Hotdogs were once a bang-for-the-buck snack that anyone can get at the streets, but now it’s been upgraded to a flavorful addition to any backyard barbecues, dinner parties, and hole-in-the-wall dining spots!
Changing up the ingredients beyond your usual ketchup and mustard sauce can turn the classic, low-brow dish into a favorite snack for all ages. From hot to haute, your hot dogs can get a gastronomic upgrade with the tips below:
Tip #1: Grill Your Hotdogs and Other Toppings
Smoked hotdogs add a more profound, rustic touch to the experience. You can add even more depth to the palette by grilling other toppings like onions, bacon, corn, sliced bell peppers, avocado, pineapple, and more.
This can create a robust and smoky experience in each bite, while the freshness of classic toppings like picked relish or even grilled fruits can add a bright tone to the dish to balance the flavors.
Tip #2: Freshen Up the Flavors Using Herbs and Vegetables
Chilli hotdogs will always have a special place in everyone’s hearts, but there’s nothing like biting into a fresh set of flavors that spice up eating hot dogs. If you’re in the mood for a lighter bite, why not add a Vietnamese-inspired twist to your dogs by adding shredded carrots, fresh mint leaves, and sliced cucumbers.
Best paired with soft buns, the combination creates an exciting meld of textures as you get a satisfying crunch from the toppings and dog. Add a spicy mayo to spice up the dish and add a deeper flavor to the bright ingredients.
Tip #3: Give Your Hot Dogs a Fruity Kick
While onions and bell peppers are a perennial favorite in hot dogs, adding a fruity kick to your dish can create an interesting blend of flavors. Top your dog with grilled peaches or watermelon, chopped jalapenos, and cilantro for the ultimate, summer-inspired snack.
The sweetness can enhance the smoky flavor, making each bite savory yet light due to the bright tones of the fruit toppings. Of course, the smoked hotdog itself with butter-toasted buns are there to bring it all together.
Tip #4: Go Beyond the Ketchup, Mustard, or Mayo Sauce by Using Yogurt
Ketchup, mustard, and mayo are the holy grail when it comes to classic sauces for hot dogs, but you can take on new flavors by experimenting with a creamy, yogurt sauce. This can add a delectable tang and deeper richness to every bite.
Of course, you can add shaved cabbage slaw to add some bite to contrast all the creaminess. If you’re going for deeper flavors, you can go for barbecue sauce or honey mustard to give your hot dogs a dynamic bite.
The Bottom Line
Hot dogs are becoming a delicious staple in every summer get-togethers, especially since you can transform the classic ketchup and mustard combo with a world of different dressings and flavors. To that end, the tips above prove that you can still teach old dogs some new tricks.
If you’re looking for one of the best hotdogs in Valparaiso, IN, get in touch with us at George’s Gyros Spot today and check out our delicious choices!