• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Good Cheap Eats
  • About
    • Welcome to the Good Cheap Eats Kitchen
    • Media
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Contact Me
  • Members Only
    • Login
    • Club Homepage
    • Club Resource Library
    • Downloads
    • Live Club Events
  • Recipe Index
  • Blog
  • SHOP
    • Purchases
    • Cookbooks
    • Planner
    • The Good Cheap Eats Club
    • Meal Plans
    • Holiday Helps
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Back to School Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • My Account
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Back to School Recipes
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Start Here
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • My Account
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Budget Recipes

    Sausage & Hot Dog Toppings Bar

    Published: Jun 30, 2021 by Jessica Fisher

    FacebookTweetPinPrint
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Serving a sausage and hot dog bar can be an easy way to entertain, especially when you find good sale prices. Be sure to serve a variety of condiments and an assortment of hot dog toppings alongside for a creative and tasty twist on an old summer standard.

    Whether you bake your own hot dog buns or buy them, you can serve a gourmet, high end sausage and hot dog bar. Consider these toppings ideas to surpass even those trendy food trucks and hipster sausage spots.

    white plate with grilled brat topped with peppers and onions on buffet table with buns and brats. this …
    Jump to:
    • Why Do This
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Tips for Success
    • Side Dish Ideas
    • Hot Dog Toppings Bar
    • Tell us what you think!

    Planning a BBQ Party? Hot dogs and sausages can be a go-to protein for your guests, helping you keep costs down while enjoying great company. Win-win, don’t you think?

    While grilled brats and frankfurters are certainly inexpensive, they don’t need to feel cheap or as if you just chose the simplest way to feed your guests. With a little creativity and some creative hot dog toppings, you can serve a fun summer dinner for friends and family.

    Why Do This

    It shows you care. Let’s face it. Hot dogs can feel like an afterthought. It’s true there are great sausages out there, but it’s the toppings that really take it over the top and show you put in an effort.

    It keeps costs down. When you offer a variety of hot dog toppings, you don’t have to serve a lot of any one item. Small bowls of different condiments, sauces, and toppings, will suffice, allowing you to keep to your grocery budget.

    It’s fun! Providing a variety of hot dog toppings brings out the creative spirit in folks. Your guests will enjoy comparing notes and building bigger and better sandwiches. (Yes, hot dogs are sandwiches.)

    Ingredients

    bowl of sauteed peppers and onions on buffet table with hot dog buns and brats.

    Hot Dogs

    Clearly, you’ll need a good supply of hot dogs, but consider throwing in brats, Italian sausages, as well as some plant-based options.

    Be sure to cook them to a safe internal temperature, 140 degrees for hot dogs and 165 for sausages.

    Buns

    After the sausages, you’ll need buns. There’s lots of options here, too. Consider commercial or homemade hot dog buns, made whole wheat and/or white. Sub rolls are also good.

    You can take a page from the Dog Haus‘s book and serve pairs or triples of Hawaiian rolls that haven’t been torn apart. Leave the rolls connected and split them horizontally for a fun twist on the traditional hot dog bun.

    Topping Ideas

    A mix of classic hot dog toppings goes well with some more out of the box condiments and sauces. Consider mixing and matching any of the following:

    • various mustards – classic yellow, but also whole grain, brown, Dijon, honey, and horseradish mustards
    • ketchup – the standard, but remember there are also other varieties, including sriracha, chipotle, and garlic
    • homemade salsa
    • BBQ Sauce
    • pickles – sliced and/or relish, sweet, dill, or spicy
    • fresh vegetables – chopped onions, sliced or diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapenos
    • sauteed peppers and onions
    • cole slaw
    • shredded cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, jack, and pepper jack
    • chili – can be canned, with or without beans, but homemade chili dogs are the best and cheapest.
    • guacamole
    • pico de gallo
    • chipotle mayo
    • cooked and chopped bacon

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    • meat thermometer inserted into a brat, approaching 160 degrees.
    • hot dog in homemade hot dog bun on plate with veggie dippers.

    Setting up a buffet of hot dog toppings is super easy!

    1. Cook the hot dogs and other sausages until steaming hot.
    2. Serve the hot dogs with buns.
    3. Lay out a variety of hot dog toppings.
    4. Allow diners to choose which toppings they’d like.

    FAQs

    What is the best way to cook hot dogs?

    You can cook hot dogs on an outdoor grill, in a grill pan, or in a pot of boiling water. Although they have been precooked, hot dogs need to be heated to 140 degrees internal temperature to be safe to consume. Raw sausages need to be cooked until an internal temperature of 165 is reached.

    What goes on a hot dog?

    Hot dog toppings are a personal preference. Some folks like ketchup and relish while others prefer onions and mustard. Offering a variety of hot dog toppings allows folks to pick and choose what they like best.

    Tips for Success

    1. Offer a variety of sausages and hot dog toppings. Consider different meats and spice levels. Offer a plant-based option.
    2. Keep food safety in mind. Grill the sausages well and keep them hot. Watch the internal temp of the hot dogs for food safety. Likewise, keep the hot dog toppings cool. Food left out at room temperature for longer than two hours is considered unsafe to eat.
    3. Have plenty of fresh rolls. Dry stale buns are no fun. Don’t leave them open to the air. Keep them covered until ready to serve.
    4. 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.

    Side Dish Ideas

    • bowl of dill potato salad on a table with other picnic items.
      Dill Potato Salad
    • tossing balsamic dressing with mixed greens.
      70+ Summer Salad Recipes to Help You Save Money
    • salad with turkey, tomatoes, cheese, and fresh herbs in a black meal prep box on a red checked background.
      The Best Salad Toppings
    • chicken and raspberry salad on a white plate on a bamboo mat with napkin and cutlery.
      Chicken & Raspberry Salad
    hot dog in whole wheat bun topped with sauteed peppers and onions.
    Print Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    5 from 1 vote

    Hot Dog Toppings Bar

    Serving a variety of hot dog toppings is a great way to elevate the classic summer party meal.
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time35 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 229kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Cost: $10
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • outdoor grill
    • cooking tongs
    • small dishes

    Ingredients

    • 12 hot dogs or sausages
    • 12 hot dog buns

    Hot Dog Toppings – choose a few

    • condiments such as ketchup, assorted mustards, relish
    • BBQ sauce
    • chili
    • shredded cheese can be jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack
    • shredded lettuce
    • cole slaw
    • tomatoes sliced or chopped
    • jalapenos sliced
    • fajita vegetables
    • chipotle mayo
    • guacamole
    • pico de gallo
    • bacon
    US Customary – Metric

    Instructions

    • Over a medium-hot grill cook the hot dogs and sausages until steaming hot and they reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees. Keep the hot dogs warm.
    • Serve the hot dogs with the buns and allow diners to choose what toppings they like best.

    Notes

    Nutritional values are approximate and do not include toppings.
    Promptly refrigerate leftovers and consume within 3 days. Food left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature should be discarded.
    If you don’t have a grill or weather doesn’t permit grilling, you can cook the hot dogs in a pan of simmering water until hot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tell us what you think!Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.
    white spoon and fork on a teal plate logo.

    Tell us what you think!

    We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.

    This post was originally published on June 11, 2013. It has been updated for content and clarity.

    « How to Make Garlic Butter
    My Freezer Cookbook – Check Out What’s Inside »
    FacebookTweetPinPrint

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sonya

      August 13, 2021 at 9:39 am

      My daughter just hosted a hotdog bar. She served hotdogs and brats. Toppings she served were Sloppy Joes (also worked for those who do not like hotdogs), nacho cheese, cheddar cheese, sauerkraut, onions, relish, ketchup, mustard, and bbq sauce. She had side dishes of baked beans, potato salad, veggie tray and a fruit salad along with various kinds of chips and cupcakes. Oh and she also served Buffalo Chicken dip. Everyone was full and complimented the menu.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        August 13, 2021 at 1:40 pm

        Sounds yummy!

        Reply
    2. Jennifer

      July 17, 2013 at 10:12 am

      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
    3. Lorrie

      June 22, 2013 at 9:37 am

      Next time try this. I can it and freeze it too. http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg28087.html

      Reply
    4. Julia

      June 13, 2013 at 8:38 am

      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
    5. Laurie

      June 12, 2013 at 3:15 pm

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

      Reply
    6. Annie

      June 12, 2013 at 10:21 am

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

      Reply
    7. Patricia

      June 12, 2013 at 5:49 am

      Sauerkraut!

      Reply
    8. Janet

      June 12, 2013 at 4:35 am

      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
    9. Erin

      June 11, 2013 at 10:36 pm

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

      Reply
      • Jessica

        June 11, 2013 at 10:39 pm

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

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter their budget.

    More about me

    another recipe won't change your life. Good Habits will.
    collage of media outlets where good cheap eats has been featured.
    cooking for one
    cooking for many banner
    cooking to freeze banner

    Let's Get Packing!

    • glazed muffin on a small plate with more in the background.
      Perfect Fluffy Bakery Style Vanilla Muffins Recipe
    • green onions added to meal prep salads.
      Meal Prep Salads for Easy Lunches You’ll Want to Eat
    • overhead shot of a white bowl filled with chicken pasta with peas and tomatoes.
      How to Stop Eating Out
    • close up of BBQ bacon cheeseburger on a white plate with a white background.
      BBQ Bacon Burgers Recipe
    • homemade hamburger buns stacked in a basket.
      Homemade Hamburger Buns Recipe
    • two halves of a tuna sandwich, stacked on a white plate, cut side facing the camera.
      40+ Easy Summer Lunch Ideas

    Break Up with Take-Out

    • two black divided meal prep boxes with lettuce leaves on one side and turkey filling on the other.
      30+ Meal Prepped Lunches to Beat Fast Food
    • pizza freezer kit in gallon size ziptop bag.
      Freezer Meal Pizza Kits
    • vegetable fried rice on plate with potstickers
      Vegetable Fried Rice
    • chicken enchilada bake on plate
      60+ Budget-Friendly Mexican Dinner Ideas
    • stack of chocolate baked donuts on beaded glass cake platter.
      The Best Chocolate Baked Donuts (17 cents each)
    • close up of BBQ bacon cheeseburger on a white plate with a white background.
      BBQ Bacon Burgers Recipe

    Footer

    back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Good Cheap Eats