Homemade Hot Dogs

When I posted a few days ago the hot dog buns recipe, my husband asked me when I was going to post the actual recipe for a hot dog. I was a bit surprised and I told him I wasn't going to because, come on, who doesn't know how to make a hot dog? So we had a talk and he convinced me it was a good idea to come up with some examples and tips for a nice, eye-catching hot dog, just like the ones we've been enjoying over the last weeks.

I can tell you these hot dogs are the unexpected superstars on the table, the children are absolutely delighted when I cook them, but not only the children :)

The homemade hot dog can be adapted to each taste, the kids didn't want onions, but we did, caramelized or slightly marinated in apple cider vinegar. I strongly recommend using greens because they will add a fresh touch and more colour. You can, of course, have the hot dogs with any kind of (homemade) sausages and whatever topping you wish.

Ingredients
Hot dog buns
4 pieces
find the recipe below, in step 1
Sausages
4 pieces
Mustard
2 tsp
Pickled cucumbers
4 pieces
Ketchup
4 tbsp
or any other homemade tomato sauce you like, my Marinara Sauce would be great too, you can find the recipe on the website
Onions
2 pieces
I will show below how to caramelize or marinate it
Salad greens
4 pieces
any kind of salad greens
Step by step
Step 1

First of all, prepare the buns following my wonderful hot dog buns recipe

It takes me about 2 hours to bake them and I let them cool for at least 30 minutes before I assemble the hot dogs.

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 1
Step 2

Then I caramelize the onions - you can use red or white, they are both delicious. 

In a skillet, melt 30-50g butter, put the onions thinly sliced and 2 tbsp sugar over medium heat at first.

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 2
Step 3

When it starts to turn brown, I turn the heat to low and I cook it until it becomes very small, as you can see in the picture, about 15-20 more minutes.

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 3
Step 4

There is the other option, more fresh, to marinate the onions - cut thin rings, sprinkle some salt, sugar, vinegar/lemon juice and, maybe, oregano. 

Massage well with your hands and let 5-10 minutes, it's very good and quick. 

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 4
Step 5

Prepare the rest of the ingredients, cut long slices of pickled cucumber and maybe some bell pepper as well, fresh or pickled. 

I also had here some homemade mayonnaise and you can choose the mustard - hot or sweet, for the kids.

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 5
Step 6

Fry the sausages a bit in a skillet with very little oil, you can as well heat them on a grill pan or on the barbecue outside.

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 6
Step 7

Now let's assemble the hot dogs:

- cut the bun on the long side and spread one of the halves with your favourite mustard and mayonnaise, if you want;

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 7
Step 8

- place the pickled cucumber and pepper slices inside; 

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 8
Step 9

- for us, I added caramelized onions, the children didn't want any;

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 9
Step 10

- finally, add the sausage and the ketchup. 

I forgot to take a picture of the greens, they go before the sausage.

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 10
Step 11

I made customised hot dogs for each family member and I placed them nicely on a wooden cutting board. 

Everything was a great success - the service and the hot dogs. Now I have to explain the kids why we can't have hot dogs every day :)) 

Enjoy!

Homemade Hot Dogs - Step 11
Quantity: 4 pcs ()
Prep time:
15 min
Difficulty: easy
Ready in: 120 min