Create a Gourmet Hot Dog Bar for Your Next Summer Party

Our Virtual Book Club monthly book for June is “Father of the Bride” by Edward Streeter.

On Thursday, my post was my tips for hosting an intimate vintage backyard wedding.

Today it’s all about creating a summer gourmet hot dog bar.

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Father of the Bride the 1990 Movie

The “Father of the Bride” Movie (1991 Version) is a family favorite in our house. We’ve watched it more times than I can count.

We all love the part in the movie where George Stanley Banks goes nuts in the grocery store because of the hot dog buns and ends up in jail.

In homage to Steve Martin and the 1990 Movie we are creating a gourmet hot dog bar as our culinary inspiration for “Father of the Bride”.

Gourmet Hot Dog Bar

Who doesn’t love a good hot dog? But why settle for a plain old hot dog when you can create the ultimate gourmet hot dog bar? With a little creativity and some delicious hot dog toppings, you can turn a simple hot dog into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

First things first, let’s talk about the basics. You’ll need to start with quality hot dogs and hot dog buns. Don’t skimp on the hot dogs – there are many different types of hot dogs. Opt for all-beef or even gourmet sausages for a more elevated experience. As for the buns, choose ones that are sturdy enough to hold all of your favorite toppings without falling apart.

Full disclosure: I absolutely love the soft wonder bread type hot dog buns!

Once you have your hot dogs and buns, it’s time to start thinking about toppings. From classic condiments like ketchup and mustard to more unique options like caramelized onions and jalapeno peppers, the possibilities are endless. We’ll share some of our favorite topping combinations to get you started.

What You’ll Need

When it comes to building the ultimate gourmet hot dog bar, you’ll need a few essential items to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here’s what we recommend:

Hot Dogs

First and foremost, you’ll need hot dogs. We suggest going for a high-quality, all-beef hot dog. Look for ones that are free from fillers and preservatives.

Buns

Next up, you’ll need buns to hold your hot dogs. We recommend going for a soft, slightly sweet bun that can stand up to the juiciness of the hot dog without falling apart. You can also consider getting some pretzel buns and gluten-free or vegan buns for any guests with dietary restrictions.

Toppings

This is where things get fun. You’ll want to offer a variety of toppings to suit everyone’s tastes. Here are some ideas for your hot dog bar toppings:

• Classic condiments like ketchup, yellow mustard, and relish
• Gourmet mustards and mayonnaises
• Pickles, both sweet and dill pickle spears
• Relish both sweet pickle relish and dill relish
• White Onion, both raw and caramelized perhaps also red onion
• Celery Salt
• Sauerkraut
• Sport Peppers
• Chili
• Cheese, both shredded and sliced (In addition to Cheddar Cheese you could also offer pepper jack or Swiss)
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Hot Sauce
• BBQ Sauce
• Bacon bits
• Fried onions

Side Dishes

To round out your hot dog bar, you’ll want to offer some delicious sides. Here are some ideas:

• Potato chips
• Potato Salad
• Corn on the Cob
• Pasta Salad
• Tortilla chips
• Coleslaw
• Baked beans
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Salad

Drinks

Don’t forget to offer some refreshing drinks to wash down all those hot dogs. We suggest having a variety of options, including:

• Soda
• Lemonade
• Iced tea
• Beer (for the adults)
• Maybe a Signature Cocktail (for the adults)

With these essentials, you’ll be well on your way to building the ultimate gourmet hot dog bar.

More than just a Hot Dog

You can also consider offering something other than just hot dogs. We typically offer brats and Italian sausage and even a hamburger as the topping are interchangeable.

With the different offerings, you can turn your basic hot dogs into a chili dog, a Chicago dog, an Italian dog, or even a coney dog. Your guests can make themselves many fancy hot dogs with your gourmet toppings.

Setting Up the Hot Dog Bar

Presentation

When it comes to setting up the ultimate gourmet hot dog bar, presentation is key. Here are some fun ideas for presenting your hot dog bar:

• Use a tablecloth or table runner to add some elegance to the setup.
• Use tiered trays or platters to display the toppings. This will make it easier for guests to see all of their options.
• Label each topping with a small sign or tag. This will help guests know what they’re putting on their hot dogs.
• Use small bowls or ramekins for condiments like ketchup and mustard. This will keep them from getting messy and make them easier to serve.

Order of Toppings

The order in which you present the toppings on your hot dog bar is important. We want to make sure that guests can easily build their perfect hot dog without having to backtrack or search for toppings. Here’s the order we recommend:

1. Hot dogs (of course!)
2. Buns (toasted or steamed)
3. Sauces and condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish, etc.)
4. Vegetables (onions, peppers, sauerkraut, etc.)
5. Cheeses
6. Meats (bacon, chili, etc.)
7. Other toppings (fried onions, jalapeños, etc.)

By following this order, guests can easily build their hot dog from the bottom up, without having to backtrack or search for toppings. Plus, it will keep the line moving smoothly and efficiently.

That’s it for setting up the hot dog bar. With these tips, your guests will be impressed and satisfied with their gourmet hot dog creations.

Summer Cookout

The beauty of having a make-your-own hot dog bar is that once you’ve put everything out for the hot dog party, your job is pretty much done. It’s also a relatively inexpensive party theme as many things you might already have on hand and the rest you can pick up at your local grocery store. 

It’s also kid-friendly and would be perfect for birthday parties.  Kids have so much fun when they create their own favorite hot dog recipes.

So whether you are celebrating the summer holidays of the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or Memorial Day or just having a fun summer bbq; it’s a great way to entertain with ease while taking things to the next level with different flavors.

You can put your own spin on this and make it your own at your next gathering this summer. Enjoy!

Peace & Love,

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we keep hot dogs warm for a bar setup?

We recommend using a slow cooker or a warming tray to keep hot dogs warm for your bar setup. Simply set the slow cooker or warming tray to a low temperature and place the hot dogs inside. This will ensure that they stay warm and ready to serve throughout your event.

What are some vegetarian options for a hot dog bar?

For vegetarian options, we suggest offering veggie dogs or tofu dogs as a meat-free alternative. You can also include a variety of toppings such as grilled vegetables, avocado, and different types of cheese to create delicious vegetarian hot dog options.

How can we make our hot dog bar stand out from others?

To make your hot dog bar stand out, we suggest getting creative with your toppings. Offer unique and unexpected toppings such as kimchi, bacon jam, or Sriracha mayo. You can also play around with different types of buns such as pretzel buns or brioche buns to add a gourmet touch to your hot dog bar. Additionally, consider offering themed hot dog options such as a Chicago-style dog or a chili cheese dog to add some variety to your menu.

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