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Updated 2024.
Make a hot dog toppings bar for your next barbecue! This Build-Your-Own Hot Dog Charcuterie Board has all the best fixin’s, plus some new ideas, like the cutest little pickle buns you ever did see! All you have to do is set out the toppings, grill the hot dogs, and let your guests choose their own adventure.
Family gatherings can be hectic and cooking a big meal can take hours. If you didn’t guess, my favorite hack for entertaining a crowd is putting my guests to work by offering easy, customizable meals. For more boards like this, try my Bratwurst Toppings Bar, Build Your Own Grilled Cheese Board, Build Your Own Burger Bar, and Taco Bar Party.
>>> Jump to RecipeQuick Hot Dog Facts
Hot dogs are synonymous with summer grilling, sporting events, and the easy feeling of summer.
- Mustard is the most popular topping for hot dogs, followed by ketchup as a close second.
- On the 4th of July, it’s estimated that Americans consume 150 million hot dogs.
- The origin of where hot dogs started is a complete mystery—but it’s likely tied to their cousin the sausage.
- It’s considered improper to eat a hot dog with utensils. Hands only!
- New Yorkers eat more hot dogs than any other city in the US.
Hot Dog Buying Guide
If you don’t know, there are two main types of dogs: pork and beef. Nowadays there are also poultry-based options! But when it comes to classic hot dogs, I swear by beef! Some other things to consider, that you might find on labels:
- Length: Look for “bun-length”! Hot dog buns are usually 5-6 inches long, whereas a lot of hot dogs are shorter than 5 inches! So, bun-length are longer and meant to actually fill the bun so you get hot dog in every bite.
- Nitrites: Whenever you see a hot dog with nitrites, it’s because the meat was cured using synthetic chemicals. Curing helps preserve the meat, and nitrites aren’t problematic on their own (they are in a lot of food we eat!). That said, when they are exposed to high heat, like a grill, they can turn nitrosamines, which have been found to be potent carcinogens.
- All-natural or uncured: Natural hot dogs can’t use synthetic material during the curing process, so they typically rely on naturally occurring nitrites, like celery powder.
See these reviews of favorite hot dog brands!
How to Cook Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are one of those super forgiving meats that you really can’t mess up. Some people even cook them in the microwave (do NOT try this with any poultry-based dogs!). For the best flavor, here are some classic cooking methods:
- Grilled: This is my preferred method! Heat the grill to medium. Place hot dogs on the grill perpendicular to the grates. Cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred in spots, 5-7 minutes.
- Boiled: Bring a large pot of water to a boil (there should be enough water to cover all the dogs!). Add the hot dogs one at a time. Reduce the heat to the low and cook for 3-6 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Oven-roasted: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Roast hot dogs until browned and crispy, 10 – 15 minutes.
- Air fried: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees. Place hot dogs in the basket and cook for three minutes.
Hot Dog Toppings for Everyone
Making a meal board is great for people with various dietary restrictions. Or if you have both adventurous and picky eaters in the mix. With a variety of toppings available, everyone can personalize their own meal, which means they will be happy and satisfied.
- For keto or gluten free folks, you can add a lettuce cup or make pickle buns instead of the traditional bread bun. I think the pickle bun is just the cutest thing ever. I’m sure it will be a conversation starter as much as a delicious way to put down a hot dog.
- For non-meat eaters, there are plenty of great vegetarian options, like tofu dogs, veggie dogs, plant-based hot dogs, and impossible or beyond meat hot dogs. Or you could make a platter of grilled veggies (like portobello mushrooms!) to be the “meat” of the dog instead!
- For non-pork eaters, include some chicken or turkey sausages. There are lots of flavors to choose from that will really create a delicious platter.
The Best Hot Dog Flavor Combos
The flavor options are endless, but here are some of my favorite combinations below:
- Brioche bun, ketchup, pickled red onions & relish
- Lettuce cup with mustard.
- Brioche bun, guacamole, salsa & jalapeños.
- Pickle bun & ketchup
- Enjoy all the different combos!
Hot Dog Styles
If you want to create a regional theme to your board, you can include toppings that are popular in various parts of the US.
- Chicago Hot Dog: Arguably the most famous style of hot dog is probably from Chicago. They often add onion, relish, peppers, pickle, tomato, mustard, and celery salt.
- Michigan Coney Island Hot Dog: A hearty style that usually has chili, cheese, mustard, and onions.
- Hot Dog Style in Atlanta and the South: You’ll find coleslaw and onions as the main toppings.
- California Hot Dog: Street vendors always have a bacon-wrapped option. Toppings often include grilled onions and peppers. And you can’t serve food to a Californian without an avocado option!
- Japanese Hot Dog: Believe it or not hot dogs are big in Japan. While there are many regional differences in toppings, kewpie mayo, pickled daikon, and nori seaweed strips are some of the most famous ones.
Pro tip: Make your own theme, like Tex-Mex, and load your dog with guac, salsa, pico de gallo, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Hot Dog Beverage Pairings
I personally love a nice, cold beer with my dogs, but there are so many excellent drinks that are perfect for occupying the other hand!
Alcoholic
- Paloma
- Ranch Water
- IPA, Lager, or Pilsner (or really any beer!)
- Spicy Margarita
- Pinot Gris or Riesling (learn more about hot dog wine pairings here!)
Non-Alcoholic
- Soft drinks, like root beer or cream soda
- Sweet iced tea
- Punch
Show Me Your Hot Dogs
I hope this post inspires you to make this hot dog toppings board. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! (Bonus points for a hot dog eating contest!)
And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.
How To Make a Hot Dog Charcuterie Board
Description
Ingredients
Meat
- Beef Franks (I like Nathan's Famous Bun-Length Skinless) grilled
"Buns"
- Brioche Buns
- Lettuce Cups
- Large dill pickles (I like Ralph's) sliced lengthwise
Toppings
- Jalapeños sliced
- Pepperoncini sliced
- Relish
- Sauerkraut
- Pico de Gallo
- Guacamole
- Pickled Red Onions
- Whole grain Dijon mustard
- Yellow mustard
- Ketchup
Accoutrements
- Radishes halved
- Peppadews
- Sweety Drops Mini Peppers
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Start by adding the toppings to ramekins and place them in the center of the board.
- Add 3 to 4 hot dogs to the sliced pickles and 3 to 4 to the buns and place on the outside of the board. Next add the lettuce cups and remaining hot dogs.
- Fill in the board with the radishes, Peppadews, and Sweety Drops.
- Garnish with cilantro to serve.
Photos by Haley Hunt Davis of Salt Worth Creative.
What a cute idea. I can see this working will for a potato or taco bar as board as well. The problem I run into is how to keep things on the edges from falling off, but I don’t want to leave the too much space on the edges either.