These 8 Hot Dog Recipes Prove the Humble Frank Is a Culinary Rock Star
It's the ultimate blank canvas—a tube steak you paint with your dreams
Is there a food as glorious, and as gloriously American, as the hot dog? We might wonder at its contents, argue over the quality of its snap, but the hot dog’s fundamental appeal is its flexibility. It’s the ultimate blank canvas, ready to be topped with anything from the basics of ketchup and mustard to cheese, chili, kimchi, and more. It can be a quick weeknight meal, or the centerpiece of a summer mega-cookout. In some ways, the idea of even giving you “hot dog recipes” is ludicrous—it’s a hot dog! Cook it and put things on it! But here at Sunset, we’ve been covering hot dogs for a long time, so we’re going all the way. Feast your eyes—and then feast yourself.
Sonoran Hot Dogs
Laden with bacon, beans, grilled onions, tomatoes, and plenty of condiments, the Mexican hot dog has achieved cult status in the West, especially in Phoenix and Tucson. We came up with this recipe for when the craving hits.
Mini Corn Dogs with Cranberry Mustard
This fancy corndog has wine in the batter and the sauce. The Chardonnay in a brut blend pairs well with the corn and the mustard, while the Pinot Noir builds bridges to the hot dog and the cranberry in the dip.
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Baby Ballpark Dogs
Hot dogs are mandatory at any ball game, and these mini versions are beyond cute. Pâte à choux (the same dough used for cream puffs) is quick and easy to make, but you’ll need a little practice to pipe it neatly into hot dog bun shapes.
Cowboy Hot Dogs
With several toppings, including caramelized onions, bacon, and barbecue sauce, these can be customized for a range of diners, from those who like their dogs plain to those who want them fully loaded and hearty enough to fuel a day out on the range.
The Artisan Hot Dog
Everything about this dog is conscientiously crafted by independent producers, from the nitrate-free dogs to the naturally cultured small-batch kraut and artisan gouda cheese.
The Tech Billionaire Hot Dog
This is the kind of hot dog that a tech giant might crave, right after cashing in on the IPO: a luxury combo of Kobe beef dogs, creamy cheese, and buttery brioche buns.
The Surfer Hot Dog
A day of catching waves requires plenty of protein for sustenance, and with both meat and shrimp, this dog delivers. Slivered nori adds a little more ocean flavor.
