This article has been posted with permission and originally appeared as 20 Outrageously Good Ways to Upgrade Your Hot Dog on Relish
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Hawaiian Hot Dog
For a taste of the islands all year round, top your dog with sweet grilled pineapple, teriyaki mayo and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat. See the recipe. 
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J-Dawgs Cut Dog
The two secrets to this decadent dog: diagonally cutting before grilling for extra charred flavor and a secret sauce that hails from JDawg’s, a Western favorite. See the recipe.
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Banh Mi Hot Dog
Recreate this Vietnamese favorite on the grill. Topped with fresh Asian vegetables and hints of spice courtesy of Sriracha mayo, it’s a perfect combination of two worlds. See the recipe.
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Firecracker Dog
The sparks flying from this aptly-named hot dog come from the out-of-this-world beer-battered deep fried jalapeños. It takes a little extra time, but they are SO worth it. See the recipe.
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Preztel-Wrapped Dogs
Although you might have seen one of these before, making your own pretzel dough really makes these a special-occasion knockout. See the recipe.
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Loaded Cheddar Hot Dogs
White cheddar cheese, garlic mushrooms, caramelized onion and crispy bacon. Need we say more? See the recipe.
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Buffalo Chicken Dogs
We love this fusion of our two favorite tailgate foods: hot dogs and buffalo chicken. See the recipe.
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Reuben Hot Dog
Sandwich or hot dog? You decide. Meanwhile, we’ll be reaching for seconds. See the recipe.
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Mac and Cheese Dog
Layer that cheesy goodness right on top of your hot dog for an easy-peasy upgrade. See the recipe.
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Spicy Taco Dogs
This mashup between two of America’s favorite foods is everything you want it to be. See the recipe.
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Chipotle Cheese Hot Dogs with Bacon Corn Relish
Make sure you save some extra cheese sauce for dunking these bad boys. See the recipe.
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Portobello Veggie Dog
Grilled portobello mushrooms make these meat-free hot dogs just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. They’re topping-friendly, too! See the recipe.
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Oven Baked Chili Dog
A good chili dog recipe is hard to come by. Not only are these extremely flavorful, but also perfect for a crowd, since they’re cooked up in big batches in the oven. See the recipe.
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Smoked Salmon Hot Dog
For an entirely new gastronomical experience, try smoked salmon on your dog. Cream cheese, cucumber and cilantro garnishes are a must. See the recipe.
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Bratwurst Dog
If you’re not a fan of the standard hot dog, a hearty bratwurst might be just the thing for you. Grilled onions and red pepper—along with a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese—take this dog right to the top. See the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cheese works best for the Loaded Cheddar Hot Dogs?
For the Loaded Cheddar Hot Dogs, using sharp white cheddar cheese will provide a nice flavor contrast with the garlic mushrooms and caramelized onions.
How do I properly prepare the beer-battered jalapeños for the Firecracker Dog?
To prepare the beer-battered jalapeños for the Firecracker Dog, slice the jalapeños, dip them in a seasoned batter, and deep fry until golden and crispy for the best texture.
Can I substitute the teriyaki mayo in the Hawaiian Hot Dog?
Yes, you can substitute teriyaki mayo with a mixture of mayonnaise and teriyaki sauce, or even use a spicy mayo if you prefer an extra kick.
Hey! what a cute idea!! so lovely. Where did you get the paper boxes at?
I love the idea, it looks delicious. Perfect for summer gathering.