Skip to Content

What to Serve with Hot Dogs? 15 Delicious Side Dishes

Hot dogs are a classic dish that can be found in menus all across the world.

Not only are they easy to make, they’re also absolutely delicious and can be made into an impressive meal with just a few simple additions.

But what should you serve them with?

Never fear – this blog post is here to help!

Here we will look into 15 mouthwatering side dishes that pair perfectly with hot dogs for a tasty and satisfying feast.

From salads to chips, corn on the cob to French fries – get your appetite ready as you explore the best sides for your next hot dog dinner!

What to Serve with Hot Dogs? 15 Delicious Side Dishes

1. Corn on the Cob

There’s nothing quite like fresh corn on the cob in the summertime.

The sweet, crunchy kernels are irresistible.

Plus, corn is so versatile – it can be boiled, grilled, roasted, or even eaten raw.

Corn on the cob is best when it’s cooked quickly to preserve the sweetness of the kernels.

Boiling is the most common method, but grilling or roasting will give the corn a nice smoky flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even eat it raw – just make sure to remove the husk first.

To really elevate your corn on the cob game, try adding some butter and salt.

Or, for a more savory dish, top it with cheese or chili peppers.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to this simple side dish.

So get creative and enjoy.

2. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic summer dish that can be enjoyed at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.

This dish is usually made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, and a variety of other ingredients, such as celery, onions, pickles, and herbs.

The taste and texture of potato salad can vary depending on the ingredients used.

For example, if you use red potatoes, the salad will have a firmer texture.

If you use Yukon Gold potatoes, the salad will have a creamier texture.

The mayonnaise also plays a role in the taste and texture of the salad – if you use light mayonnaise, the salad will be lighter in both taste and texture.

There are many ways to elevate this classic dish.

One way is to add some protein, such as cooked bacon or shredded chicken.

Another way is to add some fresh vegetables, such as chopped tomatoes or cucumbers.

You could also add some fruit, such as raisins or diced apples.

And finally, you could add some crunch with chopped nuts or crumbled crackers.

No matter how you choose to Elevate your potato salad, it’s sure to be a hit.

3. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Do you love bacon? Do you love Brussels sprouts? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then this dish is for you.

This dish takes two of the best things in the world and combines them into one delicious side dish.

The taste and texture of this dish are out of this world.

The Brussels sprouts are cooked to perfection, and the bacon adds the perfect amount of salty flavor.

The best part about this dish is that it is so easy to make.

All you need is some bacon, Brussels sprouts, and a little bit of oil.

If you want to elevate this dish, there are a few things you can do.

First, try adding some chopped garlic to the mix.

Garlic goes great with both bacon and Brussels sprouts.

Another great way to elevate this dish is by adding some Parmesan cheese on top.

The cheese will add a nice creaminess to the dish that takes it over the top.

4. Watermelon Cucumber Salad

This dish is the perfect summer salad.

It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor.

The watermelon and cucumber are a great combination of sweet and savory, and the mint adds a nice touch of freshness.

This salad is also extremely easy to make.

Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, and you’re done.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate this dish, I suggest adding some feta cheese.

The salty flavor of the feta pairs perfectly with the watermelon and cucumber.

You could also add some chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.

5. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed all year round.

It’s the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic and can also be a hearty main course.

The best thing about pasta salad is that it can be made to suit any taste and can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.

When it comes to taste, pasta salad can be either mild or bold.

The key is to find a balance between the acidity of the dressing and the sweetness of the fruit or vegetables.

For a more bold flavor, try using a vinegar-based dressing, and for a more mild flavor, use an oil-based dressing.

You can also add different herbs and spices to give the salad more depth of flavor.

As for texture, pasta salad should have a bit of everything – crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and of course, the pasta itself.

The key is to not overcook the pasta so that it retains some bite.

If you’re using a long pasta like spaghetti or fusilli, you can also break it up into smaller pieces before adding it to the salad.

This will help ensure that each bite has a bit of everything in it.

If you want to elevate your pasta salad from being a side dish to being a main course, there are a few things you can do.

First, you can add in some protein – grilled chicken or shrimp would be great additions.

You can also bulk it up with some additional vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini.

And finally, if you’re looking for something truly indulgent, you could add in some fresh mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.

6. Macaroni and Cheese

There’s no denying that macaroni and cheese is classic comfort food.

The dish is simple yet so satisfying with its creamy cheese and carb-filled noodles.

While it may be tempting to just go for the boxed kind, making homemade mac and cheese is not as daunting as it may seem.

Plus, it tastes so much better.

When it comes to the cheese, use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for the best flavor.

As for pasta, elbow noodles are the most popular choice, but you can really use any type of short noodle.

Just make sure to cook them al dente, so they don’t get too mushy when mixed with the sauce.

To elevate your mac and cheese game, try adding in some diced ham or crumbled bacon.

You could also stir in some sauteed veggies like spinach or broccoli.

And for an extra cheesy kick, top it off with a layer of bread crumbs before baking.

7. Cole Slaw

Cole slaw is a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main courses, including hot dogs.

This dish is usually made with shredded cabbage and carrots, and it can be either creamy or vinegar-based.

Cole slaw is typically fairly mild in terms of taste and texture, but there are ways to elevate this dish to make it more interesting.

One way to add more flavor to cole slaw is to use a variety of different types of cabbage.

Shredded green cabbage is the most common type used in this dish, but you could also try red cabbage or napa cabbage for a different flavor profile.

You could also experiment with different dressings, such as adding a touch of sriracha to your mayonnaise-based dressing for a bit of spice.

In terms of texture, you could add some chopped nuts or seeds to your cole slaw for a bit of crunch.

Alternatively, you could add some diced fruit, such as apples or grapes, for a sweetness contrast.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices – a bit of dill or cumin can go a long way in elevating the flavor of this classic side dish.

8. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that can be enjoyed all year round.

The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the various textures of the fruits, makes for a delicious and satisfying salad.

There are a few things to keep in mind when making fruit salad so that it is elevated beyond just a simple mix of fruits.

First, consider the flavor profile you are going for.

Do you want a more tart salad with berries or a sweeter salad with stone fruits? Once you have decided on the overall flavor, you can then choose your fruits accordingly.

It is also important to think about texture when creating a fruit salad.

You want there to be a good mix of soft and crunchy fruits so that each bite is interesting.

For example, add in some grapes or berries for sweetness, along with some chopped-up apples or pears for crunch.

Finally, don’t forget to add a bit of something creamy or acidic to balance out the sweetness of the fruit.

This could be in the form of a dressing or even just some plain yogurt mixed in.

A touch of honey or lime juice can also go a long way in elevating the flavors of your fruit salad.

9. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the summertime.

There are so many different ways to grill vegetables, so you can really get creative with this dish.

The great thing about grilled vegetables is that they can be served as a side or main dish.

The taste and texture of grilled vegetables are really unique.

When you bite into a grilled vegetable, you get that smoky flavor that is really distinct.

The texture is also different from other cooking methods because the grilling process gives the vegetables a bit of a char.

This can make them slightly crunchy on the outside while still being soft on the inside.

There are lots of different ways to elevate this dish.

One way is to add some spice to the vegetables before grilling them.

This can be done by marinating the vegetables in spiced oil or using a dry rub.

Another way to make this dish more interesting is to use a variety of different vegetables.

Grilling sweetcorn, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers will give you a nice mix of colors, flavors, and textures.

10. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

The taste is savory, and the texture is crunchy, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

However, there are ways to elevate this dish and make it even more enjoyable.

One way to do this is by adding different toppings to the salad.

Some popular toppings include croutons, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and grilled chicken.

By adding these toppings, you can change the flavor and texture of the salad to suit your preferences.

Another way to make Caesar salad more enjoyable is by using a higher-quality dressing.

There are many store-bought dressings available, but they can often be bland and watery.

Making your own dressing from scratch is a great way to add more flavor to the salad.

11. Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms are a delicious and easy side dish that goes great with hot dogs.

The mushrooms are cooked in a pan with some oil and seasonings until they’re nice and browned.

They have a great savory flavor and a slightly chewy texture.

To elevate this dish, you can add some chopped garlic to the pan when you’re cooking the mushrooms.

This will give them an extra depth of flavor.

You can also sprinkle on some fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, before serving.

If you want to make the dish a little heartier, you can add some chopped bacon to the pan when you cook the mushrooms.

12. French Fries

Who doesn’t love French fries? They are crispy, salty, and absolutely delicious.

But did you know that there are ways to make them even better? Here are some tips on how to take your French fries to the next level.

First, let’s talk about taste.

French fries are traditionally seasoned with salt, but there are other ways to flavor them up.

Try sprinkling them with some garlic powder or Parmesan cheese.

You can also experiment with different dipping sauces.

ketchup is a classic, but why not try something new like BBQ sauce or ranch dressing?

Now let’s talk about texture.

The key to getting the perfect texture is all in the frying process.

Make sure that your oil is hot enough so that the fries don’t absorb too much of it.

This will result in greasy, soggy fries.

Also, be sure to fry them twice for extra crispiness.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings.

French fries are the perfect canvas for all sorts of delicious toppings.

Try adding some bacon bits or shredded cheese.

Or go for a more savory option and top them with grilled chicken or sauteed mushrooms.

13. Chili

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chili on a cold winter day.

This hearty dish is packed with flavor and texture and can be easily elevated with a few simple ingredients.

Chili is typically made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices.

The beef and beans provide a rich, meaty flavor, while the tomatoes add a touch of sweetness.

The spices give the chili its signature heat.

To elevate your chili, try adding some shredded cheese or sour cream on top.

You could also add chopped onions or green peppers for extra crunch.

For an even heartier dish, try serving the chili over a bed of rice.

14. Green Salad

A green salad is a staple dish that can be found on the table at nearly any gathering.

The dish is simple yet versatile and can be easily tailored to fit any event or taste.

While the basic ingredients of a green salad are lettuce and dressing, there are endless possibilities for elevating the dish.

The key to a great green salad is the balance of flavors and textures.

A variety of lettuces, greens, and herbs can be used to create a salad with different levels of sweetness, bitterness, and crunch.

For example, pairing bitter greens like arugula with sweet fruits like oranges or grapes can create a delicious contrast of flavors.

Adding nuts or cheese can add another level of texture and flavor to the salad.

There are also many ways to elevate the presentation of a green salad.

Using a mix of different colored lettuce or greens can make the salad more visually appealing.

Arranging the ingredients in a deliberate way, such as creating rows or patterns, can also make the salad more eye-catching.

Finally, adding a simple garnish like croutons or herbs can give the salad a finishing touch that will impress your guests.

15. Cheese Sticks

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to accompany your hot dogs, look no further than cheese sticks.

Cheese sticks are the perfect blend of salty and savory, and their crispy exterior pairs perfectly with a juicy hot dog.

Plus, they’re super easy to make – simply slice some cheese into sticks, bread them, and bake.

To elevate your cheese sticks, try using a variety of different cheeses.

A sharp cheddar will give them a nice bite, while a creamy mozzarella will add some gooeyness.

You could even mix in some Parmesan for extra flavor.

If you want to get really fancy, you could even stuff your cheese sticks with things like jalapenos or bacon bits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have looked at 15 delicious side dishes that go great with hot dogs.

From salads to fries to grilled vegetables, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

So the next time you have a hot dog, make sure to try one of these side dishes.

What to Serve with Hot Dogs? 15 Delicious Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Corn on the Cob
  • 2. Potato Salad
  • 3. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
  • 4. Watermelon Cucumber Salad
  • 5. Pasta Salad
  • 6. Macaroni and Cheese
  • 7. Cole Slaw
  • 8. Fruit Salad
  • 9. Grilled Vegetables
  • 10. Caesar Salad
  • 11. Sautéed Mushrooms
  • 12. French Fries
  • 13. Chili
  • 14. Green Salad
  • 15. Cheese Sticks

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!