What To Make With Hot Dogs Without Buns

Cooking with Hot Dogs: Creative and Delicious Ideas for Bunless Meals

Hot dogs are a classic American food that can be found at ballparks, backyard barbecues, and fast-food joints across the country. While the traditional way to serve hot dogs is on a bun with ketchup, mustard, and relish, there are many other ways to enjoy these flavorful sausages without the bread. Whether you are following a low-carb diet, have run out of buns, or just want to try something different, this article will provide you with some tasty and easy-to-make recipes that feature hot dogs as the star ingredient.

1. Hot Dog Skewers

One fun and festive way to enjoy hot dogs without buns is to make skewers that combine them with other ingredients like vegetables, fruits, and cheeses. To make hot dog skewers, you will need:

– Hot dogs (beef or pork)
– Bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
– Pineapple chunks
– Mozzarella cheese balls
– Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Cut the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto the skewers along with the peppers, pineapple, and cheese. Grill the skewers over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the hot dogs are browned and the cheese is melted. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

2. Hot Dog Casserole

If you want to turn hot dogs into a hearty main dish that can feed a crowd or last for several meals, try making a hot dog casserole that combines them with pasta, vegetables, and cheese. To make hot dog casserole, you will need:

– Hot dogs (beef or pork)
– Pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
– Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– Cheddar cheese (shredded)
– Milk
– Flour
– Butter
– Salt and pepper

Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain. Cut the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces and sauté them in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Add the frozen vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray. Combine the cooked pasta, hot dog mixture, and cheese sauce in the baking dish and stir well. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

3. Hot Dog Sliders

If you crave the satisfaction of biting into a juicy burger but don’t want to deal with buns, try making hot dog sliders that use sliced bread as a substitute. To make hot dog sliders, you will need:

– Hot dogs (beef or pork)
– Sliced white bread
– Bacon (cooked)
– Lettuce
– Tomato
– Mayonnaise
– Ketchup

Cut each hot dog into three equal pieces and cook them in a skillet or on a grill until browned. Toast the sliced bread in a toaster or under a broiler until lightly crispy. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread and ketchup on the other side. Layer lettuce leaves, tomato slices, bacon strips, and hot dog pieces on top of one slice of bread and cover with another slice of bread, ketchup side down. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make as many sliders as desired.

4. Hot Dog Chili

If you have a hankering for chili but don’t want to use beef or beans as the base, try making hot dog chili that combines ground hot dogs with spices and tomato sauce. To make hot dog chili, you will need:

– Hot dogs (beef or pork)
– Onion (chopped)
– Garlic (minced)
– Tomato sauce
– Water
– Chili powder
– Cumin
– Salt and pepper

Grind the hot dogs in a food processor until they resemble ground beef. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened. Add the ground hot dogs and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Add the tomato sauce, water, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

5. Hot Dog Omelet

If you want to start your day off right with a protein-packed breakfast that includes hot dogs, try making a hot dog omelet that combines eggs with chopped hot dogs and cheese. To make hot dog omelet, you will need:

– Eggs
– Hot dogs (beef or pork)
– Cheddar cheese (shredded)
– Butter
– Salt and pepper

Whisk the eggs in a bowl until frothy and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut the hot dogs into small pieces and sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat and pour in the eggs. Cook for 2-3 minutes, lifting up the edges of the omelet with a spatula and letting the uncooked eggs flow underneath. When the eggs are set but still slightly runny on top, sprinkle the hot dog pieces and cheese over one half of the omelet. Fold the other half over the filling and slide the omelet onto a plate. Serve hot with toast or fruit.

Conclusion

Hot dogs are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in many creative ways beyond their typical bunned form. By following these recipes, you can enjoy hot dogs as part of skewers, casser