Whether you are planning your next big barbecue or are simply grilling up dawgs while camping, these gourmet hot dog toppings will make any ordinary hot dog into a very delicious meal, like this California Hot Dog. Sponsored by Brownwood Farms.

Hot dogs are such an easy and simple meal to grill outdoors. They are kid-friendly, can be prepared anywhere and don’t require fancy tools or utensils. It’s so popular here in the US we even have a National Hot Dog Day. Yea, that’s today July 17th.
So to celebrate National Hot Dog Day, it’s time to make the hot dog friendly for the entire family, and not just the kiddos. So I’m going to share with you my favorite gourmet hot dog toppings and how to make my California Hot Dog.
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Hot dog toppings for your hot dog bar
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. One great way for you and your guests to customize their very own hot dog is to serve a hot dog bar.
Once the dogs are grilled, set them up with buns along with an assortment of toppings. Let’s start with the veggies first. Some of my favorites include:
- sprouts
- shredded cabbage
- arugula
- jalapeños
- red onions
- shallots
- tomatoes
- avocados
- radishes
- cucumbers
- jicama
- carrots
You can also add fruit too, like apples, pineapple, mango, grapes and oranges. And don’t forget the herbs! My favorite herbs to top hot dogs are:
- green onions
- basil
- cilantro
- watercress
- mint
- tarragon
Love relish? I’ve got more options for you here, too:
- relish
- pickles
- olives
- pepperoncinis
- marinated bell peppers
- artichoke hearts
- heart of palm
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And don’t forget the condiments. The more variety, the better! But for me, nothing dresses a hot dog better than mustard. They were made for each other.
Hot dog toppings for the California hot dog
Which brings us to the gourmet hot dog recipe I am sharing today, The California Hot Dog. Say what you will about California, but we do love our fresh produce. And why not? California produces almost half of all the fruits, nuts and vegetables grown in the United States.
And what is one vegetable that is quintessential California? The avocado, of course. But I didn’t stop there. I stuffed my hot bun with all of my favorite California vegetables: avocados, sprouts, tomatoes, red onions and cilantro. And I finished it off with something non-Californian: Brownwood Farms Mustard.
The California Hot Dog
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.