Hotdogs can be enjoyed alone, but pairing them with any of these 45 sides for hotdogs will make the American classic more enjoyable!
While you may have heard it all, seen it all, about the Americana tribute to hot dogs and the debate about the length of a hot dog bun, we decided it was time to find a list of our favorite side items to serve with hot dogs.
While my favorites change depending on the season and how I’m cooking my good hot dogs, I really like Baked Beans and Mac And Cheese, especially if I want to add something to my main course.
Or the Pasta Salad and Air Fryer Potato Chips.
Or I might lighten it up with a crunchy Apple Carrot Slaw and a Roasted Vegetable Medley.
But if I’m trying to REALLY impress, I’ll bake up some of our Cheesy Baked Zucchini Fritters.
They are easy, so good, and are like little quiches.
They go with everything, but they especially make a nice finger food side for hot dogs.
We like to curate some of the best side dishes from around the web as well as share our own.
Grab your apron and get ready for your next cookout, and check out these 45 best sides for hot dogs below!
Nothing goes better with taco dogs than street corn.
Mexican street corn turns it up a notch with tangy lime juice, and a creamy, slightly spicy, and smoky flavor.
Good with utensils or fresh, crunchy tortilla chips dipped in, give the eloté salad variation a try!
Ingredients include: corn, butter, mayo, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
2. Creamed Corn
Let’s continue with the corn theme because corn is king in the summer weather, right?
Here’s an easy creamed corn recipe for you to serve with hot dogs at your next get-together.
Cream cheese combined with cheddar cheese creates an unbelievable creaminess and richness to this easy dish.
Not quite a corn salad, but a robust, hearty side dish.
Your friends will be demanding the recipe each time you make it!
If you haven’t tried this yet, the Jiffy Corn Pudding recipe we tweaked on our site makes a great side to nearly anything!
Ingredients include: cream cheese, butter, garlic cloves, milk, and corn.
When you usually think about barbeque food side dishes, what’s the first thing that pops into your head?
Most people would say potato salad.
Potato salad is one of those classic, ideal sides that pairs well with many grilled and BBQ foods, especially hot dogs.
A touch of plain Greek yogurt gives this herby salad the perfect tang, and mild shallots add just a hint of onion flavor.
Grab a serving of this dish and enjoy your hot dog side on a summer day!
Did you know you can even freeze potato salad?
Ingredients include: red potatoes, mayo, Greek yogurt, shallot, and Dijon mustard.
Looking for a filling side dish for hot dogs?
How about a simple, good pasta salad recipe that puts ranch flavor upfront and will delight your taste buds?
This easy dish uses ranch dressing and a little dijon mustard to create that pasta salad flavor we all love.
The addition of multi-color bell peppers adds both crunch and color to this side dish.
Or, take it tropical with our Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe here.
Ingredients include: pasta spirals, cucumber, black olives, red onion, and mayo.
For those who want a combination between pasta salad (like the above recipe) and potato salad, this is an excellent choice for you.
You still get the cool, creamy flavor, but with a fun pasta shape and lots of veg.
This one looks super creamy and good.
Serve this side with hot dogs for a complete meal.
Ingredients include: macaroni, broccoli, cucumber, red pepper, and black olives.
6. Baked Potato
Potatoes are a great side dish, even in the summer when you can pop these in the air fryer.
They’re delicious, and a potato bar is really fun to put together.
It’s also the perfect side for a hot dog.
Enjoy regular sour cream, light or non-dairy sour cream, and some bacon bits and chives for a loaded baked potato option!
For a fun variation, try our Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe here!
Ingredients include: Russet potatoes, olive oil, and salt.
7. French Fries
French fries are hands down one of the best sides for hot dogs.
An instant image of consuming a meal at a small diner pops into your head at the mention of fries and hot dogs.
These French fries are restaurant-quality due to the cold soak, pre-frying, and baking. This three-step process creates a crisp bite as you eat each fry.
Check out our post for how to reheat french fries and keep them yummy!
Ingredients include: Russet potatoes, vegetable oil, and salt.
Making potato chips at home might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a super simple hot dog side without the messy frying.
In the air fryer, they are easy to check and turn.
And talk about one of the best easy sides, this one has potatoes, salt, and a little oil!
Remember to pre-soak the potato slices to remove some of the starch.
It makes for a crisper chip, I promise!
These are so much better than a bag of chips.
Ingredients include: potatoes, olive oil, and salt.
Fruit salad is so incredibly refreshing in the summer – there’s nothing quite like it.
Plus, the sweetness aligns with the saltiness and smokiness of your chargrilled hot dog.
This salad includes every fruit you can think of – grapes, oranges, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi to form the “rainbow.”
This dish is sure to delight your friends and family with its sweet and zesty honey-lime dressing.
Ingredients include: strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, grapes, and kiwis.
Sometimes you want a lighter hot dog side – we got you!
This is an easy green salad recipe that you can create in 15 minutes.
You’ll find sunflower seeds and bacon bits on top for that extra crunch.
This salad is tossed with honey mustard-like dressing for a tangy-sweet flavor.
Ingredients include: mixed greens, sunflower seeds, bacon, cucumber, and red onion.
Bean salad has always been a personal favorite during the summertime.
It was constantly requested at every barbeque and get-together as long as it was hot out.
This chilled salad packs a punch of protein and some heat as well, thanks to the jalapenos.
Do yourself a favor and make this delightful dish to go with hot dogs or kielbasa.
Ingredients include: pinto, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and onion.
This herbed grain salad is another good idea for a Labor Day picnic or casual cookout or even a fast weeknight meal.
This might not be the first dish you think of when you ponder what goes with hot dogs.
However, it’s certainly a tasty and refreshing dish idea.
Toasted almonds bring a nice nutty taste to the dish while the fresh herbs keep it bright and light.
Ingredients include: dry grains, apple, cucumber, onions, and dried craberries.
Here’s an easy grilled summer fruit recipe that you can get your kids in on.
Plus, they’ll love eating these fruit skewers alongside their hot dogs.
Nectarines and plums – the ultimate warm-weather stone fruit – are combined in this delectable dish.
Sprinkling them with sugar before adding the skewers to the grill helps caramelize the outside for some extra sweetness.
Be sure to try the CookingChew.com Famous Grilled Pineapple recipe here.
The trick is to not turn the rings too soon and let them char.
SO GOOD!
Ingredients include: nectarines, plums, and sugar.
Thinking about making fries – but want something a little sweeter?
Give these baked sweet potato fries a go.
They’re an excellent choice to the side of a hot dog.
You only need five ingredients for this recipe (including seasoning!), and it uses less oil than frying would.
These herby, delicious fries are a win-win.
And if you have had your sweet potatoes around a long time, check and make sure they are still good.
Here are some tips.
Ingredients include: sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika.
Want something easy to make as a side dish for hot dogs?
While you’re grilling, throw these tasty, cheesy asparagus stalks on as well.
Here’s a great recipe from The Recipe Critic, with lots of tips for grilling asparagus, too. Here’s one: Take the asparagus off the grill a little early if you prefer it to have a slight crunch.
It only takes about 10 minutes for the asparagus to cook thoroughly.
Asparagus has telltale signs that the delicate stalks have turned.
Ingredients include: asparagus, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, salt.
Roasted vegetables are always a great idea.
It’s super easy to chop up vegetables in different ways toss them with oil and spices, and add them right into the oven, the grill, or your air fryer.
Vegetables go well with everything – even our humble hot dogs.
Mm, and tomato salad with big ones off the vine? Oh, yes.
This particular medley includes squash, peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
The best part?
These veggies are super versatile so that you can have the leftovers next to pretty much any meal.
Ingredients include: zucchini squash, yellow squash, red pepper, red onion, and mushrooms.
17. Baked Beans
Family camping trips provide the best experiences and the best quick foods…
…like hot dogs and baked beans!
These beans are not the typical baked beans you might expect.
They have a good amount of heat and include bacon stirred in and as favorite toppings.
Can you say yum?
Make these ahead of time and pack them for an excellent campfire dish.
Ingredients include: bacon, sweet onion, garlic cloves, smoke paprika, and chipotle chili powder.
18. Cornbread
Whoever said cornbread doesn’t go with hot dogs hasn’t tried it yet!
This cornbread is one of those delicious sides if you plan to make chili dogs without the bun (hun).
Anything with bacon in it is an automatic yes.
This recipe calls for bacon drippings as a seasoning for the cast iron skillet it will be baked in.
You’ll be left with subtle hints of bacon and warm, decadent cornbread.
Save those leftovers and learn how to reheat cornbread here.
Ingredients include: butter, all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder.
19. Zucchini Fries
Not a fan of sweet potato fries?
Give this parmesan cheese and panko crumb-covered zucchini fries recipe a go.
They’re so easy and tasty; you’ll forget they aren’t regular fries.
This is also a fantastic way to get your children to consume more veggies!
Serve with hot dogs, and you have a yummy meal.
Ingredients include: Panko breadcrumbs, wheat flour, parmesan cheese, salt, and onion powder.
Mac and cheese–the ultimate comfort food!
This is the perfect side dish for hot dogs – it’s creamy, cheesy, and oh so delicious.
There are over 2200 comments on this recipe over at The Chunky Chef, and they suggest using less salt than the recipe calls for and add garlic powder.
This particular dish includes both gruyere and cheddar for a more elevated flavor.
YUM.
Got leftovers?
Don’t toss them! Reheat and eat, baby.
Here’s the best way to reheat your mac n cheese!
Ingredients include: elbow pasta, butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, and half and half.
21. Fried Mushrooms
Here’s a great alternative to fries–these beer-battered mushrooms.
These yummy finger food morsels are beer-battered and fried for a delicious crusty outside and soft interior.
Grab a few of these tasty bites as an appetizer or side dish to your hot dogs.
Just be careful and let them cool a bit before consuming – the mushrooms inside get pretty hot!
Ingredients include: mushroom, all-purpose flour, beer, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Taking it to the lighter side of your picnic, this Apple Carrot Slaw is a not-too-creamy, not-too-sweet slaw with a TON of crunch.
Loaded with fresh granny smith apples, shredded carrot, and a handy coleslaw premix, you can put this crunchy veggies slaw together in minutes and have it ready to serve in half an hour.
And hear me out, if you forego sauerkraut but still like red cabbage, take a page from Chicago’s finest baseball games and layer this slaw right on top of your dog.
Ingredients include: coleslaw mix, cider vinegar, apple, carrots, and mayo.
Looking for a lower carb hot dog side?
We found a really good recipe for a classic potato salad that’s been turned on its (cauliflower) head!
Check this out from That Low Carb Life, with bacon and red onions (whoop!).
As fans of finding great substitutes, we are all for delicious and better-for-you options!
Ingredients include: cauliflower, cheddar, mayo, red onion, and bacon.
These are outstanding.
They’re easy, they don’t taste like you’re eating a vegetable, and they have cheese in them.
They’re like flavorful crustless quiches that make amazing finger food, which adds to the joy of having hot dogs in the first place.
I HIGHLY recommend you try these!
Ingredients include: zucchini, cheddar cheese, parmesan, rosemary, and garlic powder.
Spicy, sweet, and filling, this side dish has everything it needs to complement your hot dog well!
Sweet potatoes marries the warmth flavor of nutmeg and cinnamon while raisins provides a nice sweet undertone to the recipe.
Ingredients include: apples, cinnamon, almonds, nutmeg, and raisins.
Who could say no to a bowl of creamy, cheesy potato dish?
Not me!
Just be sure to use Velveeta to ensure its signature creamy texture!
Ingredients include: Velveeta cheese, russet potatoes, milk, sour cream, and butter.
A feast for both the eyes and the palate!
Now you don’t have to get catering to get something that not only tastes good but looks good as well.
They’ve recently taken TikTok by storm!
Now you’ve got the means to get in on the hype and have these delicious Hasselback spuds on your table!
Ingredients include: potatoes, salted butter, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and parsley.
Mmm, macaroni salad!
This classic side dish has been a staple of many a summer barbecue, potluck, or picnic!
It’s been making a comeback in recent years and will be perfect to go with your hot dogs this summer!
Ingredients include: elbow pasta, cheddar cheese, eggs, bell peppers, and sweet onion.
If there’s anything that the king of burgers has taught us, is that anything that goes well with burgers will go well with hot dogs.
And classic onion rings are one of them.
Here are some instructions on how to make some quick in an air fryer!
Ingredients include: onions, flour, paprika, breadcrumbs, and eggs.
And here we have the perfect summer slaw!
Fruits and veggies of the season combine in a swirl of colors and flavors to make this delicious slaw!
And what better thing to eat it with than the most popular food of the season: hot dogs!
Ingredients include: corn, tomatoes, green and red cabbage, cilantro, onions, and olive oil.
Sprouts have always been a contender in the side dish race.
With the right seasoning and the right entree, it will elevate the whole meal to new heights!
And this recipe certainly delivers!
Ingredients include: brussels sprouts, lemon, garlic, and butter.
Here’s a different approach to the classic side we all know and love!
Lots of other foods other than potatoes have been successfully made into fries: sweet, potatoes, eggplants, zucchini, etc.
But parsnips?
If you haven’t already, give them a try!
They go well with savory foods like hotdogs and other meats.
Ingredients include: parsnips, paprika, maple syrup, garlic powder, and red peppers.
A summer barbecue deserves a summer presentation!
And what better way to pull that off than have a few platters of hotdogs with some veggie skewers?
Alternating bites between these skewers and hot dogs create a contrast of flavors that your guests will surely love!
Ingredients include: red onion, zucchini, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil.
Our very own Cookingchew copycat pickles makes a comeback!
I’ve personally burned many a midnight’s oil trying to recreate Texas Roadhouse’s fried pickles just after my first taste.
If you haven’t tried them yet, get yourself to a Texas Roadhouse fast!
Or not, since you’ve already got the means to make them at home yourself!
Ingredients include: dill pickles, vegetable oil, flour, mayonnaise, and horseradish.
35. Grilled Tomatoes
If something goes well with burgers, they will go well with hot dogs!
Burgers and hot dogs are both savory meats; hence tomato’s sweet-tart flavor complements them nicely!
Here we have our very own Cookingchew recipe for grilled tomatoes.
So you can grill alongside those delicious hotdogs!
Ingredients include: tomatoes, rosemary, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt.
A lot of people are surprised to know asparagus can, indeed, be grilled.
You should be careful for them not to slip through the gaps and fall into the coals below.
You can even grill them alongside your meats, and they will subtly lend each other flavor!
Ingredients include: asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
These delicious and cheesy little sliders are just mini burgers prepared with a gravy dip; you can skip it if you wish, but it’s the au jus dip that makes this dish unique!
I suggest serving your hotdogs on sticks if you plan on eating them together, but I’ll leave that decision to you!
Ingredients include: deli roast beef, provolone cheese, sweet rolls, onions, and au jus gravy mix.
Now here’s another recipe that deserves to be in everyone’s cookbook!
It’s easy, versatile, and goes well with everything!
It can be used as a base for other dishes as well, such as under bolognese sauce or curry.
Ingredients include: basmati rice, orzo, vegetable broth, shallots, and carrots.
Crashed potatoes are an interesting Australian take on both baked and mashed potatoes.
So what’s done is the masher is used to press on the softened potato, just enough to make a cookie-like disc, which is then roasted until crispy on the outside.
This leaves you a free surface to lay on your choice of seasoning and garnish!
Ingredients include: potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Who could say no to some cheesy broccoli casserole?
Warm, hearty, and filling, let not a rumbly tummy remain with this and hot dogs amongst the food on your buffet table!
Ingredients include: broccoli, cheese, rice, canned soup, and seasoning.
Sweet watermelon is the perfect side for the hot summer months, simply because there are so many of them available!
Get yourself a few and try tossing up this refreshing and minty salad!
Ingredients include: watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese, red onions, and mint.
There’s a saying that the right side dish can upgrade an entree from boring to brilliant.
That adage holds true here as this Zesty Chargrilled Broccolini has been known to elevate a multitude of meals!
You can grill the broccolini similar to #36!
Ingredients include: broccolini, avocado oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and lemon.
Here’s the perfect thing for people who are on the go or otherwise can’t take out the grill to cook!
You can still get some of that lovely char on your corn as if you’ve grilled them!
And you most likely already have the ingredients sitting in your pantry and can have them ready in a jiffy!
Ingredients include: canned corn kernels, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
44. Nuked Broccoli
Did you know that you can cook up some delicious steamed broccoli in the microwave?
And the whole process only takes 5 minutes!
People with full schedules looking to squeeze in mealtime need to have this recipe in their back pocket!
Ingredients include: broccoli, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
The thing I love about carrots is their versatility.
You can name a cooking method, and carrots can most likely be cooked that way.
When cooked, they have an earthy sweet flavor that will go with anything; raw, they have a crunchy fruity flavor that will be perfect for your hot dogs.
Cook them up similar to #44!
Ingredients include: carrots, brown sugar, honey, salt, and butter.
The bottom line
Have you ever made a Hot Dog Bar?
Try it at your next kids’ or even the grownup kids’ party!
Mix and match the condiments and the sides, and you’ll keep everyone happy!
Give these recipes a try and see what you think!
There are sure to be at least a few that will become at least seasonal favorites.
Maybe you’ll even find new favorites for your hot dog sides!
More About Hot Dogs
- Leftover Hot Dog Recipes
- Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog Appetizers
- Hot Dog Casserole Recipes
- How To Microwave Hot Dogs
- Hot Dog Toppings Ideas
45 BEST Sides For Hotdogs 🌭
Hotdogs can be enjoyed alone, but pairing them with any of these 45 sides for hotdogs will make the American classic more enjoyable!
Ingredients
- Mexican Street Corn
- Creamed Corn
- Creamy Red Potato Salad
- Pasta Salad With Cucumber & Black Olives
- Creamy Summer Pasta Salad
- Baked Potato
- French Fries
- Potato Chips In The Air Fryer
- Honey Lime Rainbow Salad
- Tossed Green Salad
- Mama’s Famous Bean Salad
- Herbed Grain Salad
- Grilled Summer Fruit
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Grilled Parmesan Asparagus
- Roasted Vegetable Medley
- Baked Beans
- Cornbread
- Zucchini Fries
- Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese
- Fried Mushrooms
- Apple Carrot Slaw
- Cauliflower Potato Salad
- Cheesy Zucchini Baked Fritters
- Apple Sweet Potato Bake
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes
- Accordion Hasselback Waffle Potatoes
- Southern Macaroni Salad
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Summer Slaw With Corn, Peaches & Tomatoes
- Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
- Grilled Veggie Skewers
- Texas Roadhouse Fried Pickles Copycat
- Grilled Tomatoes
- Grilled Asparagus
- French Dip Sliders
- Brown Rice Pilaf With Orzo
- Crash Hot Potatoes
- Broccoli Casserole
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Zesty Chargrilled Broccolini
- 4-Ingredient Skillet Fried Corn
- Nuked Broccoli
- Sweet & Tender Glazed Carrots
Instructions
- Skim through our Sides For Hotdogs list.
- Select the sides you’re looking for.
- Prep the ingredients as instructed.
- Spill your thoughts on our Facebook page!
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Melinda Gaines
Friday 27th of August 2021
Can't go wrong with fried mushrooms!
Jennylyn Gross
Sunday 22nd of August 2021
thanks for the ideas
Darla Peduzzi
Sunday 22nd of August 2021
So many delicious recipes. I'm hungry now. Thanks for sharing.