A staple of barbecues, sporting events, and fairgrounds the world over, hot dogs are one of life’s simple pleasures. That’s why they’re consistently among the best sellers at our food truck in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. The pillowy softness of the bun combines with the smokey saltiness of the sausage to create a match made in heaven. And if you thought hot dogs were lacking in versatility, we’re afraid you’ve been gravely mistaken. In this article, we’re going to walk you through ten of the best hot dog recipes you’ll ever come across. We will start with the classics before moving on to some controversial variations of the timeless hot dog. Without further ado, let’s dig in!
Good Food Guide: Best Hot Dog Recipes
According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, that’s a real thing), the term hot dog was first coined in 1906 when cartoonist Tad Dorgan drew a Daschund inside a frankfurter bun. He couldn’t spell ‘Daschund’, so he opted for the term ‘hot dog’ instead. Since then, the name has stuck, and hot dogs have continued to grow in popularity. Fast forward 119 years, and our caterers in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas have taken the humble hot dog to new heights. Keep reading to learn all about the delicious hot dogs we dish up all over the country.
- What Is A Hot Dog?
- Classic Hot Dog Recipes
- Vegetarian And Vegan Hot Dog Recipes
- Hot Dog Recipes With A Twist
What Is A Hot Dog?
Before we get stuck into these mouthwatering recipes, let’s get back to basics. What defines a hot dog? Traditionally, a hot dog is a single frankfurter between two buns – but where’s the fun in that? At The Rub BBQ, we think there’s so much more potential to hot dogs than just sausage and bread. So, in this article, we’ll be pushing the boundaries of what can be defined as a hot dog for your culinary inspiration. If you thought you had hot dogs figured out, think again!
Classic Hot Dog Recipes
Over the years, the hot dog has become one of the most iconic dishes in the USA. That is largely down to its simplicity. You don’t need to follow a complicated recipe to satisfy your hot dog cravings. That’s why we’re starting with a few simple, classic recipes that gave hot dogs their fantastic reputation.
The Plain Dog
A hot dog is only as good as the sausage that’s in it. Those are words that we live by at The Rub BBQ, and that’s what makes The Plain Dog so unbelievably good. Our enormous sausages are packed with 140g of the finest British pork and smoked over beech wood. Top it off with your choice of sauce and get it down you! While it may be called ‘The Plain Dog’, expect bucket-loads of smokey flavour.
The Drunken Dog
You’d be forgiven for thinking The Plain Dog couldn’t get any better, but just wait until you’ve tried The Drunken Dog. For a classic hot dog with onions, this is as good as it gets. We use the same jumbo British pork sausages that feature in The Plain Dog and top it with beer-braised onions. This extra layer takes the flavour up a notch and is sure to satisfy all of your cravings.
Chilli Dog
If you’re in the UK, you may have never come across a chilli dog before, but that’s about to change. This simple variation on a classic hot dog is super popular in the US, and for good reason, too! As you may have guessed, a chilli dog is a hot dog topped with chilli con carne. Messy and meaty, the chilli dog is a flavour experience like no other and is definitely worth a try. Check out this recipe from Chef Jack Ovens to give it a go for yourself:
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
Chicago may not have been where hot dogs were invented, but the Windy City has definitely made them their own. The iconic Chicago-style hot dog has become one of the city’s favourite dishes, but the residents are very particular about how it’s made. The first notable difference is the bun; it should be coated in poppy seeds and steamed but never toasted! Next, add your frankfurter, and alongside it, add chopped raw onion, a sliced dill pickle, pickled green peppers, tomatoes, and a sweet pickle relish. Finally, drizzle some mustard over the top, but steer clear of ketchup.
Vegetarian And Vegan Hot Dog Recipes
Hot dogs are for everyone, and a meat-free diet shouldn’t prevent anyone from enjoying their smokey goodness. Luckily, with so many fantastic meat alternatives available in today’s market, vegetarians and vegans have plenty of ways to make hot dogs work for them. Let’s take a look at a few of our favourites:
The Vegan Dog
If you’ve got food envy after we walked you through our famous meat-based hot dogs, it’s time to snap out of it. The Vegan Dog packs all the flavour of The Plain Dog and The Drunken Dog, minus the meat. Instead, we used a delicious smoked tofu sausage that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. We top it off with some fried onions before drizzling over your choice of sauce. You didn’t think we’d leave you out, did you?
Carrot Dogs
Before you close the tab in protest, hear us out. When prepared properly, carrots can take on all sorts of fantastic flavours and even act as a meat-free replacement for frankfurters. The key here is to put in plenty of work perfecting your carrots before you move forward with the rest of the hot dog. Trim your carrots, add them to a roasting pan, and toss with olive oil and salt. Next, whisk together vegetable broth, vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder and paprika. Pour this marinade over the carrots and let them sit for 30 minutes. Once 30 minutes have passed, stick them in the oven for 50 minutes at 220°C. When they’re ready, stick them in hot dog buns, add your favourite toppings and prepare to be surprised.
Check out the full recipe by Delish here: Carrot Hot Dogs
Loaded Vegan Hot Dogs
Meat-free doesn’t need to mean less flavour and loaded vegan hot dogs definitely don’t lack in that department. The great thing about loaded hot dogs is that they can basically be whatever you want them to be. Whether it’s shredded lettuce, vegan chilli or even baked beans, you’re free to stick whatever you want on top of your meatless frankfurter. At The Rub BBQ we offer plenty of sides like our Summer Slaw and BBQ Pit Beans that you can stick on top of The Vegan Dog if you please.
Take a look at this recipe by Vegan Yack Attack for some inspo: Vegan Loaded BBQ Dogs
Hot Dog Recipes With A Twist
These hot dog variations are sure to ruffle a few feathers but don’t knock them until you’ve tried them. They take inspiration from a range of global cuisines to mix up this timeless classic.
Croissant Dogs
Croissants are great, and so are sausages, so it’s no surprise croissant dogs work so well. By simply swapping out the hot dog buns for a plain, buttery croissant, you’re creating a completely new but equally delicious flavour experience. Think continental breakfast meets full English breakfast – it’s a match made in heaven!
Garlic Bread Hot Dogs
There are very few things that aren’t made better by garlic bread, and hot dogs are no exception. All you need to do is cover your hot dog bun with garlic butter before toasting it, and you’ll be introducing an entirely new dimension to your hot dogs. Get fancy and sprinkle some parmesan over the top before tucking in.
Pigs In A Quilt
The last hot dog recipe on this list might be the craziest of them all. Pigs In A Quilt is a supersized version of Pigs In Blankets, created by Delish. Spread some puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, cut into strands lengthwise, and line them up in a rectangle. Place a frankfurter in the middle of these strands and lift every other strip over the sausage. Place a second frankfurter next to the first, lift the alternating strips from the first one and lay over the second. Continue this process until you run out of pastry, sausages, or space. Brush the dough with egg wash, sprinkle with salt and stick in the oven at 190°C for 20 minutes.
No One Does Hot Dogs Like The Rub BBQ
By this point in the article, you should have worked up a serious appetite. Luckily, satisfying your cravings is what we do best at The Rub BBQ. Whether you can’t get hot dogs off your mind or you’re after an extra meaty burger, you can rely on our delicious selection of dishes to hit the spot. Check out our socials to find out where to get your next smoked food fix.