20 Best Gourmet Hot Dogs You Need To Try

Forget everything you think you know about grilling because these gourmet hot dogs are out-of-this-world amazing.

Try them tonight, and you can thank me later.

Hot dogs are a beloved summertime snack that kids go nuts for.

But now that we’re all grown up, how about we take things up a notch?

And these hot dog upgrades are so much more than just swapping out the sauce.

I’m talking about chili dogs, bacon-wrapped hotdogs, and even an unconventional banh mi hot dog.

Yup, these gourmet hot dogs are show-stoppers! So let’s dive, shall we?

1. Air Fryer Hot Dogs 

I think it’s only proper to start off this list with a recipe for cooking a basic hot dog.

After all, none of these gourmet dishes will turn out any good without a perfectly cooked wiener!

There are several ways to cook a hot dog, but I think the Air Fryer is the number one method. – after grilling, of course.

With this amazing appliance, you’ll get dogs that are crisp on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. And without the need of any oil, at that!

2. Cheesy Mexican Gourmet Hot Dogs

Skip tacos this Tuesday and make these Mexican hot dogs instead. I’m telling you, you won’t regret it.

Topped with a salty and creamy cheese sauce, red onions, Serrano peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro, these babies burst with an explosion of Mexican flavors.

It doesn’t end there, though. Make things extra delicious with crumbled bacon and even more cheese.

3. Cheesy Hot Dog Taquitos

We’ll ditch the buns and ketchup for this next gourmet hot dog. Instead, we’ll stuff the sausage in a corn tortilla and top it with shredded cheese.

Then we’ll pop the whole thing in the Air Fryer and wait as the machine does its thing.

In just a few minutes, your taquitos are ready – toasty tortillas, melty cheese, and all!

Want to kick things up a notch? Smother them with guac, salsa, and sour cream. 

4. Air Fryer Corn Dogs

While I absolutely love hot dogs in buns, my heart calls out for corn dogs. These sweet and salty treats are both my weakness and source of strength.

And if you’re like me, these from-frozen corn dogs will be a lifesaver.

Thankfully, with the help of the Air Fryer, reheating them is a breeze!

5. Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs – 2 WAYS!

There’s something so exciting about wrapping things in bacon, don’t you agree? 

This recipe has instructions for cooking the dogs in the oven and the gas grill, so the choice is yours.

But here’s a non-negotiable element: be sure to top these bad boys with caramelized onions.

You’ll see they’re the perfect sweet contrast to the salty bacon and hot dogs.

6. Banh Mi Hot Dogs

These banh mi hot dogs are an absolute must-try if you consider yourself adventurous.

In case you’re not familiar, a banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made of a crusty bun filled with Asian ham, mayo, pickled vegetables, cilantro, chilies, and a sweet-spicy sauce. 

Imagine those wonderful Asian flavors but given a Western twist.

Basically, you’ll just top a regular hot dog with the usual things you’ll find in a banh mi.

In this case, that includes pickled carrots, jalapeños, cucumbers, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and Sriracha. Yum!

7. Chili Dog

Toasted buns, grilled (or Air-Fried) hot dogs, chili, and cheese – together, these simple things create scrumptious comfort food that always hits the spot.

Minimal effort, maximum flavor: that’s what I love about chili dogs.

They’re such an easy snack to whip up, but the end product is beyond rewarding.

Good thing it’s a cinch to make because it’s the kind of food you’ll crave again and again.

8. Nacho Hot Dogs

These hot dogs are overloaded with melty cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and a crunchy surprise!

If you enjoy dishes with a lot of textural contrasts, I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with these hot dogs.

The not-so-secret ingredient? Crushed up tortilla chips.

That distinct crunch they add makes these hot dogs purely irresistible. I like to use spicy chips for added heat!

9. Jalapeño Pretzel Dogs

This soft pretzel and hot dog hybrid is, without a doubt, my favorite.

I can’t get enough of the contrast between the crusty-chewy-tender pretzels and snappy, juicy hot dogs. Together, they make the most amazing bite.

Don’t worry; this recipe won’t ask you to make pretzels from scratch. All you’ll need here is refrigerated pizza dough.

10. French Onion Hot Dogs

These hot dogs are topped with caramelized onions, melted Gruyere cheese, and a mayo-mustard sauce… and I’m in love.

I seriously had no idea French onion soup could taste so epic in hot dog form. Though it makes sense when you list the ingredients!

I guess I know what I’ll be having for lunch and dinner for the next few days.

11. Ultimate Breakfast Hotdog

While they’re technically called breakfast hot dogs, I would gladly devour these any time, any day.

Topped with cheese, hash browns, chopped tomatoes, sunny-side-up egg, and bacon, they’re super filling.

And feel free to modify them to your liking. I think cheesy scrambled eggs would make a fun alternative topping.

12. Memphis Hot Dogs

Ever had a Memphis hot dog? No? Then get ready for a mind-blowing experience.

These are beef hot dogs wrapped in bacon, drizzled with BBQ sauce, and topped with cheese and green onions.

Hot dogs, cheese, and bacon, with a BBQ sauce kicker? You can’t go wrong with that!

Although, a drizzle of Kewpie mayo wouldn’t hurt, either!

13. Cuban Hot Dogs or Cubano Dogs

Colors, flavors, and textures all work in harmony to make the perfection that is the Cubano hot dog.

With add-ons like deli ham, thinly sliced red onion, a spear of dill pickle, Swiss cheese, and mustard, this gourmet hot dog has it all.

It’s a Cuban sandwich and hotdog mash-up that deserves a standing ovation.

14. Hawaiian Hot Dogs with Grilled Pineapple and Teriyaki Mayo

Bring together the flavors of Japan and Hawaii with this sweet and sticky concoction.

These hot dogs are topped with grilled pineapple and drizzled with teriyaki mayo. 

The pineapple gives a sweet and slightly tangy contrast to the savory hot dogs, while the teriyaki mayo provides a creamy and umami-rich flavor.

I think these are so fun and colorful, and they’ll definitely be on my next BBQ menu!

15. Classic Grilled Chicago Hot Dog

If you’re craving a classic, nothing beats a Chicago hot dog. 

Obviously, there’s nothing new about it. But what’s not to love about tried-and-true flavors? 

This classic combo of hot dog, pickle relish, tomatoes, onions, and mustard is a certified hit. 

And you know what they say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

16. Chipotle Chili Dogs

Who knew the fantastic chili dog could be raised to even higher heights?

These hot dogs are topped with a chipotle-infused chili, spicy sour cream, green onions, and tons of cheese.

They definitely pack a punch! But only try them if you can handle the heat.

17. New York Style Hot Dog

New York hot dogs are topped with onion sauce, sauerkraut, and spicy brown mustard.  

If you like salty and sour with a bit of spice, it’s the hot dog for you.

Besides the distinct flavor, I also look forward to the sauerkraut adding an element of crunch.

18. Tex-Mex Rancheros Hot Dogs

Shredded sharp cheddar, salsa, diced avocado, and black beans are piled on top of a hot dog for a colorful medley of Tex-Mex flavors.

Sprinkle the dog with fresh cilantro and a spritz of lime juice for the perfect finish.

19. Frito Pie Chili Dogs

Chili cheese dogs topped with Fritos for a crunchy twist? Yes, please!

Make them extra special with heaps of tomatoes, diced onion, and sour cream on top.

That’s what I call the ultimate Tex-Mex treat.

20. Philly Cheesesteak Dogs

Let’s end things with a loud bang, shall we?

These Philly cheesesteak dogs are so ridiculously amazing that they’ll make your taste buds go wild.

It goes bun – hot dog – steak – onions – peppers – cheese sauce. So it’s a Philly cheesesteak and a hot dog in one.

What a beautiful monstrosity.