Amazing Hot Dog Toppings Ideas!

Ingredients

• 6hot dogs and buns
• 1 canStagg chilli
• to tastegrated cheese
• to tastecrushed Doritos
• to tastesliced jalapeños (optional)
• 6hot dogs and buns
• 1 small jarsauerkraut
• 1 smallwhite onion, finely diced
• to tastedill pickle spears or slices
• to tastemustard

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the hot dogs

   Prepare the hot dogs according to their instructions, using your preferred method: boiling, steaming or grilling. Meanwhile, heat the Stagg chilli in a small saucepan until hot.

2. 2

   Build chilli dogs

   Put a hot dog in each bun. Spoon over the hot chilli, add grated cheese, then finish with a handful of crushed Doritos and jalapeños if using.

3. 3

   Cook the hot dogs

   Prepare the hot dogs according to their instructions, boiling, steaming or grilling them.

4. 4

   Build sauerkraut dogs

   Put a hot dog in each bun and place a dill pickle spear or slices alongside it. Use a fork to add a generous layer of sauerkraut, then spoon over the diced onion and drizzle with mustard.

What are these hot dog toppings?

Hot dogs are a familiar American cookout and street-food staple: sausages served in soft buns and finished with toppings. This recipe offers two contrasting combinations rather than one fixed topping.

Chilli, cheese and crunchy crisps make the first version rich and savoury, while sauerkraut, pickle, onion and mustard give the second a sharp, tangy finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 430 calories, 17g protein, 43g carbs, 21g fat.

The bun supplies most of the carbohydrates, while the hot dog and cheese contribute much of the protein and fat; the chilli, crisps and condiments add further energy and sodium. Balance the plate with a salad or vegetables, and use a moderate amount of cheese, crisps and mustard.

Choosing the hot dogs and buns

Hot dogs: Use sausages that fit comfortably inside the buns, and cook them according to their packet directions. Grilling adds browned spots; boiling or steaming keeps them juicy without requiring a barbecue.

Buns: Split buns work best when they can hold the toppings without tearing. Warm them briefly if you like, but keep them soft enough to fold around the filling.

Getting the chilli topping right

Chilli: Heat it in a small saucepan until hot throughout, stirring as needed so it warms evenly. If it seems very loose, spoon it on carefully to avoid soaking the bun.

Crunch: Add the crushed Doritos just before serving so they keep their crisp texture. Grated cheese goes on over the chilli, where the warmth can soften it.

Balancing the sauerkraut toppings

Sauerkraut: Let excess liquid drain off before adding it; this helps the bun stay intact. A fork makes it easier to lift and portion the strands.

Pickle and onion: Set the pickle alongside the sausage as directed, then add the finely diced onion. Finish with mustard, adjusting the amount to suit how sharp you like the topping.

Serving for a cookout

Set out the toppings just before eating, especially the crushed crisps and sauerkraut, so the textures stay distinct. Guests can choose between the chilli dogs and the tangier sauerkraut version.

Serve with a simple side such as a green salad, corn on the cob or sliced vegetables. These add freshness alongside the salty, savoury toppings.

Recipe notes & tips

• Drain the sauerkraut well to keep the bun from becoming soggy.
• Crush the Doritos just before serving to preserve their crunch.
• Stir the chilli as it heats so it warms evenly.
• Keep the diced onion small so it distributes neatly over the sauerkraut.
• Offer jalapeños on the side if you’re serving people with different heat preferences.

Variations

• Extra heat: Add more sliced jalapeños to the chilli dogs.
• Different cheese: Use a cheese that melts easily over the hot chilli.
• More crunch: Crush the Doritos coarsely so some larger pieces remain.
• Sharper finish: Add extra pickle alongside the sauerkraut dog.
• Milder topping: Use less mustard and leave the jalapeños off.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Wet sauerkraut: Drain it before topping the bun so the bread stays firm.
• Cold chilli: Heat it until hot before spooning it onto the dogs.
• Soggy crisps: Add crushed Doritos at the last moment to retain their crunch.
• Overfilled buns: Add toppings in manageable layers so the hot dog is still easy to hold.
• Overcooked sausages: Follow the packet directions and remove them once heated through.

How to store

Store leftover hot dogs and toppings separately in covered containers in the fridge and use within 3 days. Reheat the sausages and chilli until hot, then assemble with fresh buns and toppings; keep crushed crisps separate until serving.

Frequently asked questions