35 Best Sides For Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are an absolute favorite at my house, and I’m always looking for the best sides to go with them. Here are the best sides for hot dogs to make your summer BBQ or family get-together even more enjoyable!
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What Are Hot Dogs?
Hot dogs are a type of sausage that consists of finely ground, seasoned pork, beef, or poultry. They’re usually served in a bun and topped with condiments like ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, pickles, and more.
Hot dogs can be boiled or grilled for added flavor. Savory hot dogs are super famous for backyard barbecues and potlucks, so let’s take a look at some sides that will make your hot dogs even better!
Best Side Dishes For Hot Dogs
Here are some of the best side dishes to pair with your favorite hot dogs. Enjoy!
1. Baked Beans
Nothing goes with hot dogs like baked beans! They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and savory to your meal. Try making homemade baked beans with bacon and onions for a delicious twist.
2. Potato Salad
A classic side dish, potato salad is easy to make and provides a creamy, crunchy compliment to your hot dogs. Serve a southern-style or classic potato salad, warm or chilled, depending on your preference! Try this potato salad recipe today!
3. Classic Coleslaw
This tangy side dish is a must-have for hot dog lovers. Coleslaw is light and crunchy, making it the perfect accompaniment for your hot dog feast. Try this tasty coleslaw recipe; it’s quick, easy, and keto-friendly!
4. Macaroni Pasta Salad
Macaroni salad: This tasty side dish adds color to your meal. Macaroni salad can be made with mayonnaise or lightened with olive oil and vinegar. This Macaroni pasta dish is super healthy and tasty!
5. Corn on the Cob
Nothing quite compares to the deliciousness of corn on the cob on a hot summer day! Grill some ears of corn, slather them in butter and sprinkle with salt for a tasty side dish that will pair greatly with your hot dogs.
Grilled corn is super easy to make, and serving fresh vegetables with hot dogs is excellent. If you plan to cook a lot of corn in minutes, try this buttery corn on the cob recipe.
6. Fruit Salad
Try making a fresh fruit salad for a sweet and tangy side dish. Cubed cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, and pineapple are all delicious sides for hot dogs.
Add some blueberries or strawberries for an even sweeter treat! Try this quick salad recipe to make Fruit Salad.
7. Chips & Dip
Potato chips and dip: Who doesn’t love chips and dip? They’re perfect sides for hot dogs, especially when you have a variety of dips to choose from. Try making homemade salsa or guacamole for an extra special treat!
These are just some delicious sides that make hot dogs even better. Want more easy side suggestions for your next hot dog cookout? Try these:
Easy Sides For Hot Dogs
Which of the following do you think would be a great appetizer or side dish for hot dogs?
8. Classic French Fries
French fries make the perfect combination when served with hot dogs. These crispy, salty treats are a staple at any backyard barbecue or sporting event. Whether you prefer regular fries, curly fries, or waffle fries, they’re all delicious when paired with a juicy hot dog.
Plus, French fries are quick and easy to prepare, so you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
9. Tomato Salad
A light and flavorful tomato salad to serve alongside hot dogs. This dish is made with fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. It’s a perfect mix of texture and flavor – the perfect complement to your favorite hot dogs.
The vibrant red of the tomatoes pairs nicely with the earthy herbs and sweet onion, giving you a unique dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
10. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic American comfort food that pairs perfectly with hot dogs. The creamy, cheesy goodness of the mac and cheese contrasts hot dogs’ savory and smoky flavor. Whether you prefer the homemade version or the boxed variety, this dish will surely please even the pickiest eaters.
Try this simple recipe of macaroni and cheese!
11. Grilled Veggies
As the summer day heat sets in, it’s time to fire up the grill and get those hot dogs sizzling. But why stop at just one type of grilled goodness? Pair your hot dogs with perfectly charred veggies for a healthy and delicious addition to your barbecue spread.
12. Baked Potato
Baked potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish to pair with hot dogs. They provide a hearty base that is both filling and satisfying. The best part? Baked potatoes are incredibly versatile, meaning you can add pretty much any toppings you like. Classic toppings like butter and sour cream are always a hit, but why not mix things up with some chives or bacon bits?
Get here the right recipe to prepare baked potatoes.
13. Onion Rings
You can take your love for hot dogs to the next level by pairing them with delicious onion rings. Not only do onion rings add a flavorful crunch to your meal, but they also complement the savory flavor of hot dogs in a delightful way. Plus, they’re easy to make right at home.
Read more about how to prepare onion rings!
14. Cucumber Salad
There’s nothing quite like a fresh cucumber salad to serve with hot dogs. This easy-to-make dish is light and refreshing, perfect for a summer feast or backyard cookout. The cucumbers are cut into thick slices, providing the perfect crunch contrast to your juicy hot dog.
15. Loaded Potatoes
Want to add some deliciousness to your hot dog meal? Look no further than loaded potatoes! These tasty spuds complement your savory hot dog piled high with all your favorite toppings.
Whether you prefer cheese and bacon or sour cream and chives, there’s no wrong way to load up your potatoes.
You can try this delicious recipe of loaded potatoes.
16. Cornbread
Cornbread is an ideal pairing for the smoky flavor of hot dogs, adding a subtle sweetness and additional texture to your grilled treats. It’s also quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy your feast more with friends and family.
Whether you prefer plain cornbread or jazzed up with added ingredients like jalapeño or cheese, it’s a versatile side dish with your taste buds singing.
Why not give a try to this easy recipe for cornbread?
17. Chili Con Carne
Why not add chili con carne to your grilled hot dogs and make super tasty chili dogs. This classic Tex-Mex dish is the perfect addition to any hot dog, adding a spicy and hearty component that your guests will love.
Learn more to make chili con carne for your next cookout.
18. Cheese Fondue
Serve something special for your next family dinner with this delicious combination of cheese fondue and hot dogs! Cheese fondue makes for a unique main course to surprise and delight.
The best part is it’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknight meals. Enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness of this cheesy treat with a hot dog twist — you won’t regret it!
Try making cheese fondue today!
19. Fried Red Onions
When it comes to hot dogs, there is something about the combination of the juicy sausage and the crispy bun that can’t be beaten. However, have you ever considered adding a little extra crunch to your dog?
That’s where the fried red onion comes in! Not only does it bring a satisfyingly crunchy texture to complement the softness of the hot dog, but it also adds a deliciously sweet and savory flavor.
More Side Dishes For Hot Dogs
20. Zucchini Fries
Make your next cookout a hit with delicious and creative zucchini fries! This side dish is an upgrade from the classic potato chips and gives your hot dog an irresistible crunch.
Plus, parmesan cheese adds an extra savory flavor, and when cooked in an air fryer, you can skip the messy frying method to eat healthily.
21. Sweet Potato Fries
There’s no denying that hot dogs and fries are a classic combination, but have you ever tried swapping out regular fries for sweet potato fries? Not only do they add a great pop color to your plate, but they’re also packed with more nutrients than your average spud.
Sweet potatoes contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. Plus, their slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the salty goodness of a hot dog.
22. Broccoli Salad
Are you tired of the same old potato chips and fries as a side dish for your hot dogs? Look no further than broccoli salad fries! Not only are they a delicious and unique alternative, but they also pack a nutritious punch.
Try this recipe and taste how delicious and satisfying these broccoli salad fries can be!
23. Hard Boiled Eggs
Have you considered adding extra protein with hard-boiled eggs when serving hot dogs? Not only do they add a fun twist to your traditional hot dog spread, but they also provide a protein-packed addition to your meal.
To step up your game, try this recipe for hard-boiled eggs.
Best Sauces To Serve With Hot Dogs
Your sides aren’t complete without the right sauces and condiments! Here are some of the best sauces to serve with humble hot dogs:
24. Ketchup
Hot dogs and ketchup go together like peanut butter and jelly. In fact, can you even imagine eating a hot dog without a generous squeeze of that tangy, tomato-y goodness?
Ketchup is the perfect condiment to enhance the flavor of your hot dog, providing a zesty kick to each bite that complements the juicy meat and fluffy bun.
25. Mustard
If you consider yourself a true hot dog lover, you know that mustard isn’t just a condiment but a key ingredient. It’s the tangy, slightly sweet taste that completes the entire experience.
Whether you prefer yellow, spicy brown, or Dijon mustard, it’s time to take your hot dog game to the next level.
26. Relish
Are you tired of just slathering ketchup and mustard on your hot dogs? Why not step up your game and add a delicious relish to your next hot dog? Not only will it provide a burst of flavor, but it also adds texture to the dish. This condiment is a must-try, whether a classic pickle relish or a more unique option like corn relish.
27. Hot Sauce
Hot dogs and hot sauce go hand in hand, making for a mouthwatering combination. The options are endless when choosing the perfect hot sauce to pair with your juicy hot dog.
For a classic kick, try a traditional Louisiana-style hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot.
Looking for something a bit more daring? Opt for a fiery habanero or scorpion pepper sauce.
And for those who crave a tangy, smoky flavor, a chipotle hot sauce is a perfect choice.
28. Barbecue Sauce
When serving hot dogs, barbecue sauce can be a game changer. Not only does barbecue sauce add an extra layer of sweetness and smokiness to the already delicious hot dog, but it’s also a versatile condiment that can be customized to your liking.
Whether you prefer a tangy Carolina-style sauce or a sweet and sticky Kansas City-style sauce, a barbecue sauce will take your hot dogs to the next level.
29. Mayonnaise
Many people reach for the classic condiments of ketchup and mustard for the hot dog. However, mayonnaise can be a delicious addition to your hot dog topping lineup with a tangy dressing. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor pair perfectly with the salty snap of a grilled or boiled hot dog.
More Toppings For Hot Dogs
30. Onions
Say hello to the perfect hot dog topping – onions! These little guys pack a punch for flavor and complement hot dogs like nothing else.
Whether you’re grilling up some franks for your family or enjoying a classic dog at the ballpark, onions are a must-have. Slice and pile them up for a satisfying crunch and zesty bite.
31. Pickles
Pickles are the unsung hero of hot dog condiments. They add a tangy flavor and a satisfying crunch to any frankfurter.
When selecting the perfect pickle to serve with hot dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind:
First, you want to choose a pickle that complements the flavor of the hot dog. For example, a dill pickle is a classic choice for a beef hot dog, while a bread and butter pickle pairs well with a chicken or turkey dog.
32. Cheddar Cheese
If you plan on firing up the grill for some hot dogs, don’t forget the cheddar cheese! This classic pairing brings out the best in both elements. The sharp and tangy flavor of cheddar perfectly complements the smoky and savory taste of a grilled hot dog.
33. Jalapenos
Jalapenos are a zesty addition to your hot dog game. These firecrackers are packed with flavor and heat, making them the perfect topping for those who crave a little extra kick. Whether grilling hot dogs for a backyard BBQ or whipping up a quick dinner at home, jalapenos can take your hot dog to the next level.
34. Sour Cream
Sour cream might not be the first condiment you think of when you’re topping off a hot dog, but trust us; it’s a game-changer. This tangy, creamy addition adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the salty bite of a hot dog.
35. Avocado
Are you looking for a delicious healthy topping for your hot dogs? Look no further than the versatile avocado! The creamy avocado adds a fun twist to your classic hot dog and packs a punch regarding health benefits. Avocado is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and provides a good source of fiber, vitamin K, and potassium.
Final Thoughts: Best Side Dishes To Serve With Hot Dogs
These sides for your hot dogs will take your next summer BBQ or picnic up a notch. Whether grilling hot dogs outdoors or cooking them on the stove, sides are essential for a complete meal.
No matter which sides you choose, hot dogs and sides make a tasty meal everyone can enjoy! Have fun picking sides for your next hot dog cookout – the possibilities are endless! Happy eating!
