Top Sides for Hot Dogs

25 Tasty Sides to Serve with Hot Dogs

Hot dogs bring a classic, comforting flavor that’s ideal for cookouts, parties, or casual dinners. The right sides can enhance that familiar taste, adding everything from fresh crunch to creamy textures.

Each side pairs perfectly with the savory goodness of hot dogs, elevating the whole meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or hearty, these sides offer variety and satisfaction.

Mixing and matching flavors makes every bite feel new and exciting. Check out 25 amazing sides to make your hot dog spread unforgettable:

Rainbow Pasta Salad

Rainbow pasta salad features a mix of colorful vegetables and pasta that brings life to any gathering. This dish stands out with its eye-catching hues, enticing everyone around the table.

Tossed in a light dressing, it’s not only refreshing but also easy to prepare for potlucks or family dinners. The addition of feta adds a creamy tang that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients, making every serving memorable.

Whether you're hosting friends or simply enjoying dinner at home, this salad is sure to impress all who try it.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a crunchy salad that pairs beautifully with various dishes, particularly those served in buns.

Its distinctive feature lies in the crisp cabbage and vibrant veggies tossed together, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Preparing this classic side takes minimal effort; just chop your ingredients and mix them with a tangy dressing for an instant flavor boost to any meal.

Whether enjoyed at barbecues or picnics, coleslaw enhances every plate it graces while providing essential crunchiness alongside heartier options.

Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati chili stands out as a unique meat sauce that captures the essence of Midwestern comfort food.

Renowned for its distinct blend of spices, this dish offers an alternative to traditional chili con carne while delivering equally satisfying flavors.

Often served over spaghetti or alongside hot dogs, Cincinnati chili invites you into a world where unexpected combinations create lasting memories.

You’ll appreciate how easily it can be prepared, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican street corn salad is a zesty dish that brings the flavors of traditional elote to your table.

This recipe highlights fresh corn combined with creamy ingredients, tangy lime juice, and spices for an unforgettable taste experience.

The simplicity of its components allows the natural sweetness of the corn to shine through while adding layers of flavor from cilantro and chili powder.

Perfectly suited for gatherings, this crowd-pleaser will have everyone flocking around for more at your next cookout or potluck event.

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy caviar serves as a salad or zesty dip, highlighting fresh vegetables combined with beans and dressed in a lively chili lime vinaigrette.

The mix includes cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and protein-packed beans that create an abundant bowl of flavor.

Ideal for potlucks or BBQ gatherings, this dish brings together wholesome ingredients for everyone to enjoy without complicated steps.

Latkes

Latkes are crispy potato pancakes that hail from Eastern European Jewish culture.

Their standout feature lies in the perfect balance of lightness and crispiness, achieved through finely grated potatoes and onions fried to golden perfection.

The lacy edges create a delightful contrast with the tender interior, making each bite satisfying.

Often served during festive occasions or as comfort food, these treats bring warmth to any meal setting.

Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad with Pesto

Cucumber avocado tomato salad is a refreshing dish that bursts with color and flavor, making it perfect for warm weather dining.

The vibrant combination of crisp cucumbers, creamy avocados, and juicy tomatoes forms a delightful base enhanced by the rich essence of basil pesto dressing.

This salad not only brings freshness to the table but also offers versatility as a side or light main course option on sunny days.

Easy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Baked sweet potato fries offer a scrumptious and health-conscious twist on traditional fries.

Preparing them at home is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a crispy texture without the guilt associated with deep-frying.

With their rich orange hue and delightful crunch, these fries not only satisfy cravings but also provide essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins.

Dipping them in your favorite sauce adds an extra layer of enjoyment to every bite while enhancing their flavor profile beautifully.

Fry Sauce

Fry sauce is a tangy and sweet condiment that elevates the experience of enjoying fries, making it an essential companion for any fry lover.

This versatile sauce isn't limited to just potatoes; it's also a fantastic addition to hot dogs, enhancing their flavor with its unique blend.

A perfect mix of savory notes and subtle sweetness creates a delightful balance that complements various snacks beyond fries.

You’ll find this simple recipe easy to whip up at home, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences while keeping your meals exciting and flavorful.

Balela Salad

Balela salad features chickpeas, black beans, and fresh vegetables.

With cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, parsley, and mint adding layers of flavor and crunch to the mix, it offers both nourishment and taste in every forkful.

This recipe stands out with its simple preparation while delivering an impressive presentation that’s sure to catch your eye.

Mediterranean Pasta

Mediterranean pasta is a versatile dish, easily served warm or chilled, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead of time.

With just 20 minutes needed to whip this up, you’ll appreciate how quickly dinner can come together without sacrificing taste.

Fresh vegetables and herbs shine through in each bite, offering a culinary experience that satisfies every palate at your table while allowing you to customize it as desired with your favorite proteins or sauces.

Succotash

Succotash is a hearty American side dish known for its rich history and comforting flavors.

Featuring corn kernels and lima beans as the main components, this dish can also incorporate a variety of regional vegetables or proteins to enhance its appeal.

The colors and textures create an inviting plate that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish.

With origins dating back centuries, succotash reflects the agricultural bounty of America while allowing you to experiment with seasonal produce in your kitchen.

Batata Harra

Batata harra is a Lebanese potato dish that transforms ordinary spuds into an explosion of flavor.

Infused with fresh herbs and aromatic spices, this recipe invites you to experience a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

You’ll appreciate how each bite offers a perfect balance between the crispy exterior and soft interior, complemented by zesty chili for added warmth.

Serving as an ideal accompaniment or stand-alone snack, batata harra elevates any meal while celebrating bold culinary traditions from Lebanon.

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli serves as a bold and creamy condiment that elevates your meals with its rich flavor.

This versatile sauce is perfect for slathering on sandwiches, enhancing burgers, or adding zest to wraps and hot dogs.

Its robust garlic infusion creates an irresistible appeal that makes it hard to resist dipping everything in sight.

Ideal for those who crave a touch of gourmet flair in everyday dishes, this aioli transforms simple snacks into something extraordinary while complementing various cuisines seamlessly.

Tostones

Tostones are a deliciously crispy snack made from green plantains, celebrated for their double-frying technique that achieves an irresistible crunch outside while keeping the inside tender.

A sprinkle of sea salt elevates their flavor, making them ideal for munching on their own or pairing with your favorite dipping sauce.

These tasty discs not only shine as appetizers but also serve as fantastic companions to main dishes like hot dogs.

Peach Salsa

Peach salsa offers a refreshing burst of summer flavors that elevates any meal.

Juicy peaches combine with zesty ingredients to create an enticing balance, making it an ideal complement for grilled meats or savory dishes.

Adding this vibrant topping can transform your hot dogs into a culinary highlight at barbecues and gatherings.

With its delightful combination of sweetness and tanginess, it's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.

Israeli Couscous Salad

Israeli couscous salad is a refreshing dish that bursts with lively flavors and appealing textures.

The chewy, nutty pearls of couscous serve as the perfect base for an array of colorful vegetables and distinctive ingredients such as Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts.

Tossed in a zesty lemon Dijon vinaigrette, this salad offers a delightful balance between savory and tangy notes.

Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a South African vegetable side that brings life to any meal, especially at cookouts.

This dish features an exciting blend of vegetables and spices, creating a zesty accompaniment for hot dogs or grilled meats.

With its quick preparation time, you can whip up this delightful recipe in no time while adding a touch of flair to your table.

Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a casual family dinner, chakalaka offers warmth and flavor that elevate simple gatherings into memorable feasts.

Creamed Corn

Creamed corn offers a rich and velvety side dish that transforms fresh or frozen corn into a comforting delight.

The creamy texture paired with the natural sweetness of the corn creates an irresistible flavor profile, making it a standout choice for any meal.

Ideal for cookouts or family dinners, this recipe elevates traditional dining experiences with its homey charm.

You’ll find it complements grilled meats wonderfully while also serving as an enticing option on your holiday table.

Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew is a robust southern classic, known for its rich and smoky barbecue flavors that perfectly complement any casual meal.

This dish highlights tender meat combined with fresh vegetables in a savory broth, creating an inviting experience for anyone who loves hearty comfort food.

Ideal as a side to grilled favorites like burgers or hot dogs, it’s best enjoyed in moderation; just opt for a cup instead of a bowl to leave room on your plate.

With each spoonful brimming with flavor, it's bound to make you crave more after the first taste.

Cherry Tomato Gratin

Cherry tomato gratin elevates fresh tomatoes into a visually stunning side.

With its crispy topping and savory cheese, it offers an enticing contrast to the juicy tomatoes underneath.

Pairing beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something special on your table.

A few herbs can enhance the flavor profile, making it versatile for various meals.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean quinoa salad is a refreshing blend of wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal summer side.

Featuring protein-packed quinoa along with fresh vegetables and classic Mediterranean flavors, this dish brings brightness to any meal.

A zesty lemon dressing ties everything together beautifully, enhancing the taste without overwhelming your palate.

You can enjoy its lightness at picnics or as part of a healthy lunch option during warm days.

Maque Choux

Maque choux is a Southern dish that transforms fresh corn into a hearty celebration of flavors.

This delightful combination features sweet, tender kernels sautéed in savory bacon grease and seasoned with zesty Cajun or Creole spices, ensuring every bite bursts with character.

Ideal for summer gatherings when corn is at its best, this dish stands out as the ultimate side option for barbecues and potlucks alike.

You’ll appreciate how easily it complements grilled meats or even serves as a satisfying vegetarian treat on its own.

Spanish Summer Salad (Pipirrana)

Spanish summer salad, known as pipirrana, celebrates the bounty of fresh tomatoes that flourish under the sun.

This refreshing dish features a delightful medley of ripe tomatoes paired with crisp vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers, creating an enticing contrast in textures.

Originating from southern Spain, this salad embodies the essence of summertime dining with its bright colors and wholesome ingredients.

You can easily customize it by adding olives or herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a classic side dish that perfectly complements fried fish, bringing creaminess and tang to your plate.

This rendition stands out with its rich texture and zesty flavor, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or casual meals.

Preparing a generous amount means you can relish the leftovers throughout the week, enhancing every meal with its delightful taste.

With this recipe in hand, sharing moments around the table becomes even more enjoyable as everyone appreciates its satisfying presence alongside their favorites.

Linda Dean

Linda Dean

Expertise

Culinary Arts, Food Journalism, Global Cuisine, Exploration, Recipe Development, Cultural Food Studies, Culinary Travel and Storytelling

Education

Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
Program: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Developed a comprehensive understanding of global cuisines and essential cooking techniques. Engaged in intensive hands-on practice in both kitchens and real-world settings, guided by expert chefs. This program emphasized the application of culinary skills in professional environments, preparing students for a variety of roles in the culinary industry.

City, University of London, London, UK
Program: BA Journalism
Focus: Gained expertise in media studies with a strong foundation in reporting, editing, and communicating. While the program focuses broadly on journalism, the skills acquired apply to food journalism, including the ability to analyze and report on food culture and culinary trends effectively.


Linda Dean is an experienced chef and food writer who loves exploring flavors from around the world. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Linda has spent over ten years mastering the art of making dishes that truly represent different cultures. She also studied journalism at City, University of London, which helps her write engaging stories about these foods.

On heythattastesgood.com, Linda shares recipes that bring the world’s kitchens to her readers. She focuses on authentic tastes and the stories behind them, making it easy for anyone to try international cuisine at home.

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