out the flavor of the hot dog. The grilling gives the exterior the perfect amount of grilled, charred, smoky flavor. It helps to seal the juices in the dog so you get a super juicy hot dog.
3. Choose the right type of Hot Dog Bun. If at all possible, skip the 99-cent generic brand and go for the bun that will hold up to the hot dog and toppings. My go-to hot dog bun is from Trader Joe's as they cut out the top of the hot dog bun so there are no hot dogs slipping out of their buns! Warm or steam the hot dog buns so they are nice and warm, which will make them soft.
4. Bring on the Hot Dog Toppings! This is where you can really elevate a classic hot dog and make it even more gourmet. Find inspiration below with a list of hot dog toppings ideas.

CHICAGO HOT DOG INGREDIENTS:

• Yellow Mustard
• Chopped White Onions
• Sweet Pickle Relish
• Tomato Slices 
• Pickled Sport Peppers 
• Dill Pickle Spear
• Dash of Celery Salt
• All-Beef Hot Dog
• Poppyseed Bun

If you can't find sport peppers at your local grocery store, you can use pepperoncinis, pickled jalapenos, or Mezzetta hot chili peppers.

TEXAS CHILI CHEESE HOT DOG INGREDIENTS:

• Homemade Chili
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Diced White Onion
• All-Beef Hot Dog
• Soft Hot Dog Bun

The key to making the best chili dog is to make a killer homemade chili. I love to make a beef and bean chili because it is hearty and the perfect accompaniment to a hot dog. I like to use medium cheddar cheese to give it a touch of sharpness and flavor. The white onion gives it some crunch and freshness.

MEMPHIS COWBOY BBQ BACON HOT DOG INGREDIENTS:

• Crispy Bacon
• BBQ Sauce
• Diced White Onion
• All-Beef Hot Dog
• Soft Hot Dog Bun

ALL-AMERICAN HOT DOG INGREDIENTS:

• Mustard 
• Sweet Pickle Relish
• Diced White Onions
• Ketchup
• All-Beef Hot Dog
• Steamed Hot Dog Bun

This is your classic ballpark hot dog. It is up to much debate whether or not you add ketchup to this classic hot dog. Some hot dog purists believe you only need mustard and some hot dog fanatics can't imagine eating a hot dog without ketchup. Where are you on this debate? Are you a ketchup on hot dogs fan?

PHILLY HOT DOG:

• American Cheese Slices
• Sauteed Peppers
• Sauteed Onions
• All-Beef Hot Dog
• Soft Hot Dog Bun

CUBAN HOT DOG:

• Ham
• Swiss Cheese
• Yellow Mustard
• Pickles
• All-Beef Hot Dog
• Soft Hot Dog Bun

ARIZONA HOT DOG:

• Pickled Jalapenos
• Pepper Jack Cheese
• Pico de Gallo
• Caramelized Onions (optional)
• All-Beef Hot Dog
• Soft Hot Dog Bun

GERMAN HOT DOG:

• Sauerkraut
• Pickle Relish
• White Onion
• Ground Mustard
• All-Beef Hot Dog or Polish Sausage
• Soft Hot Dog Bun

Gourmet hot Dog Toppings Ideas:

• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Sweet Pickle Relish
• Chopped Onions
• Caramelized Onions
• Sauteed Peppers
• Pickle Spear
• Pickled Jalapenos
• Pickled Peppers
• Crispy Bacon
• BBQ Sauce
• Beef Chili
• Sauerkraut
• Chopped Tomatoes or Wedges

Here is a classic Chicago Hot Dog at the famous Bean in downtown Chicago. I was there for only one night for a Nestle Give Back Event and I knew that I had to eat the famous Chicago Dog. I ran all the way from my hotel to the Bean just to eat it in Chicago and barely got to the airport in time but it was definitely worth it!