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Flavorful Firecracker Hot Dogs Recipe with Easy Zesty Special Sauce

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These Flavorful Firecracker Hot Dogs feature smoky, spicy hot dogs topped with a zesty special sauce and crunchy toppings, perfect for quick meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 all-beef hot dogs (e.g., Nathan’s Famous)
  • 8 soft hot dog buns, lightly toasted (brioche buns recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for toasting buns)
  • Zesty Special Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (e.g., Duke’s)
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha or favorite hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Toppings:
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ½ cup pickled jalapeños
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Special Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and set aside. Adjust heat if desired.
  2. Prep the Toppings: Finely chop ½ cup red onion, ½ cup pickled jalapeños, and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves. Shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Set aside.
  3. Toast the Buns: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Spread softened butter evenly on the inside of each hot dog bun. Place buns butter-side down on the grill and toast until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  4. Cook the Hot Dogs: Place hot dogs directly on the grill or grill pan. Turn every 2 minutes to get even char and heat through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Cook for 7-10 minutes until grill marks appear and hot dogs are juicy.
  5. Assemble the Firecracker Hot Dogs: Spread a generous spoonful of the zesty special sauce on the toasted buns. Nestle in the hot dogs, then top with shredded cheddar, chopped red onion, and pickled jalapeños. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
  6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot dogs fresh off the grill while buns are warm and cheese is melty.

Notes

If hot dogs split, reduce heat. Thin sauce with water or lime juice if too thick. Toast buns until crunchy but still soft inside. Sauce tastes better after chilling overnight. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and cheese; for gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot dogs, firecracker hot dogs, spicy hot dogs, zesty sauce, summer cookout, quick meal, backyard barbecue

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/flavorful-firecracker-hot-dogs-recipe-with-easy-zesty-special-sauce/