Smoky, tangy, and delicious, this is my mom’s recipe for saucy Hot Dog Onions. They’re my favorite way to top my franks, and they only take about 15 minutes to make!

Hot Dog Onions

Now that the weather is getting warm, we’ll be making lots of grilled hot dogs with onions at our backyard barbeques. Here in New York City, you can get your hot dogs from street vendors with sauerkraut, ketchup, mustard, or saucy hot dog onions. New York Hot Dog Onions have always been my go-to topping, and I usually add some ketchup and mustard. With some pantry staples, you can whip up your own onions from scratch with this easy recipe. Trust me, they’re the best onions for hot dogs, perfect for your next BBQ. Serve them with baked beans, potato salad or macaroni salad on the side to make it a meal.

What is the healthiest hot dog you can eat?

I buy uncured, organic chicken or turkey hot dogs, which are generally lower in saturated fat and less processed than beef. Applegate is usually my brand of choice. If you’re vegan, you can also use carrot dogs.

Hot Dog Onion Sauce Ingredients

• Onions: Thinly slice two large onions.
• Olive Oil to sauté the onions in
• Vinegar: I used white vinegar, but apple cider vinegar would work too.
• Tomato Sauce: You’ll need one small can of tomato sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Hot Sauce: I used Frank’s RedHot. Add more or less depending on your spice preference.
• Water to simmer the onions in

How to Make Hot Dog Onions

These easy hot dog onions are fast and can be made a few days ahead! And if you’re having a BBQ, you can double or triple the recipe to feed more people.

1. Sauté onions in oil in a small pot on medium-low for six to eight minutes until tender.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for five to 10 minutes.

What to Serve with Hot Dog Onions

This onion sauce for hot dogs recipe would also be great on sausage. Serve them with Air Fryer French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries and dip them in this Spicy Chipotle Ketchup or Homemade Ketchup. If you don’t want fries, this Rainbow Potato Salad, Cabbage Slaw, or Chopped Wedge Salad would all be delish. Of course you can’t go wrong with baked beans!

How to Store

Refrigerate onions for up to 5 days.

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