Hot dogs are a classic and relatively easy staple throughout the year but get ready to take an even bigger bite. When the heat hits and the grills get fired up, it’s hard not to crave this summer fave.
Mustard up the courage and ketchup on trends — here are some fun and interesting twists on a traditional hot dog platter.
Top Dog
Like salad bars, or even Bloody Mary bars, raise the bar with a hot dog toppings buffet. Get started by featuring plump Ridgecrest® Premium All-Beef Franks, then go wild with fan-favorite toppings! Summer classics include relish, chili, and cheese but indulge your wild side by offering extra flavor and texture with bacon, jalapeños, guacamole, pineapples, pimento cheese, or even pulled pork — the options are as endless as chasing the car down the street!
And if your restaurant has a specific concept or branding, offer items that are in alignment: pizza-inspired toppings or street corn dogs come to mind. To really ramp up the happy hour game, try offering your DIY hot dog bar paired with one of your refreshing draft beers at a discount or market mini dogs with specialty toppings for half off.
Globetrotter
For a limited time or special night, walk out new hot dogs inspired by cuisines from around the world. International dog examples include: German Currywurst, Japanese Yakisoba Pan, and a Mexican Sonoran Hot Dog. Currywurst is fried sausage cut up and served with a curry spiced ketchup. Yakisoba is a stir-fried noodle dish; add the noodles to a bun to create the hot dog-like meal popular in Japan. Lastly, you can wrap your hot dogs in bacon, grill them, and top with beans, onions, mayo, mustard, and salsa to create your take on the popular Sonoran.
Sea Dog
Inspired by the irresistible lobster roll, a meat substitution, like Performance in Motion® Panko Breaded Lobster Bites loaded atop a hot dog bun can add a higher-end variation for seafood lovers. The tenderness and rich flavor make an ideal substitute for beef or pork. These versatile bites are crafted with authentic Maine lobster claw and knuckle meat, and they’re coated in the satisfying crunch of panko breadcrumbs, perfect for nestling between a fluffy, grilled bun. Pair lobster-bite dogs with pickled onions, mayo, avocado, Sriracha, or lemon to accent the flavors of summer.
Fetch the Bun
Often, simple will do the trick, but if you’re looking to be adventurous, try experimenting with the bun. A different way to offer more options can be looking into gluten- and dairy-free buns. The popular pretzel bun will also give your dogs a little flavor boost with a pinch of saltiness.
Even try taking alternative bread types — sourdough, poppyseed, wheat, or brioche — for a walk. If you’re looking to make an even bolder, sweeter impression, try a waffle or pancake for a bun (did someone say brunch dogs?!). Naan, pita, cornbread, or croissants could also make playful and flavorful bun selections, and they may even fit your concept a little better than traditional options. Hot dogs are always here to please the crowds, and with a little doggone creativity, you can really get guests’ tails wagging this summer!
