Last Updated on December 9, 2024 by Karen
Take your next game day get together to the next level and serve this fun and delicious Build-Your-Own Hot Dog Charcuterie Grazing Board for an epic game day eats!
Thinking about what to serve your guests for game day, Memorial Day, or the Fourth of July? What would football or a summer cookout be without the iconic game day favorite: hot dogs!
Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium, at a baseball game, or hosting an epic game day party at your home, this hot dog board is sure to please a crowd. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the game while serving up fun toppings in a beautiful charcuterie board style.
I’m a true New Yorker when it comes to hot dogs, so all I need is just some sautéed onions and yellow mustard. My husband, on the other hand, prefers his completely plain, with no mustard or ketchup, maybe just a bit of cheese. Since everyone seems to prefer their hot dog a little differently, I put together this board with a variety of hot dog toppings, including Dijon mustard, to satisfy everyone.
This is a great way to serve your guests with different flavors and options, making it a fan favorite!
This hot dog board is made for sharing and snacking, which is perfect for large groups at a summer cookout or during the halftime commercials of a game. It’s also an easy way to entertain, whether you’re at a rest area or enjoying a game with family and friends. The toppings and condiments can be made ahead, and the hot dog can be kept warm in the slow cooker if you prefer.
If you’re looking for more variety, a hot dog bar with trays of meat and a variety of meats selection, such as deli meat or beef jerky, is a perfect addition to the spread!
Here are some ideas on what to put on your hot dog charcuterie board. First thing, you’ll want to ensure you have a great variety of toppings, so your guests can customize their hot dogs to their liking.
Hot Dog Options
- Classic options: traditional beef or a mix of beef and pork hot dogs are the go-to options for most hot dog lovers.
- Lighter alternatives: chicken and turkey hot dogs are great options for those looking for a leaner protein. They are healthier alternatives to the classic beef dog, but lower in fat and still deliver a satisfying bite.
- Vegetarian hot dogs: Made with plant-based ingredients like soy, tofu, or seitan, these hot dogs are a great option for vegetarians or vegans. They offer a similar taste and texture to traditional hot dogs but without any meat. Some popular brands are Lightlife Smart Dogs, Beyond Meat Beyond Sausage, MorningStar Farms Veggie Dogs, and Impossible Sausage Links.
- Kielbasa (Polish sausage): Made with a blend of pork and beef and seasoned with garlic and spices, it’s a flavorful, slightly smokier alternative to regular hot dogs.
- Bratwurst: German-style sausage made from pork, beef, or veal, known for its rich and savory taste. Bratwurst is typically grilled and served in a bun with mustard and sauerkraut for a hearty meal. This is my preference, especially if I can find cheese bratwurst.
These options give you a wide variety of flavors and styles, perfect for different tastes and occasions!
Hot Dog Buns
Pretzel buns
Potato buns
Bun-less option such as Bibb lettuce and pickle buns (great addition for a tangy flavor)
Hoagie rolls
Condiments
Ketchup
Mustard (yellow or Dijon mustard)
Pickle relish
Spicy mayo
Barbecue sauce
Chili powder (for a kick of flavor)
Toppings
Chili (meat or meatless) Check out my Easy 5-Ingredient Chili and healthier Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, American)
Pico de gallo
Guacamole or avocado slices
Sauteed onions
Sauerkraut
Sliced jalapenos
Crumbled bacon
Pickles
Korean hot dogs (for an exciting twist!)
When making the condiments and toppings, be sure to use olive oil for a great flavor when sautéing the onions or preparing any other veggies. A garlic clove can add extra flavor to the toppings, and you can cook at high heat for a nice caramelization.
Set your hometown pride and team rivalries aside, and create your own regional favorites. Here are some favorites:
Chicago: pickle relish, raw onions and tomatoes, hot peppers, pickle spear, celery salt (served in a poppy seed bun)
New York: sauteed onions or sauerkraut and brown mustard
California: bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with grilled onions and peppers
Texas: chili and cheese
For the perfect hot dog board, don’t forget to use a stylish serving dish or a serving board that highlights the variety of fruits, meats, and toppings. A hot dog bar with serveware kits and small bowls (ramekins or small glass prep bowls) is a great way to display your toppings.
A variety of fruits like summer fruits (watermelon, berries, frozen grapes) can also be great additions to round out the meal. Whether you’re looking for a large saucepan for chili or black pepper to season your toppings, your hot dog spread can be as simple or extravagant as you want. It’s all about creating a fun, fan-favorite experience!
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out Allrecipes for more ways to make your hot dog bar or hot dog board a crowd-pleaser at your next event. One popular TikTok – Make hot dog trend involves bacon-wrapped Nathan’s hot dogs. These are made by wrapping a hot dog in bacon, securing it with toothpicks, and then grilling or baking them for a crispy, flavorful twist. Another TikTok favorite is the Korean-style hot dog, which is made by dipping the hot dog in a batter, then coating it with panko breadcrumbs, and frying it to achieve a crispy exterior. Some even top it with sugar or drizzle it with ketchup and mustard for added flavor.
Whether it’s Memorial Day, summer cookouts, the Fourth of July, or a casual summer get together, this Build-Your-Own Hot Dog Charcuterie Grazing Board is sure to be a hit at any dinner boards gathering!
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