Today we're serving up a few secret hot dog recipes just in time for cookout season! Put those leftovers to good use. Quite frankly, we think these are the best ideas around!

pigs in a blanket hot dogs, from Shelf Cooking

Whether you went wild at a BOGO hot dog sale or cooked a few too many during your last backyard BBQ, this post is for you! Just when you thought this American classic couldn't get any better, it did. These ideas are Pinterest-perfect but easy as can be.

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As a bonus, we'll even dish out a few ideas for using the leftover buns, too. What, what?! We're excited about this, you guys. Here we go!


HOW TO TURN LEFTOVER HOTDOGS INTO CORNDOG BITES

Okay, we thought about saving this one for last, but we're obsessed, so we couldn't wait any longer! Use your favorite cornbread mix recipe, a little milk, and an egg. Jiffy is also a great option (it's less than a buck and delish), but any brand will do! Here's what you do:

  • Prep Steps – Preheat your oven to 400°F and then line or grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. Slice your leftover hot dogs into a few pieces. You'll want enough for each muffin cup!
  • How to Assemble – In a mixing bowl, combine your cornbread mix, egg, and milk according to package instructions. You can add a little garlic salt if you'd like! Pour enough of the mixture to fill each cup about halfway full, then drop in a hot dog slice.
  • Baking Instructions – Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cornbread is cooked through.

Serve these with some campfire sauce for dipping and enjoy!


THIS HEARTY HASH IS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE HOT DOG RECIPES

leftover hot dog breakfast hash, from Shelf Cooking

Hot dogs for breakfast?! Say, what? Yep. We're officially giving you permission. Try this leftover hot dog recipe and tell us what you think:

  • Prep Steps – Add oil to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Slice your leftover hot dogs, dice one or two large potatoes, and chop a medium onion.
  • Cooking Instructions – Place the potatoes and onions in the skillet and sautee for around 10 minutes. Add the hot dog slices and continue cooking until warmed through. Top with shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream, and serve with a fried egg on top.

It's such an easy dish, but it's chock-full of flavor! If you like hot dogs, we think you'll love this hash.


THE HOLY GRAIL OF HOT DOG RECIPES: SLOW COOKER ‘LIL SMOKIES

This recipe is EASY with a capital E, but it's a party favorite! Here's how to bring this mouthwatering appetizer to life:

  • Ingredients You'll Need – Gather six leftover hotdogs, one cup of barbecue sauce, and ¾ cup of grape jelly.
  • Cooking Instructions – Slice your hot dogs into four pieces, then place in a lined slow cooker. Combine the barbecue sauce and jelly, then pour over the hot dogs. Cook on high for 90 minutes, and round up a few toothpicks for serving.

Promise us you'll try this one, okay? That grape jelly and barbecue sauce combo is a thing of beauty!


EASY TATER TOT CASSEROLE

tater tot hot dog casserole recipe, from Shelf Cooking

Okay, we never claimed these recipes were the healthiest around, but we all deserve a treat now and then, right? This recipe is the ultimate comfort food goodness. Here's how to make it:

  • Ingredients – You'll need a bag of frozen tater tots, three small cans of chili, some leftover hot dogs, and shredded cheese to make this recipe. If you have leftover chili, that works, too!
  • How to Assemble – Slice ten hot dogs into rounds, combine with chili, then spread in a glass baking dish. Top with tater tots and shredded cheese, then bake at 350°F for around 45 minutes, or until the tots are nice and crispy.

This casserole tastes great with a little sour cream on top! You can also add diced onions if you have them. Honestly, this one gives us major Sonic vibes. #IfYouKnowYouKnow


USE YOUR LEFTOVERS TO MAKE MINI HOT DOGS IN A BLANKET

This one is easy peasy! There's no need for step-by-step instructions. Grab a can of leftover crescent rolls, and roll them out flat, then slice into 2×2 squares. Slice your hot dogs into three pieces, and place one piece and a little cheese in each roll. Fold it all up like a pig in a blanket, and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Seriously. That's it! You can dip those dogs in chili, ketchup, mustard, or your sauce of choice. We bet your kids will love these!


BONUS: 3 CLEVER HOT DOG BUN RECIPES

homemade croutons from hot dog buns, from Shelf Cooking

Okay, if you've got leftover hot dogs, chances are good you have buns to use up, too! Here what you can do:

  • Cheesy Garlic Bread – This cheesy garlic bread works great as a snack or a meal, and you can easily use a bun in place of bread!
  • French Toast – Fun fact: you can use any type of bread to make French toast, and that includes leftover buns! If you need a go-to French toast recipe, try ours. The shape might be different, but the taste will stay the same.
  • Croutons – Skip the pricey storebought croutons, and use what you've got! Just tear those buns into bite-sized pieces, then toss in olive oil and the seasonings of your choice (we love to use fresh herbs). Bake at 375°F for around 20 minutes or until your croutons reach the desired level of crispiness.

Now you have no excuses to leave any food behind after that next cookout! Where there are leftovers, there's a way to make them yummy!


The next time you have leftover hot dogs to use, you'll know what to do! If you're looking for another option, you can always add sliced hot dog rounds to a big pot of soup or beans, too. Don't be afraid to get creative!

Do you have a go-to hot dog recipe to share? We'd love to try it! Leave a comment below.

Image with text that reads "hot dog recipes" from Shelf Cooking

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