Cookout Party Series: Hot Dog Toppings Bar

National Hot Dog Month

July is National Hot Dog Month! Celebrate by hosting a summer cookout party with a DIY Hot Dog Toppings Bar. The set-up is simple: just arrange a buffet station with a variety of hot dogs and sausages, buns, spreads, toppings, and other fixings. Make sure to include labels for each category and item so people know what they are selecting.

Then let everyone serve themselves by choosing their favorite topping combinations. You’ll have a great time comparing different mix-and-match recipes to see which you like best.

Make your party extra fun with these ideas:

• Add some signage to your table with a few example hot dog recipes for those guests who aren’t feeling very creative.
• Have a contest to see who can come up with the most unique recipe name and topping combination.
• Pick a theme for your party like “All-American” or “Around the World,” then come up with hot dog recipes that best depict different U.S. regions or international cuisines.

For more cookout themes and ideas, head over to our Ultimate Cookout Party resource page. You can also download our FREE Printables including the ingredient labels and table cards pictured here, plus a party shopping list and checklist.

Creative Condiments: Hot Dog Bar Toppings

Here are some creative topping ideas for your DIY Build-Your-Own Hot Dog Bar. This list is by no means all-encompassing—put your own spin on it by adding your own wacky and unique ingredient ideas!

The Meats

• All Beef Hot Dogs
• Bratwursts
• Sausages

The Cheeses

• Monterrey Jack
• Nacho Cheese
• 4 Cheese Blend
• Cheddar
• American
• Pepper Jack
• Blue Cheese Crumbles

The Fruits & Veggies

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes, diced or quartered
• Onions, diced
• Jalapenos, sliced
• Sport peppers/ pepperoncini/ banana peppers
• Pickles
• Pineapple, diced

The Toppings

• Sauerkraut
• Bacon
• Chili
• Cole slaw
• Potato Chips, crumbled
• Mac & Cheese, prepared

The Sauces

• Ketchup
• Mustard (yellow, Dijon, whole grain)
• Mayo
• BBQ sauce
• Relish
• Salsa
• Buffalo Sauce
• Sriracha
• Steak Sauce
• Dressing (ranch, thousand island, etc.)

The Rolls

• Martin’s Long Potato Rolls
• Martin’s Hoagie Rolls

Dress Up Your Dogs: Recipe Ideas

You can always stick with the classics—a simple hot dog with ketchup or mustard, but don’t be afraid to try crazy combinations; you really can’t go wrong. Note: It might be a good idea to select your favorite hot dogs or any “featured” recipes before shopping so you can make sure you have all the ingredients you need.

Bonus: Check out our Facebook page or click here to download our limited edition recipe PDF titled: 5 Exclusive Hot Dog Recipes Your Friends and Family Will Love!

Here are a few fun recipes to get you started:

Chili-Cheese Dog

Hot dog with chili, nacho cheese, and 4-cheese blend on Martin’s Long Potato Rolls. Add diced onions for a bit of crunch!

Spicy Bratwurst

Bratwurst with sauerkraut and whole grain mustard on Martin’s Long Potato Rolls.

Chicago Dog

Hot dog with yellow mustard, diced onions, sweet relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, and sport peppers, on buttered and poppy seed-covered Martin’s Long Potato Rolls.

Mac & Cheese Dog

Hot dog topped with gooey mac and cheese: based on “Ditch Dogs” from Chef Marc Murphy of Ditch Plains.

Or—try some of these ideas:

• Taco Dog – Hot dog with ground beef or chili, salsa, monterrey jack cheese, jalapenos, diced tomato, and lettuce, on Martin’s Long Potato Rolls.
• Reuben Dog – Sausage with sauerkraut or coleslaw, thousand island dressing and Swiss cheese, on Martin’s Hoagie Rolls.
• Veggie Dog – Hot dog (or substitute veggie dogs for a vegetarian option) with thin-sliced cucumber, tomato, radish, onion, and dill, on Martin’s Long Potato Rolls.

Check out our full archive of hot dog recipes here: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/?dish-type=hot-dogs.