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Serve a Hot Dog and Sausage Bar for a Fun but Affordable Party Meal

Jessica Fisher · June 11, 2013 · 10 Comments

Serve an assortment of toppings alongside hot dogs and sausages for a creative and tasty twist on an old summer standard.

sausage and hot dog bar

This past weekend, I cooked for twelve. Our friends Devin and Jessika and their two kids came to spend a couple days with us. Ours is the kind of friendship where the dads like each other, the moms like each other, and the kids all like each other. That means there’s little tension and lots of fun.

Part of the fun is eating. Of course.

Thankfully for me, part of the fun is cooking, too. It turns out I have a reputation for putting my guests to work in the kitchen, which Jessika and Devin both did quite graciously.

One of the meals we shared together was a hot dog and sausage bar. My kids can eat hot dogs and brats like nobody’s business, so I knew the meal would be a hit, even if I served it with simple mustard, ketchup, and onions. I decided to fancify it just a bit with an array of toppings.

sausage bar with toppings

Three Steps to a Great Hot Dog and Sausage Bar

Pretend you’re running the best hot dog truck in town. You’ve got great meats (no mystery links here) and fresh rolls. Plan a spread to please anybody and everybody. It’s really not that hard.

1. Offer a variety of sausages. Consider different meats and spice levels. Offer a vegan or vegetarian option. Grill them well and keep them hot. You can even make them in the slow cooker.

2. Have plenty of fresh rolls. I usually make my own homemade hot dog buns, but I knew that if I were really going to let each of my kids eat his fill, then there’s no way I could keep up with the supply. I bought two different kinds of buns in bulk at Costco so we didn’t run out.

3. Let your imagination run wild with the toppings you choose. There are so many tasty ways to top a dog, you don’t need to be limited to bottled condiments. Think outside the box and offer lots of choices.

Some toppings we liked:

  • various mustards and bottled condiments (who are we kidding?)
  • chopped onions
  • sauteed peppers and onions
  • homemade salsa
  • cole slaw
  • guacamole
  • homemade chili
  • shredded cheese

I’m sure that I’ve missed some great toppings.

What would YOU add?

Filed Under: Budget Meals, Sandwiches, Sausage

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erin says

    June 11, 2013 at

    If you are cooking brats, then i want some sauerkraut! Yum, what a fun idea.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      June 11, 2013 at

      So did my 12yo! He opened a jar as we were sitting down. Silly me!

      Reply
  2. Janet says

    June 12, 2013 at

    If you’re cooking hotdogs I want french fries or baked beans to accompany the meal. This is a grea idea. My kids would love it!

    Reply
  3. Patricia says

    June 12, 2013 at

    Sauerkraut!

    Reply
  4. Annie says

    June 12, 2013 at

    Thanks for the great idea! I’m going to make this for my father-in-law for Father’s Day.

    Reply
  5. Laurie says

    June 12, 2013 at

    This is exactly what the hubs has ordered for father’s day! I’ll probably make him a peach pie too.

    Reply
  6. Julia says

    June 13, 2013 at

    I like to add what I call “Rainbow Relish,” which includes mango and basil. The recipe is here: http://roots-of-simplicity.blogspot.ca/2010/05/recipe-for-pigs-in-blaket-with-rainbow.html

    Reply
  7. Lorrie says

    June 22, 2013 at

    Next time try this. I can it and freeze it too. http://www.mail-archive.com/recipesandmore@googlegroups.com/msg28087.html

    Reply
  8. Jennifer says

    July 17, 2013 at

    We really like onions, mayo and BBQ sauce on hot dogs. But when it’s available, homemade chili, cheese and onions is our very favorite! : )

    Jennifer

    Reply

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