What Sauces Go With Hot Dogs? A Tasty Guide!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Whether you’re planning a quick and easy dinner that you know the kids will love, or you’ve got a catering coming up and want to keep the entertaining simple but delicious, you really can’t go wrong with hot dogs! 

Having a selection of delicious sauces available is always a good idea, and in this guide, we’re going to take a look at the best pairings. 

From classic choices through to more creative options, there’s bound to be something here that you’ll love. 

What Sauces Go With Hot Dogs?

Some of the best sauces for hot dogs include mustard, ketchup, barbecue, and mayo. 

You might also want to try some regional specialities when it comes to your hot dogs sauces and garnishes. The Chicago style hot dog, for example, is famous for its mustard, onions, and bright green relish. 

If you’re in the mood for something a little more unusual, try honey mustard, blue cheese, or even a fruity mango salsa. 

Keep reading for more ideas and inspiration for making hot dog night a huge success… 

Classic Hot Dog Sauces

Let’s dive into some classic hot dog sauces that you can enjoy at your next barbeque or gathering. These sauces are sure to bring out the best flavours in your hot dogs and are easy to prepare.

Mustard

One of the most traditional and loved hot dog sauces is mustard. This tangy, slightly spicy condiment pairs perfectly with the savoury taste of a hot dog.

There are various types of mustards available, such as:

  • Yellow mustard: The most common type, with a mild and slightly sweet flavour.
  • Dijon mustard: A bit spicier and more intense than yellow mustard.
  • Whole grain mustard: Adds a nice texture and a robust flavour to your hot dog.

Make sure to experiment with different types of mustard to find your favourite!

Ketchup

Ketchup is another classic hot dog sauce, made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It adds a sweet and tangy flavour that complements the taste of the hot dog.

You can even try making your own homemade version by combining tomato sauce, vinegar, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Feel free to adjust the spices and sugar to your taste preferences.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is a great choice for adding a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavour to your hot dogs. You can choose from various types of BBQ sauces like:

  • Classic BBQ sauce: This sauce is tomato-based and has a balanced flavour profile.
  • Spicy BBQ sauce: For those who prefer a little heat, a spicy BBQ sauce will add an extra kick to your hot dog.
  • Honey BBQ sauce: This option adds a touch of sweetness to your hot dog, creating a delightful contrast with the savoury sausage.

Mayonnaise

For a creamy, rich experience, try adding mayonnaise to your hot dog.

While it may not be the most traditional option, it adds a delicious twist to your meal. You can use store-bought mayonnaise or make your own by whisking together egg yolk, oil, and lemon juice.

To enhance the flavour, you could also try mixing some garlic or herbs into your mayonnaise.

Regional Hot Dog Toppings

In this section, we’ll explore a variety of regional hot dog toppings, focusing on Chicago-style, New York-style, and Texas-style hot dogs. As you prepare your own hot dogs, you can use these regional styles as inspiration for creative and delicious toppings.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A true classic, the Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frankfurter nestled in a poppy seed bun. Here are the key toppings that complete this Windy City favourite:

  • Yellow mustard
  • Chopped white onions
  • Green relish (neon green if you want to stay authentic)
  • Tomato wedges
  • Pickled sport peppers
  • A dill pickle spear
  • A dash of celery salt

Remember, ketchup is a big no-no on a traditional Chicago-style hot dog. Stick to the toppings above for an authentic experience! 

New York-Style Hot Dog

Next up, we have the iconic New York-style hot dog. Perfect for those busy days in the Big Apple, these hot dogs are usually served from street vendors. To make a New York-style hot dog, start with an all-beef frankfurter and a soft bun. Add the following toppings:

  • Spicy brown mustard
  • Steamed onions
  • Sauerkraut

The combination of mustard, onions, and sauerkraut gives this hot dog its signature tangy and savoury flavour.

Texas-Style Hot Dog

Finally, we explore the hearty Texas-style hot dog, suitable for satisfying even the biggest appetite. A Texas-style hot dog often includes a larger, spicier sausage and a slightly toasted bun.

Essential toppings for this Lone Star favourite are:

  • Mustard
  • Chili (preferably a no-beans variety)
  • Diced onions
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Jalapeños (optional, for those who like it extra spicy)

A proper Texas-style hot dog is all about the balance between the spicy chili and the cool, crunchy onions. The mustard and cheese add extra flavour and texture to complete the masterpiece.

International Hot Dog Flavours

Mexican Hot Dog

Craving a fiesta in your mouth?

Try a Mexican hot dog to spice up your meal!

Start by spreading a generous layer of guacamole onto your bun, then add your cooked hot dog.

Top it off with a spoonful of fresh and zesty salsa, a sprinkle of chopped onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some refried beans and hot jalapeños for that extra kick?

German Hot Dog

For a taste of Oktoberfest, create a delicious German hot dog at home.

First, lay your hot dog in a perfectly toasted bun. Next, spread a good amount of tangy mustard on top of the sausage, as mustard is a traditional German condiment.

Then, add a generous helping of sauerkraut, which is finely sliced pickled cabbage.

To complete this German-inspired masterpiece, consider adding some crispy bacon or grilled onions for a depth of flavour.

Korean Hot Dog

If you’re a fan of bold and intense flavours, the Korean hot dog is a must-try.

Start by placing your hot dog in a steamed or soft bun.

Then, layer some spicy kimchi onto the sausage, which is a popular Korean fermented cabbage dish loaded with an array of flavours.

In addition, drizzle a bit of Korean gochujang sauce or mayonnaise mixed with a touch of sriracha to enhance the taste.

To finish off your Korean hot dog, garnish with some chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Sweet and Tangy Sauce Options

Honey Mustard

One delightful sauce to complement your hot dogs is a classic honey mustard sauce.

This sweet and tangy condiment pairs well with grilled hot dogs, providing a burst of flavour in each bite.

To make your own honey mustard sauce, simply mix together equal parts honey and mustard.

You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for some extra tanginess.

Be sure to taste it and adjust the honey or mustard ratio to your preference.

Blue Cheese Sauce

If you’re looking for a rich and creamy option, a blue cheese sauce is definitely worth considering.

It’s a great way to enhance the flavour of your hot dogs, especially if you enjoy the sharp taste of blue cheese.

To prepare this sauce, whisk together crumbled blue cheese with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and a touch of cider vinegar.

Mango Salsa

Last but certainly not least, adding a vibrant, tropical touch to your hot dogs is easy with a refreshing mango-avocado salsa.

This colourful, fruity combination works wonders in bringing out the flavours of your grilled hot dogs.

To make the salsa, simply dice ripe mangoes and avocados, then toss them with some finely chopped red onions, a squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

The result will be a delicious, tangy salsa that complements your hot dogs beautifully.

Creating Your Own Hot Dog Sauce

Texture and Consistency

To create the perfect hot dog sauce, start by considering the texture and consistency you want.

A sauce that is too thick might overpower the hot dog, while a thin sauce might not cling well to the bun.

Firstly, use a base such as olive oil or tomato sauce for the foundation of your hot dog sauce.

Adjust the thickness by adding more or less liquid, like water or vinegar. Tomato-based sauces often have a natural thickness, so be mindful of this when adjusting the consistency.

Spices and Seasonings

Now, let’s move on to spices and seasonings.

Aim for a balance of flavours that will accentuate the taste of your hot dog. Consider using onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika for a classic blend.

Other key ingredients you shouldn’t forget are salt and sugar, which help to elevate those other flavours.

Here’s a simple list of spices you can use:

  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Sugar

Feel free to experiment and modify the quantities of each spice to suit your preferences. Remember, moderation is key, especially when working with stronger spices like cayenne pepper.

Taste Tests and Adjustments

Finally, always conduct taste tests as you go along.

The secret to a perfect sauce is making adjustments based on your own taste and preferences. After incorporating your initial selection of spices and seasonings, taste the sauce and decide if additional tweaks are needed.

You may want to add more salt, sugar, or spices to achieve a richer flavour, but take it one step at a time to avoid overpowering your sauce.

Popular Sauce Alternatives

When it comes to enjoying hot dogs, you might be looking for some new and exciting sauce alternatives to top your juicy sausages. This section explores some tasty options that will take your barbecue experience to the next level.

Guacamole

Guacamole is a versatile and flavourful topping that can really elevate your hot dog.

Made from ripe avocados, tomatoes, onion, lime juice, and seasoning, this creamy sauce adds a delightful fresh and tangy twist to your sausage.

It’s perfect for those warm summer evenings when you’re grilling outdoors. Serve your hot dog alongside a generous dollop of guacamole and watch it disappear quickly!

Sauerkraut

If you’re a fan of tangy and crunchy toppings, sauerkraut is a great choice for your hot dog.

This fermented cabbage condiment pairs well with sausages, steak, and even barbecue dishes, providing a unique texture and contrast to the rich flavours of the meat.

To prepare sauerkraut for your hot dog, you can either use store-bought or homemade sauerkraut.

Simply drain it to remove any excess liquid and warm it up in a saucepan before spooning it onto your sausage. As an optional addition, you can enhance your sauerkraut-topped hot dog with a drizzle of spicy mustard or a few slices of crispy bacon.

Cheese Sauce

When it comes to a crowd-pleasing topping, it’s hard to beat a classic cheese sauce. Drizzling your hot dog with a warm, melted cheese sauce creates a mouth-watering, indulgent treat that will have your guests coming back for more.

There are various cheese sauces you can try on your hot dog, such as a sharp cheddar sauce, a smooth mozzarella sauce, or even a spicy nacho cheese sauce. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s silky and pourable so it covers your sausage evenly.

Remember to only prepare as much cheese sauce as you need (or a little more for any cheese enthusiasts) – it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm. You can serve it in a gravy boat or small bowl for easy dipping or drizzling.

Next time you plan on hosting a barbecue or cooking up some hot dogs, consider these delicious sauce alternatives to make your meal even more flavourful and unique. Happy grilling!