National Hot Dog Day or not, this classic summer favorite is a staple at barbecues, beaches and, of course, baseball games. For many Americans, it’s hard to imagine a summer without the crisp, grilled-to-perfection flavor. With that, Americans spent over $7 billion on hot dogs and sausages in US supermarkets in 2021. Raise your hand if you contributed!
Although you may want to throw like Joey Chestnut for the rest of the summer, let’s be honest: hot dogs aren’t the healthiest choice. The good news, though: there are a handful of ways to get your dog from not-so-clean, to leaning, and getting naughty.
Here, Janine Nyquistchef, food stylist and recipe developer who has worked with many top professionals such as Scott Conant, Jonathan Waxman and Geoffrey Zakarian, explains how to make a healthy hot dog, step by step.
Janine is a Florida-based mother of four as well as a chef, food stylist, and recipe developer. She has worked with restaurant industry stars such as Scott Conant, Jonathan Waxman and Geoffrey Zakarian. Raised Italian-American, food has always been at the forefront of Janine’s life. She believes in using simple, seasonal ingredients to create thoughtful foods that nourish body and soul. Janine regularly emphasizes getting together with friends and family to create memories around the table with delicious food and good conversation.
Janine is a chef, food stylist and recipe creator who has worked with many top industry professionals such as Scott Conant, Jonathan Waxman and Geoffrey Zakarian. Raised Italian-American, food has always been at the forefront of Janine’s life. She believes in using simple, seasonal ingredients to create thoughtful foods that nourish body and soul. Janine regularly emphasizes getting together with friends and family to create memories around the table with delicious food and good conversation. She is an active mother of 4 children and lives in sunny Florida.
Choose a healthy hot dog
“The fewer ingredients, the better,” says chef Janine.
- 100% organic grass-fed meat, uncured, nitrate and nitrite free: Applegate, Organic Valley, 365 Whole Foods Generic
- Low-fat options include: National Hebrew 97% Fat Free
- Vegetable options: Updog, Litelife, Tofurky
Different types of healthy buns
Luckily, “there are so many options to ‘sanitize’ the hot dog container.” Says Chef Janine, and here are some easy-to-find options that can cut calories and also contain TKTK.
- Gluten-free buns
- Cauliflower wraps
- thin sandwich
- Sprouted buns like Ezekiel 4:9
- Whole wheat or whole grain bread options
- Forget the bun completely and opt for lettuce leaves
Healthy hot dog toppings
Whether you like your dogs fully loaded or enjoy a topping or two, you won’t run out of options or flavors by lightening it up.
- Low-sugar or sugar-free ketchup
- Sauerkraut or kimchi (for gut health)
- Vegetables like chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce or coleslaw made with seasonal produce
- Jalapenos – fresh are best – and add the perfect amount of heat
- Replace mayonnaise with avocado for heart-healthy fats
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Caramelized onions to add natural sweetness
- Beans for more protein
Improve your Frank by spiralizing it
Serving cones and spiral cut hot dogs are a unique way to savor your grilled dogs. Not only does it add something a little different to your dish, but your company will admire your chef skills as well. “When you cut the hot dog this way, you get a lot of little nooks and crannies for the toppings to dig into.” She says. Perfect for those who like to pack on toppings. “The edges also get a bit crispier, which creates an awesome texture,” says chef Janine.
Spiral Grilled Hot Dog with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Fresh Tomatoes
