The Best Condiments for Hot Dogs: Plus Unique Ideas to Try

Hot dogs are one of America's most beloved foods. In fact, the Council estimates Americans consume 20 billion hot dogs a year... That's a lot of hot dogs! Whether you're at a backyard barbecue, a baseball game, or simply craving a quick meal, hot dogs deliver satisfaction in every bite. But what truly transforms a plain hot dog into something memorable? The answer lies in the condiments and toppings you choose.

The right combination of sauces, vegetables, and creative additions can elevate your hot dog from ordinary to extraordinary. Some prefer classic simplicity—a squeeze of mustard and a sprinkle of onions. Others love experimenting with bold flavors like hot sauce, gourmet cheeses, or even kimchi. No matter your preference, there's a world of possibilities waiting to be explored.

This guide will walk you through traditional hot dog toppings, introduce you to unique condiments that will surprise your taste buds, showcase regional variations from across the country, and even provide recipes for DIY condiments you can make at home. We'll also highlight Mikey V's premium hot sauces—award-winning options that bring authentic heat and flavor to every bite.

Ready to discover new ways to dress your hot dog? Let's dive in.

Key Takeaways

Mustard reigns supreme as America's favorite hot dog condiment, but ketchup, mayo, and hot sauce are popular choices too

Unique condiments like gourmet hot sauces, specialty mayo blends, and artisan relishes can transform your hot dog experience

Regional variations offer distinct flavor profiles, from Chicago's garden-fresh toppings to Cincinnati's chili-covered classics

DIY condiments allow you to customize flavors and control ingredients for a truly personalized hot dog

Mikey V's hot sauces provide award-winning heat and quality that complement hot dogs perfectly

Traditional Hot Dog Condiments

Some condiments have earned their place as hot dog staples. These classics are found at nearly every cookout, ballpark, and hot dog stand across America.

Mustard 

Mustard tops the list as the most popular hot dog condiment. Yellow mustard offers a tangy, mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory taste of a hot dog. Dijon mustard brings a sharper, more sophisticated edge, while whole grain mustard adds texture and complexity.

For those who want more heat, Reaper's Revenge On My Evil Stepmother's Mustard is a unique mustard made with the Carolina Reaper pepper!

Ketchup

Ketchup remains a controversial choice in some circles—particularly in Chicago, where locals consider it an absolute no-go on hot dogs. Despite the debate, many Americans love the sweet, tomato-based flavor ketchup provides.

It's especially popular among younger hot dog enthusiasts.

Relish 

Relish adds a sweet, tangy crunch that complements the soft texture of a hot dog and bun. Sweet pickle relish is the traditional choice, though dill relish offers a less sugary alternative.

Either way, that bright green color and chopped pickle texture make relish instantly recognizable.

We highly recommend trying Dillapeño Sweet!

Onions 

Onions bring sharpness and crunch in their raw form, or sweetness and depth when caramelized.

Raw diced onions add bite and texture, while grilled or caramelized onions offer a mellow, almost sweet flavor that melts into the hot dog.

Sauerkraut 

Sauerkraut provides a fermented, tangy element that cuts through the richness of a hot dog. This German-inspired topping is especially popular in regions with strong European heritage.

These traditional condiments form the foundation of hot dog toppings. They're reliable, widely available, and beloved for good reason.

Unique Condiments for Hot Dogs

Want to take your hot dog game to the next level? These creative condiments bring unexpected flavors and textures.

Craft Hot Sauces 

Craft hot sauce offers far more than generic heat. Premium craft hot sauces feature carefully balanced flavors—combining peppers, fruits, vegetables, and spices to create complex taste profiles.

Whether you prefer a sweet ghost pepper hot sauce, fruity habanero, or intense ghost pepper heat, quality hot sauce can completely transform your hot dog experience.

Specialty Mayo Blends 

Mayo blends have become increasingly popular for hot dogs. Sriracha mayo combines creamy richness with spicy kick. Chipotle mayo adds smoky depth. Jalapeño mayo brings fresh heat and brightness.

These flavored mayos create a luxurious coating that helps other toppings stick while adding their own distinct character.

Artisan Salsas 

Salsa brings fresh, vibrant flavors to hot dogs.

From classic pico de gallo to roasted tomatillo salsa verde, these fresh-made toppings add moisture, acidity, and vegetables in one swoop.

Specialty Cheeses 

Cheese elevates hot dogs beyond standard shredded cheddar. Try crumbled blue cheese, creamy brie, sharp aged cheddar, or melted pepper jack.

Each cheese brings its own personality and pairs differently with various hot dog styles.

Kimchi and Pickled Vegetables 

Kimchi and pickled vegetables offer fermented funk and crunch. Kimchi brings spicy, garlicky Korean flavors. Quick-pickled vegetables add brightness and acidity.

These toppings cut through rich, fatty hot dogs beautifully.

Bacon and Bacon Jam 

Bacon and bacon jam provide smoky, savory enhancement. Crispy bacon pieces add texture, while bacon jam—a sweet-savory spread made from slow-cooked bacon, onions, and brown sugar—creates an indulgent coating.

These unique condiments allow you to customize your hot dog according to your mood, the season, or simply your craving for something different.

Regional Hot Dog Variations

Hot dogs vary dramatically across America. Each region has developed its own signature style, reflecting local tastes and cultural influences.

• Chicago-Style Hot Dog is perhaps the most famous regional variation. This masterpiece features an all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green relish, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Chicagoans are adamant: never add ketchup to this creation.

• New York-Style Hot Dog keeps things simple. Sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard are traditional, sometimes joined by grilled onions in a tangy sauce. New York street vendors have perfected this straightforward combination.

• Coney Island Dog (popular in Detroit and throughout the Midwest) features beef chili, yellow mustard, and diced raw onions. Some versions add shredded cheddar cheese. The chili-topped hot dog has become a regional obsession.

• Sonoran Hot Dog from Arizona wraps a hot dog in bacon, then tops it with pinto beans, grilled onions, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and jalapeño salsa. This Mexican-influenced style reflects the region's border culture.

• Seattle Dog takes a late-night approach, loading hot dogs with cream cheese, grilled onions, and jalapeños. This unexpected combination became popular at street carts serving hungry club-goers.

These regional styles demonstrate how hot dogs have been adapted to local tastes, creating distinct traditions worth exploring.

What is your favorite style?

• Chicago-Style Hot Dog
• New York-Style Hot Dog
• Coney Island Dog 
• Sonoran Hot Dog

See All Options

You can vote for more than one answer.

DIY Hot Dog Condiments

Making your own condiments allows you to control ingredients, adjust flavors, and create signature combinations nobody else has.

Homemade Hot Mustard

Combine 3 tablespoons dry mustard powder, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and let sit for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

This versatile mustard brings sharp heat balanced with subtle sweetness.

Quick Pickle Relish

Finely dice 2 cucumbers, 1 small onion, and 1 red bell pepper. Combine in a bowl with ½ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon celery seeds. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate.

This fresh relish beats store-bought versions every time.

Caramelized Onion Topping

Slice 3 large onions thinly. Cook in 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and sweet. Season with salt and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

These onions add sophisticated sweetness to any hot dog.

Chipotle Mayo

Blend ½ cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotles in adobo, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust heat level by adding more or less adobo sauce.

This smoky, spicy mayo works beautifully on grilled hot dogs.

Fresh Tomato-Cucumber Salsa

Dice 2 tomatoes, 1 cucumber, ¼ red onion, and 1 jalapeño. Toss with 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and salt to taste. This bright, fresh topping adds vegetables and acidity in one simple preparation.

Making condiments at home takes minimal time but delivers maximum flavor customization.

Mikey V's Hot Sauce: Perfect for Hot Dogs

When it comes to hot sauce for hot dogs, quality matters. Mikey V's Foods has built a reputation for creating award-winning hot sauces that bring authentic flavor and carefully balanced heat.

Based in Texas, we specialize in craft, high-heat spicy foods made from fresh, all-natural ingredients. We have won hundreds of awards for our hot sauces, salsas, and BBQ sauces—recognition that speaks to our commitment to quality.

Why Mikey V's works perfectly for hot dogs:

The flavor profiles are complex rather than one-dimensional. Mikey V's hot sauces don't just bring heat—they bring depth.

The consistency is ideal for hot dogs. Too thin, and hot sauce runs off. Too thick, and it doesn't distribute evenly. Mikey V's sauces have the perfect texture to coat a hot dog without making a mess.

The heat levels vary to suit different preferences. From milder options to extreme heat, we offer choices for everyone—from those who want just a hint of spice to hardcore chili heads seeking maximum burn.

For hot dogs, here are our personal recommendations:

1. Ghostly Garlic Hot Sauce

2. Dill Pickle Reaper Hot Sauce

Creative Hot Dog Topping Combinations

Ready to experiment? These creative combinations push hot dog boundaries while maintaining delicious balance.

• The Breakfast Dog: Scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sriracha mayo. This hearty combination turns a hot dog into a complete breakfast.

• The BBQ Bacon: Crispy bacon pieces, caramelized onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and smoky BBQ sauce. Rich and satisfying, this indulgent combo hits all the comfort food notes.

• The Hawaiian: Grilled pineapple, teriyaki glaze, diced red onion, and jalapeño slices. Sweet, spicy, and tropical, this combination offers vacation vibes in every bite.

• The Buffalo: Blue cheese crumbles, celery slaw, and buffalo sauce. This combination reimagines buffalo wings as a hot dog topping.

• The Tex-Mex: Black beans, corn salsa, pepper jack cheese, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and Mikey V's hot sauce. Loaded with Southwestern flavors, this hearty combo satisfies serious hunger.

Don't be afraid to mix and match ingredients. Hot dogs are forgiving canvases for culinary creativity.

Hot Dog Condiment FAQs

Q: What are the most popular condiments for hot dogs?

A: Mustard ranks as the most popular hot dog condiment (68% of Americans), followed by ketchup (61%), mayonnaise (19%), relish, and onions. Hot sauce has been gaining popularity in recent years as more people seek spicy flavor profiles.

Q: Is it acceptable to put ketchup on a hot dog?

A: While some purists—particularly in Chicago—consider ketchup on hot dogs a culinary crime, the reality is simple: eat your hot dog however you enjoy it most. Food rules exist to be broken. If you love ketchup on your hot dog, add ketchup.

Q: What makes a good hot sauce for hot dogs?

A: The best hot sauces for hot dogs balance heat with flavor complexity. They should enhance rather than overpower the hot dog itself. Consistency matters too—the sauce should cling to the hot dog without making a mess. Premium options like Mikey V's hot sauces excel in these areas.

Q: How do I store homemade hot dog condiments?

A: Most homemade condiments keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks in airtight containers. Label containers with preparation dates to track freshness. Some condiments like pickled vegetables actually improve after a day or two as flavors develop.

Q: What condiments pair best with different hot dog types?

A: All-beef hot dogs pair well with bold flavors like spicy mustard, sauerkraut, and hot sauce. Chicken or turkey hot dogs work beautifully with lighter toppings like fresh vegetables and herb-based sauces. Bratwurst and other sausages shine with mustard, grilled onions, and pickled vegetables.

Take Your Hot Dogs to the Next Level

The best condiments for hot dogs are ultimately the ones you love most. Whether you stick with traditional mustard and onions or venture into creative territory with gourmet hot sauces and specialty toppings, the key is finding combinations that make your taste buds happy.

Start by mastering the classics—good quality mustard, properly caramelized onions, and fresh relish never disappoint. Then branch out gradually, trying regional variations and unique condiments one at a time. Make your own condiments when you can—the difference in flavor is remarkable.

Don't overlook the importance of quality hot sauce!

Most importantly, have fun experimenting. Hot dogs are inherently casual food—there's no wrong way to enjoy them. Mix traditional and modern toppings. Try unexpected combinations.

Create your own signature hot dog that reflects your personal tastes!