17 Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Hot Dogs

Indulge in the quintessential American treat, hot dogs, for a satisfying savory experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or a fun-filled outdoor gathering, hot dogs are an ideal choice. We especially love serving them at picnics, barbecues, and Bonfire Nights, where their hearty appeal is sure to delight. While hot dogs are certainly filling on their own, they can be taken to the next level with a thoughtfully selected side dish.

Not only do these accompaniments amplify the flavors of your hot dog, but they also provide an opportunity to add some much-needed nutritional value to the meal. Without further ado, here are 17 mouth-watering side dishes that perfectly complement hot dogs and elevate the overall dining experience.

Potato Wedges

While fries are a classic favorite, potato wedges offer a healthier and equally satisfying alternative. Not only do they boast a similar flavor profile, but they’re also filling and easy to enjoy with your favorite hot dog or other savory dishes.

For cheese lovers, this phenomenal baked potato wedge recipe is sure to become an instant hit. With the pungent flavor of garlic and the richness of parmesan cheese, each bite is a masterclass in balance and texture.

The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, fluffy interior, making every morsel a delight.

Grilled Mushrooms

While not everyone may share a passion for mushrooms, those who do will likely be thrilled with this delectable side dish. By coating them in rich garlic butter and cooking until they reach a stunning golden brown, grilled mushrooms become an absolute indulgence. Not only is this a delightful treat for the taste buds, but it’s also a great low-carb option. The best part?

This recipe allows for customization, enabling you to add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to create an even more complex flavor profile. Simply skewer your mushrooms along with your choice of veggies and grill until golden and delicious.

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese, a classic party favorite, boasts an impressive range of compatibility with various dishes. One such pair is the humble hot dog, which gains a rich, cheesy flavor when combined. To take this comfort food to new heights, consider adding crispy bacon for a smoky depth that complements the creamy cheddar perfectly. The addition of onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder further enhances the recipe’s bold flavors, making it a true delight for cheese enthusiasts.

Fruit Salad

When it comes to pairing healthy additions with your hot dog, fruit salad is an excellent choice. However, it’s best served separately rather than alongside the savory hot dog. The sweetness of the fruit won’t complement the saltiness of the hot dog nicely.

Instead, consider enjoying the fruit salad as a refreshing treat after finishing your hot dog. This vibrant and delicious recipe is perfect for warm days and is packed with flavors from mangoes, blueberries, and strawberries.

To take it to the next level, add a touch of honey and lime-seasoned juice for an added layer of flavor.

Caramelized Onions and Bell Peppers

When paired with sausages, including hot dogs, the sweet and savory combination of caramelized onions and bell peppers is truly unbeatable. The process of caramelization not only enhances their natural flavors but also adds a depth of sweetness that complements the savory flavor of the sausages perfectly.

This recipe is a quick and easy winner, requiring just 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Its vibrant colors make it an appealing addition to any meal, and its simplicity ensures that even the busiest of cooks can fit it into their routine. With its bold flavors and pop of color, this side dish is sure to become a staple in your household.

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

While traditional salads are refreshing, coleslaw offers a creamy twist that’s perfect for spring and summer picnics. Its cooling effect is unmatched, making it a great way to beat the heat. The tangy flavor is also a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a change of pace from the usual coleslaw recipes, this red cabbage variety is a game-changer. Not only does it taste delectable and delightful, but its vibrant color adds an extra layer of visual appeal. Plus, the best part?

This recipe can be prepared in just one bowl, minimizing cleanup duties.

Pasta Salad

When it comes to pairing a side dish with hot dogs, pasta salad is another excellent option. While still a refreshing choice, this type of salad offers more excitement than a traditional green salad. We’re big fans of the indulgent Mediterranean-themed pasta salad, which gets its zesty flavor from a bright and citrusy lemon and herb dressing that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

With its medley of delectable vegetables and tangy feta cheese, this healthier option remains satisfyingly flavorful, making it an ideal choice for those who can’t resist the allure of cheese. The combination is so well-balanced that you’ll find yourself going back for seconds.

Cornbread

Authentic Southern cornbread is a beloved side dish that pairs perfectly with hot dogs. Its unique texture and mild flavor won’t overpower the savory taste of the hot dogs, but rather complement it harmoniously. This recipe for traditional cornbread boasts a subtle sweetness, courtesy of the addition of buttermilk, which also lends a buttery richness.

While serving hot dogs with cornbread can sometimes feel a bit dry, this issue is easily mitigated by adding some tangy sauces to bring everything together. Simply follow our easy-to-make recipe and enjoy the perfect pairing.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a match made in heaven for barbecues, effortlessly complementing a wide range of bread-based dishes. The key to this harmonious pairing lies in the way the bread absorbs the rich, succulent juices of the beans, creating a delightful culinary synergy. This synergy is particularly evident when paired with hot dogs, despite the potential messiness that can ensue.

In fact, baked beans have gained a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many Britons, where they’re often enjoyed as a tasty side dish. While convenience might tempt you to reach for canned baked beans, we highly recommend taking the extra time to prepare this scrumptious homemade recipe instead. The resulting flavor explosion is well worth the effort, thanks to the judicious use of paprika, oregano, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.

Onion Rings

Onion rings are an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main courses, including hot dogs. The pungent flavor of onions is perfectly balanced by their crispy texture, making them a delightful addition to any meal. While store-bought onion rings may be more convenient, the undeniable charm of homemade onion rings lies in their unparalleled taste.

The secret to achieving this delectable treat lies in the carefully crafted batter, which boasts an impressive depth of flavor thanks to the strategic inclusion of paprika. This subtle yet satisfying smokiness elevates the humble onion ring to new heights, making it a must-try for anyone seeking to elevate their culinary game.

Simple Salad

While many hot dog side dishes are often associated with unhealthy, high-sodium options, there’s no reason why they can’t be balanced out with a nutritious and delicious choice. One such option is a simple salad, which not only provides a much-needed respite from the richness of the hot dog but also offers a burst of green goodness that’s both enjoyable to eat and easy on the digestive system.

One of the best things about this everyday salad recipe is just how quickly it can be prepared – in as little as 15 minutes, you’ll have a fresh, healthy dish ready to go. And because it’s so straightforward to make, it’s perfect for those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

What’s more, this salad is incredibly portable, making it the ideal accompaniment to barbecues and picnics alike.

So whether you’re looking for a side dish that will cut through the richness of your hot dog or something to munch on while enjoying the great outdoors, a simple salad is the perfect choice.

Fries

When it comes to pairing with hot dogs, French fries are often the top contender. Their versatility and popularity make them a natural match. But did you know that making homemade French fries is easier than you think? With just three essential ingredients – potatoes, salt, and oil – you can create a delicious side dish that’s perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces, from classic tomato ketchup to something more adventurous. The best part?

This recipe is budget-friendly and won’t break the bank. Simply follow along and discover how simple it is to make mouth-watering French fries in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Corn On The Cob

When it comes to iconic side dishes, corn on the cob is a standout at barbecues and outdoor gatherings. Slathered in butter, it’s hard to resist the allure of perfectly grilled or roasted corn on the cob. This simplicity makes it an excellent accompaniment to hot dog sausages, as you can effortlessly grill both together. What’s more, this recipe for roasted corn on the cob requires only three ingredients and is remarkably easy to execute, even for those with limited cooking experience.

To take it to the next level, consider serving it with a pat of butter – the ultimate comfort food combination.

Vegetable Chips

For a delightful textural contrast to the softness of the hot dog, consider serving crunchy vegetable chips as a mouth-watering side dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – a variety of vegetables can be used, each offering a unique flavor profile.

Not only do these colorful chips add visual appeal to your meal, but they’re also a healthier option compared to many other side dishes.

With ingredients like beetroot, sweet potato, and zucchini, you can create a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that’s ready in just 15 minutes.

Chili Con Carne

Chili’s versatility extends beyond its typical role as a hot dog topping. When paired with other ingredients, it can elevate a meal to new heights. One such example is when it serves as a side dish, bringing a welcome burst of moisture to the table. Moreover, chili con carne brings an exciting depth of flavor to hot dogs, infusing them with a delightful spicy zing. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between heat and flavor, neither overpowering the senses nor leaving a lingering blandness.

The thoughtful addition of spices further enhances the overall taste experience. Furthermore, incorporating beer into the chili adds a layer of complexity that would be hard to replicate with other ingredients. By combining these elements, you’ll be rewarded with a truly satisfying culinary experience.

Asparagus

Elevate your hot dogs to a whole new level by pairing them with roasted asparagus – a match made in heaven! Not only does this vegetable offer a delightful contrast in textures, but it’s also packed with nutrients like vitamin E and C. And the best part? Asparagus is incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for picnics or quick weeknight meals.

But don’t worry if you’re concerned that asparagus might be a bit bland – our recipe will have you enjoying tender, flavorful spears in no time. Simply toss them with garlic and roast to perfection, and get ready to experience the ultimate hot dog accompaniment.

Final Thoughts

While hot dogs are undoubtedly tasty on their own, elevating this classic meal to new heights can be achieved by pairing it with one of the many scrumptious side dishes that complement its smoky flavor.

From sweet and tangy accompaniments to savory and satisfying options, there’s a multitude of choices to explore. So go ahead, experiment with these recipes, and discover the perfect harmony between hot dog and side dish that will become your new favorite combination!