31 Must Try Hot Dog Side Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy hot dogs! Not only are they a quick and easy meal, but they are also perfect for picnics and barbecues. And don’t forget the side dishes!

There are endless possibilities for what you can serve alongside your hot dogs, but we have gathered a few of the favorite recipes.

Adding a delicious side dish to your hot dogs is a great way to mix things up and add some extra flavor with 31 must-try hot dog side dishes.

Whether you’re looking for something simple and classic or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got something for everyone.

So next time you’re firing up the grill, don’t forget to add one of these delicious side dishes to your menu!

Check out this table with some of the top Hot Dog Side Dishes you can prepare at home. 

Quick Table: Hot Dog Sides

Recipe	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Apple Sauce	68	45 Min
Bananas	176	8 Min
Beer-Braised Onions	90	35 Min
Black Olives	255	5 Min
Cranberries (Sauce)	100	11 Min
Figs	249	6 Hours
Guacamole	169	10 Min
Artichoke Hearts	164	10 Min
Macaroni and Cheese	642	1 Hour
Tortilla Chips and Salsa	129	1 Hour 20 Min
Uncooked Vegetables	196	20 Min
Zucchini	67	21 Min
Barbecue Sauce	43	15 Min
Onion Sauce	89	15 Min
Potato Chips	217	13 Min
Toasted Pretzels	323	1 Hour 10 Min
Pickles	11	1 Hour 10 Min
Watermelon Slush	49	3 Hours 15 Min
Chili	334	30 Min
Cheese	402	30 Min
Beans	138	2 Hours 3 Min
Shrimp and Corn Soup	628	40 Min
Black Eyed Pea Salad (Julia Reed)	174	15 Min
Sweet Potato Salad (Sara Moulton)	250	15 Min
Mushrooms	114	15 Min
Raw Beet Salad	191	10 Min
Green Onions	111	15 Min
Garlic Fries	135	30 Min
Bacon	275	20 Min
Tater Tots	46	1 Hour 40 Min
French Fries	219	1 Hour 20 Min

It’s not a good day when you can’t enjoy your favorite classic American hot dog. And that’s what makes these side dishes so exciting! They will turn any hot dog into something out of this world.

From mac and cheese to French fries, these recipes are guaranteed to be a hit on game day, in the backyard with friends, or anytime you want to enjoy some American-style goodness.

You can make them guilt-free! No more intense and unfortunate hot dog cravings afterward – just a nice full belly of deliciousness. These hot dog side dishes speaks for themselves.

1. Apple Sauce

Hot dogs and apples are a perfect match for many reasons, including the fact that both are firm enough to stand up to the grill’s high cooking temperatures. 

The tartness of apples is enhanced by the grill’s heat, creating a smoky, rich flavor that’s deliciously complemented by your hot dog.

Calories Per Serving: 68

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

2. Bananas (Fried)

If you’re looking to add a tropical feel to your hot dog meal, bananas are just what the doctor ordered. 

Bananas are also extremely high in fiber, which can help slow your meal’s digestion, allowing you to enjoy the tastes and flavors of each bite more fully.

Calories Per Serving: 176

Preparation Time: 8 Minutes

3. Beer-Braised Onions 

This sweet and savory combination of onions and beer will leave your taste buds begging for more. The caramelized onion flavor is complimented by the crispness of a slice of beer-braised red onion.

Calories Per Serving: 90

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

4. Black Olives

Black olives are a common addition to hot dog toppings and are also great on their own as a side dish. 

The rich smoky flavor of black olives is complemented by the sharp bite of a hot dog and will leave you feeling like you just ate a meal at an expensive restaurant.

Calories Per Serving: 255

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

5. Cranberries (Sauce)

Fresh cranberries are a classic hot dog topping that can be used to lend some tangy sweetness to your meal. 

The natural tartness of the berries complements the rich, smoky flavor that comes from the hot dog, making it the perfect snack. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C, which can help to keep your immune system healthy.

Calories Per Serving: 100

Preparation Time: 11 Minutes

6. Figs

Figs have a rich, complex flavor that is redolent with a fig tree scent which lends the fruit its name. 

Any time you use figs, it’s important to accompany them with some kind of acidic food to balance out the sweetness of the fruit.

Calories Per Serving: 249

Preparation Time: 6 Hours

7. Guacamole

If you’re used to eating guacamole with tortilla chips, now is the time to change your routine! 

Mix up your guacamole and try it with grilled hot dogs instead of tortilla chips! Sprinkle some diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce for a delicious southwestern meal!

Calories Per Serving: 169

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: Do Hot Dogs Go Bad? How Long Does It Take? Definitive Guide

8. Artichoke Hearts 

When it comes to a hot dog, artichoke hearts are a go-to side dish. It’s just a shame that some people don’t want to try them. 

If you’re worried about the choke factor, don’t be! The artichoke leaf causes chokes, but the heart itself is entirely safe to eat. Just slice it up into bite-sized pieces, and enjoy!

Calories Per Serving: 164

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

9. Macaroni And Cheese

The macaroni and cheese side dish is one that everyone can agree on. It’s standard in most cookbooks, but it will stand out on your table! 

Cook a box of macaroni according to the package instructions, and add some grated cheese to it once it’s done. Then, mash the entire mixture up with a fork to get this cheesy goodness all over your hot dog.

Calories Per Serving: 642

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

10. Tortilla Chips And Salsa

There’s nothing like chips and salsa to make for a great hot dog. Everyone loves these common hot dog side dishes, but only certain salsas compliment them. 

You can try out some new flavors by swapping out the tomatoes in your favorite salsa with some other types of vegetables.

Calories Per Serving: 129

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

11. Uncooked Vegetables

Uncooked vegetables are a great way to spice up your hot dog. Raw broccoli, cauliflower, and even carrots complement your dog while adding nutrients and fiber! 

Try using a vegetable that complements the meat in your hot dog, like raw red onion on a beef hot dog. The natural flavors will combine to make an excellent dish.

Calories Per Serving: 196

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

12. Zucchini

This vegetable is similar to eggplant when it comes to hot dog side dishes. Grilled, sliced zucchini will add a lot of flavors to your hot dog and is also very filling. 

You can use a veggie grill or an oven broiler to cook your slices! Its crispiness will make it stand out from other side dishes.

Calories Per Serving: 67

Preparation Time: 21 Minutes

13. Barbecue Sauce

As far as side dishes for hot dogs go, barbecue sauce has got to be the best. The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor of barbecue sauce tastes so right on a hot dog. 

Barbecue sauce goes well with many more foods than just dogs – it tastes great on fries and makes them taste even better!

Calories Per Serving: 43

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

14. Onion Sauce

Onions are an excellent option for side dishes for a hot dog. They add variety, crunch, and a bit of spice to a meal that’s probably pretty bland otherwise. 

You don’t have to go out and buy any special condiments either – just use some ketchup or table sauce, and you’re all set.

Calories Per Serving: 89

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

15. Potato Chips

Potato chips are another classic side dish for a hot dog that compliments hot dogs perfectly – the salty creaminess of potato chips pairs perfectly with the salty and savory taste of your favorite hot dog. 

The thin, crispy, and sometimes smoky taste of potato chips match so well with hot dogs that no one will ever be able to tell you which was the side dish and which was the main meal!

Calories Per Serving: 217

Preparation Time: 13 Minutes

16. Pretzels

Toasted pretzel sticks go well with hot dogs, and they’re versatile enough to be eaten as side dishes too. 

While they’re not quite as fun (or as delicious) as onion rings or French fries, the salty stickiness of the pretzels makes up for it. Toasting them in the oven is a fun way to make them more interesting.

Calories Per Serving: 323

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

17. Pickles

Because of their delicious tanginess, pickles are one of the best side dishes for a hot dog that you can eat. 

They’re also a great way to add texture and variety to the meal while still keeping things pretty simple.

Calories Per Serving: 11

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

18. Watermelon Slush

Watermelon is delicious and refreshing, but it’s also heavy. You could always just eat it as is, but making it into a side dish for a hot dog means that you can enjoy your delicious watermelon without having to feel guilty about overeating! 

The best thing about watermelon is the amazing sweetness that it possesses – nothing else matches the flavor or tastes quite remarkably like a slice of watermelon does. The perfect side dish for hot dogs!

Calories Per Serving: 49

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 15 Minutes

19. Chili

Nothing makes a dull, hot summer day more vibrant than a chili dog. Chili can be served on the side or even poured on top of your hot dog – either way, it is perfection!

If you are creative, you can go ahead and serve your chili hotdog on a pretzel bun. The results are magical. Yum!

Calories Per Serving: 334

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

20. Cheese

This may seem like an odd choice, but cheese is a great side dish for a hot dog. The gooey and doughy texture of cheese may not be the most appealing thing on its own, but it works excellently when paired with hot dogs. 

Whether you go for something like cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda, cheese pairs perfectly with hot dogs and makes them taste delicious.

Calories Per Serving: 402

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

21. Beans

Beans are a great option for some healthy side dishes for a hot dog. Most beans are filling and low in calories, making them the perfect thing to eat when you want something healthy – but don’t want to feel too full. 

Whether you go with a bowl of chili or a plate full of baked beans, beans are one of the most common side dishes for a hot dog that you can enjoy!

Calories Per Serving: 138

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 3 Minutes

22. Shrimp And Corn Soup

Shrimp and corn soup is a great side dish because it provides the much-needed crunch. That first taste of the texture of the shrimp with its hard shell mixed with the sweet yet spicy coating is blissful. 

It also boosts different flavors in your mouth all at once. You’ll notice how earthy and nutty corns become against salty, savory shrimp meat.

Calories Per Serving: 628

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

23. Black Eyed Pea Salad (Julia Reed)

Black Eyed Pea Salad (Julia Reed) is one of those unusual side dishes that most people would never guess they could serve with hot dogs. 

The food combinations are a little strange, but if you like peas, cornbread, or grits, you’ll love this recipe. It has the added benefit of being hearty enough for dinner as well.

Calories Per Serving: 174

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

24. Sweet Potato Salad (Sara Moulton)

It’s one of the most common side dishes with hot dogs, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as tasty as ever. The sweetness of the potatoes offset the spiciness of so many sausages and makes for a flavorful meal.

Calories Per Serving: 250

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

25. Mushrooms

Mushroom is another vegetable people are always hesitant to use to add another dimension to their hot dogs. 

They are flavorful and will give your dog a nice crunchy texture. If you have time, it’s also fun to learn how to make mushrooms at home!

Calories Per Serving: 114

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

26. Raw Beet Salad

Beet salad is one of the most popular snacks in the world. You can eat it with your hands, in a sandwich, or add it to your hot dog. 

It’s a great recipe to make at home if you have a lot of beets, as I do! They are so delicious that they make a great side dish by themselves, but they also taste good on top of hot dogs and burgers!

Calories Per Serving: 191

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

27. Green Onions

If you’re a fan of anything with a mild onion flavor, such as yogurt or French onion dip, then green onions are for you. 

They’re very mild in taste, so they pair well with any kind of meal for a light accent. If your hot dog is spicy, though, feel free to double this item! Just cut up two onions and double the amounts stated below for best results.

Calories Per Serving: 111

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

28. Garlic Fries

Garlic fries are a great side dish for your beast hot dog to munch on, especially if you’ve got that tingly, spicy feeling in your mouth. 

Cheese is optional if you’re into that kind of thing. The best part about garlic fries is that they are great with any type of hotdog.

Calories Per Serving: 135

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

RELATED: 31 Must Try Hot Dog Side Dishes

29. Bacon

Grab yourself a pack of bacon while you’re at the grocery store. You probably already have some sauce in the fridge, right?

All you have to do is fry some bacon in the pan, toss it on your beast hot dog, and voila, you’ve got yourself a new side dish for your beast hot dog!

The best part about this side dish is that it goes great with any hotdog.

Calories Per Serving: 275

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

30. Tater Tots

Tater tots are made for hot dogs. They are bite-sized, crispy potatoes that will make your mouth water. 

They go great with any kind of sauce; they’re fried, and they’re just overall delicious. If you don’t have tater tots at home, go out and buy some and add them to your beast hot dog!

Calories Per Serving: 46

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

31. French Fries

Never forget the fries. French fries are my favorite side dish of every meal and go great with any hotdog. 

The best thing about this side dish is that it’s hard to eat just one; they’re highly addicting! So, don’t forget to grab yourself some fries while you’re out buying your hotdogs and buns.

Calories Per Serving: 219

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

Frequenty Asked Questions

Are There Healthy Hot Dog Sides Choices?

Many people choose to have baked beans over French fries and asparagus spears in place of potato chips.

Red bell peppers and green bell peppers are also healthy options for your side dishes but may be a bit more difficult to come by than the items above.

How Many Calories Are In A Hot Dog?

For those who want to know this information, the answer is that it depends on what you get. A hot dog with just one condiment has about 240-300 calories.

If you add cheese or other toppings, the calorie count will increase. The same holds for any hot dog side dishes you eat with it as well.

What Are The Different Ways To Cook Hot Dogs?

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the best hot dog cooking methods in one place so you won’t have to search the web for them.

Step-by-step instructions are provided for roasting, microwave cooking, pan frying, boiling, slow cooking, grilling, air frying, and pressure cooking hot dogs.