Give your hot dogs gourmet flair

Aug 12, 2009 2:01 PM by Diana De Cicco

Posted in Food & Recipes / Kitchen & Cooking Tips

Hot Dogs
Go Gourmet

One of the most classic of summer BBQ foods is the all-American hot dog. Grilled with mustard or ketchup is, of course, a delicious way to enjoy a dog, but sometimes you just want something a little more gourmet. Here are some simple tips and recipes to give your ordinary hot dogs upscale flair.

Gourmet Hot Dog

Tips for gourmet hot dogs

1. Set up a gourmet fixings bar

Instead of only having one or two topping options for your guests, set up a fixings bar with a variety of tasty choices. An array of shredded cheeses, marinated vegetables (like olives or artichokes), sun-dried tomatoes, hummus, bacon, or even fruits (like pineapple, pears, or apple chunks) all make extraordinary hot dog accompaniments. Don't forget the usual hot dog toppings, like mustard, ketchup, chili, sauerkraut and relish for those guests who crave a classic dog. These traditional toppings are also available as gourmet items; check out your local grocery store condiment aisle or head to the nearest gourmet food shop.

2. Try different dogs

Good old beef dogs are a classic, but turkey, chicken, pork, tofu, seafood, and even duck dogs are easy to acquire. With different types of hot dogs, you also get the yummy opportunity to be creative with your toppings. For instance, you can do a take on Duck a la Orange with a duck dog and a light orange sauce, or you can do a Thanksgiving turkey dog with cranberries, stuffing and gravy. You can even make your own homemade sausage and top accordingly.

3. Use A variety of buns

In place of the same potato or white hot dog buns, try a sesame seed bun, a French roll, or even a tortilla for a Mexican-style dog.

4. Get saucy

Flavorful sauces are a fun addition to hot dogs. Try a melted cheese sauce, salsa, guacamole, pesto, teriyaki or another type of sauce that complements the type of dog you're serving.

5. Go international

One of the easiest ways to create a gourmet hot dog is to have an international theme. Make an Asian dog and top with soy sauce, wasabi and crunchy noodles, or a French dog with brie and Dijon mustard. You can even do a delicious vegetarian tofu dog topped with diced apples and a warm cheddar cheese sauce.

Simply use your culinary imagination along with your hot dog cravings to create upscale hot dogs for a satisfying and impressive BBQ meal.