What to Eat With Your Hot Dog (That Isn’t Just Chips)

Hot take: chips are the sweatpants of summer sides. Comfortable? Sure. Reliable? Definitely. But exciting? Not exactly.

Your hot dog, on the other hand, is working overtime—sizzling on the grill, holding all those toppings together, stealing the show on your paper plate. So why pair it with a side that feels like an afterthought?

It’s time to level up. We’re talking bold flavors, unexpected textures, and sides that might just steal the spotlight from the main event (sorry, dog). Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just yourself on a Tuesday, these hot dog companions are bringing more than just vibes—they’re bringing serious flavor.

1. Street Corn (aka Elote)

Messy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Smoky grilled corn slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro is the kind of drama your hot dog wants on the plate. The sweet-spicy-creamy crunch is the perfect contrast to that juicy frank.

Pro tip: Serve it off the cob as esquites if you’re trying to avoid corn-in-teeth situations.

2. Watermelon Feta Salad

This one’s for the "I want something refreshing, but make it gourmet" crowd. Crisp watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, a drizzle of balsamic glaze—this salad is giving coastal picnic chic. It cools you down and adds a splash of color to your plate. Bonus: pairs beautifully with a spicy hot dog or jalapeño cheddar sausage.

3. Crispy Halloumi Fries

The fries your hot dog didn’t know it needed. Halloumi cheese slices fried to golden, squeaky perfection? Yes, please. These salty, crispy sticks are begging to be dipped in everything from garlic aioli to spicy ketchup. Way more exciting than a handful of tortilla chips.

Bonus: Swap fries for halloumi skewers drizzled with hot honey—sweet, spicy, and totally addictive.

4. Dill Pickle Slaw

Because you love pickles on your dog—why not double down? This crunchy, tangy slaw is shredded cabbage meets dill pickles, a little red onion, and just enough creamy dressing to tie it together. It cuts through the richness of the hot dog like a pro and adds a serious zippy punch.

5. Smashed Potato Salad with Herb Butter

The glow-up of classic potato salad. We’re talking baby potatoes that are boiled, smashed, then roasted until crispy and tossed with melted herb butter and flaky salt. It’s buttery, crispy, and comforting—with none of that mayo heaviness. Basically, it’s what potato salad wants to be when it grows up.

6. Spicy Kimchi Cucumber Bites

A little bit of funk, a whole lot of crunch. These chilled cucumber rounds topped with spicy kimchi (and maybe a sesame drizzle) are a fun, fiery nod to Korean street food. They’re quick, cool, and a great palate cleanser between bites of a saucy chili dog.

7. Charred Shishito Peppers with Lime

Low-effort, high-reward. Toss some shishito peppers on the grill and hit them with flaky salt and fresh lime. Most are mild, but every once in a while—boom, spicy surprise. It’s like a snack game of roulette, and your hot dog will love the company.

8. Caramelized Onion Tartlets

A little fancy, a lot addictive. Think of these as the French onion soup of finger foods. Buttery pastry topped with jammy caramelized onions and a touch of goat cheese or gruyère? Yes, your hot dog just made a new best friend at the cool kids' table.

9. Quick-Pickled Veggie Spears

Crunchy, punchy, and ready in 30 minutes or less. Pickled carrots, radishes, and cukes bring acidity, texture, and a dash of color to your hot dog party. Plus, they keep things feeling light and fresh—aka leave room for a second dog (or dessert).

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10. BBQ Baked Beans with a Twist

You’ve had baked beans. But have you had them with bourbon, brown sugar, and smoked paprika?These sticky-sweet beans bring depth, smokiness, and just the right amount of comfort. If you really want to go rogue, plop a spoonful on the dog for full flavor fusion.

11. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Because green beans should be invited to the BBQ, too. Blistered in a pan with garlic and butter until slightly crispy, these beans are fresh enough to feel healthy-ish and flavorful enough to hold their own next to a mustard-drenched dog.

12. Grilled Mushroom Skewers

Savory, umami-packed, and surprisingly meaty. Toss some creminis or portobellos on a skewer, brush with garlic soy butter, and grill till juicy and charred. These skewers bring major flavor and balance out that meat-on-meat action happening with the hot dog.

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Chips will always have a place in our snack-loving hearts (and fine, they’re easy). But when the dog is the star of the cookout, it deserves a supporting cast that’s just as iconic. Think of these unexpected sides as your ticket out of boring BBQ land. Your hot dog is about to have its main character moment.