How to Make Hot Dogs Taste Like Sausage: 10 Delicious Hacks

Hot dogs and sausages have a lot in common – they’re both cylindrical meats made from finely ground mixtures. But let’s face it, hot dogs often lack the bold, savory flavor of a good sausage If you’re a hot dog fan looking to add more oomph, read on for 10 easy ways to make your hot dogs taste more like sausage

1. Poach in Beer and Sauerkraut

One of the best ways to give your hot dogs a flavor boost is to poach them in a mixture of sauerkraut beer and spices. The tangy sauerkraut malty beer and aromatic spices like mustard seeds, coriander and caraway impart delicious flavor.

Simply combine sauerkraut, beer, and seasonings in a skillet. Bring to a simmer then add hot dogs. Poach for 5-10 minutes until plump. Transfer to a grill or pan to sear. The char from searing adds even more flavor.

2. Grill Over Hardwood

The smoky essence of grilled sausage can be mimicked with hot dogs. Try grilling your hot dogs over hardwood like hickory, oak or mesquite. The wood smoke infuses the hot dogs with aromas similar to sausage.

Soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes then scatter over hot coals or gas grill burners. Grill hot dogs over indirect heat, turning frequently, until nicely charred.

3. Rub with Spices

A quick and easy way to sausage-ify your hot dogs is to coat them in a blend of spices before grilling. Try a rub made with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, cumin, oregano and black pepper.

Simply mix the spices together then lightly coat the hot dogs before grilling. The spices form a tasty crust when charred over the flames.

4. Bake in Buns

Baking hot dogs in buns with saucy toppings like chili or sauerkraut transforms them into a meal with bold sausage flavors.

Pile chili, kraut or barbecue sauce over hot dogs in buns. Wrap each tightly in foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until heated through. The steam from baking enhances all the flavors.

5. Pan Fry with Onions

The classic combo of sausage and onions can also upgrade your hot dogs. Simply pan fry chopped onions in butter or oil until caramelized.

Nestle hot dogs into the onions and fry together for 5-10 minutes until browned. The sweet onions complement the salty hot dogs beautifully.

6. Simmer in Tomato Sauce

Turn your hot dogs into sausage-stuffed heroes by simmering them in a simple tomato sauce. Sauté garlic and onions, add canned crushed tomatoes, then nestle in hot dogs.

Simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Put the saucy dogs on buns and sprinkle with Parmesan for an easy, tasty meal.

7. Microwave with Oil and Spices

You can even coax more flavor out of microwaved hot dogs with this quick spice oil trick. Combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika and pepper. Brush the oil over hot dogs before microwaving.

The oil helps them get nicely browned and crispy edges. The spices infuse them with extra flavor.

8. Make Your Own Hot Dog Meat

For total control over flavor, you can grind and mix your own hot dog meat just like sausage. Use fatty pork shoulder and beef chuck.

Season the ground meat boldly with garlic, smoked paprika, coriander, nutmeg and other sausage spices. Stuff into casings and cook as desired.

9. Split and Pan Fry

Splitting hot dogs partway down the middle allows more surface area for getting crispy, charred edges just like sausages.

Simply use a sharp knife to cut hot dogs 3/4 of the way through lengthwise. Open them up and pan fry in oil, cut-side down first, until browned. Season with additional spices as they cook.

10. Serve on Naan with Toppings

Transform your hot dogs into sausage-style street food by serving them stuffed into warmed naan bread with fun toppings.

Try mango chutney, cucumbers, red onion, cilantro and a drizzle of Greek yogurt. The flavors take hot dogs to a whole new level.

Tips for Maximum Sausage Flavor

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your hot dogs pack a flavor punch:

Prioritize quality. Use all-beef or uncured hot dogs with simple, natural ingredients.
Remove hot dog skins before cooking to maximize flavor infusion from sauces and rubs.
Look for hot dogs with a coarser texture closer to sausages. Or make your own coarse grind.
Cook low and slow over indirect heat rather than blasting at high temps.
Finish with a sear or broil to get charred, crispy edges.
Let cooked hot dogs rest for 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.

With the right techniques and toppings, you can easily transform humble hot dogs into sausages with gourmet flavor. Get creative with spices, marinades and global accompaniments to take your dogs on an international flavor tour. From beer halls to street carts, your kitchen can deliver hot dogs with the big, bold taste of sausage.

How To Cook: Hot Dogs on the Stove | in a pan

FAQ

Can you use hot dogs as sausage?

Frankfurters (a.k.a., hot dogs, wieners, or bologna) are cooked and/or smoked sausages according to the federal standards of identity. Beef Franks or Pork Franks are cooked and/or smoked sausage products made according to the specifications above, but with meat from a single species and do not include byproducts.

How do hot dog vendors cook their hot dogs?

Street hot dogs are boiled. This works for two reasons: it’s both low-effort and impossible to screw up. However, to avoid overcooking, street dogs are stored in less-than boiling water. In the biz, this is known as “hot holding.” This is an easy way to keep food ready-to-serve over a long period of time.

Are hot dogs and sausages easy to make?

Hot dogs and sausages are beloved staples at many backyard barbecues because they are fairly inexpensive and easy to make. However, that doesn’t mean they have to be basic. We’ve put together recipes to showcase all kinds of flavorful hot dogs and sausages that can take your cookouts to the next level.

Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?

Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.

What is a hotdog sausage?

Let’s get to it! “Hotdogs” are descended from German Frankfurter sausages, named for Frankfurt the city. Frankfurters belong to the category of “forcemeat” sausages, meaning that their spiced meat is very finely ground and emulsified, producing a smooth, somewhat soft texture.

What does a hot dog taste like?

Except for one thing. A hot dog isn’t a hot dog unless it’s hot, dog. Hot hot dogs are plump and ooze juice, tasting like a shot of unrestrained beef, with garlic and paprika haunting around the edges. They don’t mess around with subtlety. They go right for the kill. And they beat out cool, and even tepid, hot dogs every time.