You can’t get much simpler than a hot dog. It’s meat in a bun, a sort-of sandwich, the ultimate finger food designed to be as portable as possible while keeping all the taste of a larger meal.

But if a hot dog is made to go, does it even need a side dish? It sure does! A good side dish can make your hot dog go from average to eye-popping and turn that picnic into the best time of your life.

So, let’s get this party started. Here are seventeen of the tastiest side dishes that go best with hot dogs…you might want to eat something first because these dishes truly are mouth-watering!

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17 Side Dishes To Serve With Hot Dogs

1. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is the quintessential picnic food. Like a hot dog, it’s easy to pick up and eat. It’s also vegetarian-friendly, vegan-friendly, cheap, and easy to cook.

There is a popular recipe going around that combines corn and a hot dog as something that resembles a corn dog rolled in corn kernels. I haven’t tried that yet, but it looks yummy!

2. Baked Beans

One of the most common dishes paired with hot dogs, baked beans has a very long history that goes back hundreds of years. The cooking methods have changed over the years, but the beans remain the same.

There are a lot of different baked bean recipes, the most famous one is Boston baked beans. This dish calls for the beans to be cooked with molasses, salt, and pork for a sweeter taste.

3. Potato Chips

If you want a quick snack to go with your hot dogs, potato chips are the answer. They’re not only available in a store, but they can also be made at home.

Potato chips come in many flavors, textures, and shapes. They can be covered in toppings like the hot dogs, or you can use dips to add even more flavoring.

4. Coleslaw

A classic summer side dish, coleslaw can also be used as a topping for hot dogs. This is especially common in places like North Carolina.

Coleslaw comes from the Dutch words for “cabbage salad.” It’s an apt name because it’s mostly made of sliced cabbage and either mayonnaise or salad dressing.

5. Cornbread

Another great summer side for hot dogs, cornbread is a healthy source of fiber, calcium, and iron. It’s made without sugar or oils that can contain fat.

Here’s something else you can do with cornbread and hot dogs: I’ve seen recipes that bake hot dogs into cornbread. I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks delicious.

6. Onion Rings

Onion rings aren’t the healthiest meal, but for rare occasions like family barbecues or game day parties, they make a great treat. As a side dish for your hot dogs, they add to the flavor by giving the dogs a “zing.”

And it doesn’t stop there. Onion rings can come in many flavors, depending on the ingredients. I’ve seen southwestern, barbecue, Indian, and Hawaiian. Which kinds are your favorite?

7. Grilled Asparagus

Another option for vegetarians and vegans, grilled asparagus is easy to make. Coat a spear of asparagus with olive oil and grill it for two minutes. Add salt and pepper and you’re ready to roll!

As a side dish, grilled asparagus can be grilled along with the hot dogs. If you don’t have a grill, the asparagus can be baked in an oven and come out just as delicious.

8. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese are another delicious combo for hot dogs. Not only is it good as a side, but many recipes call for chopped hot dogs mixed in with the macaroni.

If you want a quick dish, macaroni and cheese can be ready in under a half-hour without any need for preparation beyond getting the pan and dishes.

9. French Fries

French fries and hot dogs go together like they were made for one another, especially salted fries. There are a lot of different recipes and toppings, including cheese, ketchup, various spices, and gravy.

Fries can also be used as a topping for hot dogs, although if you offer other toppings the hot dog might get a bit crowded with everything on it.

10. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are an irresistible alternative to French fries. They’re cheap, easy to make at home, and are full of nutrients. And of course, they taste delicious with hot dogs!

While they’re good to eat, sweet potato fries are healthier if they’re air-fried or baked rather than conventionally fried. If you make them at home, try to avoid any cooking oils that are high in unsaturated fat.

11. Sliders

Sliders are pint-sized hamburgers that are traditionally are steamed when they’re cooked. Hamburgers and hot dogs are the two most famous barbecued foods, so naturally, they go together well.

You don’t have to make traditional sliders to go with your hot dogs; chicken sliders, crab cake sliders, and turkey sliders are only some of the many alternatives. There are even vegetarian and vegan options, too!

12. Potato Salad

Potato salad is another summer food that goes well with a barbecue or picnic. It can be made with herbs, chives, pickles, and celery, among other things.

If you’re in need of a topping for your hot dogs, potato salad can also be put on the hot dog in a pinch or if you like potato salad. It’s a good side dish for a hot day.

13. Grilled Vegetable Salad

Grilling isn’t only for meat; there are a lot of foods that can be grilled, including vegetables. A grilled vegetable salad is a good way to get your daily dose of veggies.

The veggies that are used in the salad can include asparagus, onions, corn, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and avocado. There can be a lot of variations in the different recipes used, so don’t take my word for it!

14. Orzo With Everything

Orzo is a kind of pasta that looks a little bit like rice. Orzo with everything is a kind of pasta-based salad with tomatoes, olives, radicchio, and olive oil. And that’s just the basics.

If you want a pasta-based dish, this one is good for bringing the taste of the Mediterranean to your hot dog. It’s a light meal that’s easy to cook, and unforgettable.

15. Crash Hot Potatoes

Here’s something you may not have heard of. I hadn’t heard of them myself until recently, but crash hot potatoes are an Australian dish that is kind of like mashed potatoes.

Crash hot potatoes are made by first boiling the potatoes, then crushing them with a masher. Finally, you bake them on a tray with olive oil. Add plenty of flavorings and serve them with your hot dogs.

16. Corn Salad

Do you want a new twist on the old corn formula? Corn salad is a delicious combination of vegetables that has many different variations and ingredients.

The basic corn salad contains corn, onions, tomatoes, and basil. These are all mixed up with olive oil, salt, and feta cheese into a dish that brings out the joy of eating.

17. Watermelon and Cucumber Salad

Looking for a side that’s as refreshing as it is tasty? Watermelon and cucumber salad might be what you need. It’s vegetarian-friendly, healthy, and doesn’t need any cooking.

The melon and cucumber are joined by feta cheese, mint, and a fruity dressing for a summer side dish that’s the life of any party.

Wrap Up

There you have it, seventeen delicious sides that go perfectly with hot dogs. There are many more besides the ones I’ve listed here, and there are even more different toppings for hot dogs.

I have many fond memories of eating hot dogs, especially when I was a kid. They’re one of my favorite foods, and going by all the recipes I’ve seen, I’m not the only one who loves them.