Hot dog toppings typically pare down to about a half-dozen standards, but we grilled experts for hot dog recipes that will surprise and delight guests around the grates this summer. As American as apple pie, hot dogs are on the menu at every Fourth of July cookout, budget-friendly backyard barbecue, and lake house lunch, but serving them with the same old toppings can seem anything but celebratory.

Our experts offer the simple hot dog some inventive upgrades to make it the dark horse darling of the grill this summer. From an irresistible everything-bagel hot dog to a Carolina-style pulled pork-and-slaw rendition, there’s a dressed-up dog here we know you’ll relish.

Caribbean Jerk Hot Dogs

Grab a store-bought jerk seasoning, a pineapple, and (of course) rum to add an island influence to a plain dog.

Step 1: Create a Pineapple Salsa

• Grill pineapple and red onion slices until well-charred.
• Roughly chop and combine with finely chopped jalapeno, cilantro, lime zest, and a splash of rum.
• Finish with salt and a pinch of brown sugar.

Step 2: Rub, Grill, and Serve

• Rub hot dogs all over with oil and jerk seasoning.
• Grill until cooked through.
• Place on buttery toasted buns and top with pineapple salsa.

Quick Corn Relish Dogs

Allow plenty of time (at least 30 minutes) for flavors in this homemade relish to mingle.

Step 1: Make Corn Relish

• Combine ½ cup each white wine vinegar, sugar, and water in a medium pot along with a couple sprigs of fresh thyme.
• Bring to a boil and then cool slightly.
• In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup each corn kernels, diced bell pepper, chopped tomatillos, 2 sliced scallions, and ½ minced jalapeno, and then season with salt and pepper.
• Pour the liquid mixture over the vegetables and let sit for 30 minutes (or overnight) in an airtight container.

Step 2: Grill and Serve With Relish

Top grilled hot dogs with the corn relish and mustard.

Poutine Dogs

This Canadian import is best served on a soft potato bun.

Step 1: Grill and Top With Poutine

Top grilled hot dogs with crispy French fries (using frozen here is just fine), roughly chopped cheese curds, and your favorite gravy.

Step 2: Pile on Options

If you like, pile on more toppings like crispy bacon, chopped onions, and jalapenos.

The New York City Classic

Onions, mustard, and sauerkraut are must-have toppings for any hot dog calling itself a New Yorker. The rest are merely suggestions.

Step 1: Create Classic Onion Mixture

• Cook a large sliced onion over medium-high heat until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Stir in 1 Tbsp each yellow mustard and ketchup, and then ¼ cup water.
• Season with 1 tsp each sugar and chili powder, and then simmer until soft and tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
• Season the onion mixture with salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce.

Step 2: Grill and Top With Onion Mixture

Top grilled (or boiled) hot dogs with the onions along with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard.

Bacon-Wrapped Everything Bagel Dog

Everything seasoning seems to be showing up on everything these days!

Step 1: Thaw Cream Cheese

Bring 8 ounces of cream cheese to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Capers

• Heat a thin layer of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot enough that a caper sizzles immediately when added to the pan, add ⅓ cup capers and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 1 to 3 minutes.
• Carefully transfer capers to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Fry Hot Dogs With Bacon

• Wrap each hot dog with 1 to 2 slices of bacon, using toothpicks to secure if necessary.
• Fry in a pan or on a covered grill over medium heat, rotating until bacon is crispy, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Bun

Spread a layer of cream cheese on the inside of each bun.

Step 5: Add Hot Dog to Bun

Fill with bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and then top with fried capers, everything bagel seasoning, and chopped scallions. Drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick.

Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork and Slaw Dog

Apply the vinegary tang of Carolina-style BBQ and slaw as a hot dog topping!

Step 1: Make the Slaw

To make Carolina-style vinegar-based slaw, start with a large mixing bowl and combine the following:

• ½ head thinly shredded cabbage
• 1 shredded carrot
• 1 thinly sliced green bell pepper
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp ground celery seeds
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare Pulled Pork

Buy or cook your own pulled pork, and toss in your favorite store-bought Carolina-style BBQ sauce.

Step 3: Grill Hot Dogs and Add Toppings

Grill hot dogs and serve in a bun topped with pulled pork and slaw.

Bibimbap Dog

Bibimbap is a Korean dish of rice and vegetables topped with a fried egg but, for this recipe, skip the rice.

Step 1: Cook Hot Dogs

Fry hot dogs on a stove or cook them on a grill.

Step 2: Prepare Eggs

To fry eggs:

• Heat 1 Tbsp oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
• Once hot, crack 1 to 2 eggs at a time into the pan and cover, cooking until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Season with salt.

Step 3: Set Egg and Hot Dog in Bun and Add Toppings

Place a fried egg in each bun and top with a hot dog and kimchi. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Reuben-Style Hot Dog

This Reuben has everything but the corned beef.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauerkraut

Heat sauerkraut in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.

Step 2: Prepare Hot Dogs and Buns

Cook hot dogs on the stove or grill. Open buns and slightly toast the insides on the grill or pan.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Remove buns from heat and fill with hot dogs and Swiss cheese.

Step 4: Melt Cheese in Buns

Return the filled buns to the pan or grill over medium heat, and cover until the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Serve Hot Dogs With Toppings

Remove from the heat, top with sauerkraut, and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing.