Hot dogs are anything but boring when you load them up with the right toppings! Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, game day feast, or an easy family dinner, this guide shares the best hot dog toppings, creative flavor combinations, and tips for building the ultimate hot dog bar.
Plus, don’t miss my favorite California hot dog recipe loaded with avocado, sprouts, tomatoes, and whole grain mustard.
Let’s be honest—hot dogs don’t always get the respect they deserve. But pile on a few fresh, flavorful toppings and suddenly that humble hot dog becomes the star of the barbecue. Whether you’re a die-hard ketchup fan or love experimenting with gourmet hot dog toppings, there’s a combination here for everyone.
A DIY hot dog bar is one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd because guests can build exactly what they like. From classic toppings to creative flavor combinations, this guide will help you create the ultimate hot dog board for summer cookouts, game day, birthday parties, and every backyard gathering in between.
Below you’ll find my favorite hot dog topping ideas, six gourmet flavor combinations to inspire you, plus my California Hot Dog recipe that’s loaded with avocado, sprouts, tomatoes, and whole grain mustard.
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Why this recipe works
- Fresh Flavors: Creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, crunchy sprouts, and whole grain mustard create a bright California-inspired hot dog.
- Easy Upgrade: Turn an ordinary hot dog into a gourmet meal with a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Make one for dinner or serve them as part of a DIY hot dog bar where guests can customize their own.
- Mix & Match: Use this California hot dog as inspiration, then swap in your favorite cheeses, sauces, and toppings to create your own signature combination.
Best hot dog toppings
When it comes to hot dog toppings, honestly, anything goes. There are countless flavor options and the ingredients you can include on your hot dog is endless. So here are some ideas for your hot dog bar.
Fresh toppings
- sprouts
- shredded cabbage
- arugula
- jalapeños
- red onions
- shallots
- tomatoes
- avocados
- radishes
- cucumbers
- jicama
- carrots
Sweet toppings
- apples
- pineapple
- mango
- pear
- grapes
- oranges
Cheeses
- cheddar
- pepper jack
- cotija
- goat cheese
- feta
- blue cheese
Herbs
- green onions
- basil
- cilantro
- watercress
- mint
- tarragon
Pickles
- relish
- pickles
- olives
- pepperoncinis
- marinated bell peppers
- artichoke hearts
- heart of palm
Sauces
- mustards
- chipotle mayo
- salsa
- BBQ sauce
- thousand island
- homemade ranch dressing
Gourmet toppings
- pickled okra
- pickled red onions
- caramelized onions
- bacon jam
- pepper jam
- chimichurri
- pineapple mango bbq sauce
- roasted shishito peppers
- pickled asparagus
Favorite topping combinations
The fun part of a hot dog bar are all the flavor combinations you can create. Here are some of our favorites:
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California Hot Dog
- avocado
- tomato
- sprouts
- green onions
- whole grain mustard
Big Mac Dog
- thousand island dressing
- onions
- relish
- lettuce
Chili Cheese Dog
- chili
- cheddar
- green onions
Hawaiian Dog
- grilled pineapple
- red onions
- cole slaw
- BBQ sauce
Mexican Street Dog
- cotija
- jalapeños
- avocado
- pico de gallo
Greek Dog
- feta
- olives
- pepperoncini
- tomato
- oregano
Spicy Southwest
- chipotle mayo
- avocado
- pepper jack
- jalapeños
How to Build a Hot Dog Bar
A hot dog bar can be set up on a table, countertop or a large tray. Besides your toppings, you should also include your favorite sides like chips and fries.
If you want to grill once and be done, you can keep your hot dogs warm a couple of different ways. Keep the warm dogs in a container and store in a small insulated cooler (with nothing else in it). These little coolers are great at holding heat, too. You can also use chafing dishes.
You can label your toppings so your guests aren’t left guessing. Be sure each bowl has a small spoon, fork or toothpick for easy serving.
The California Hot Dog with Avocado and Sprouts
Ingredients
- 6 hot dogs
- 6 hot dog buns
- 3 oz alfalfa or any other sprouts
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 tomato sliced
- ½ cup chopped red onions
- ¼ cup diced cilantro
- whole grain mustard
Instructions
- Grill hot dogs until lightly charred on the outside. Toast buns until lightly golden.
- Stuff buns with sprouts then add hot dogs.
- Nestle in slices of tomatoes and avocados.
- Drizzle mustard over hot dogs.
- Top with chopped onions and cilantro.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
PS If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback.
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Written by Laura Bashar
Hi, I’m Laura, a certified professional cook and cookbook author living in San Diego. I have been sharing my family’s favorite recipes inspired from all over the world since 2008. Let’s cook up something fun!
My kids love hot dog nights. Can’t wait to try these toppings!
Sweet chili.
I love just about anything but lately, I have been putting coleslaw on my hotdogs.
Brown mustard is my favorite hot dog topping.
relish
Great post Laura – love the mustards and the idea of a hot dog bar! So smart!
I would say my favorite hot dog topping would be onions with mustard being a close second!
My favorite hot dog topping is chili.