Leftover hot dogs? Seems almost un-American to have them, but hey, it happens. Perhaps you’ve wrapped up a backyard barbecue or survived a family cookout with a surplus of franks.
So, what to do with these lonely links? Fear not. We’ve rounded up some ingenious ways to give them a second life that extends far beyond the bun.
1. Hot Dog Omelette
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 hot dog (sliced)
- Cheese
- Veggies (optional)
Instructions: Whisk two eggs in a bowl. Toss in slices of your leftover hot dog. Add cheese and veggies to taste. Cook the mix in a pan until the eggs are set. Breakfast, upgraded.
2. Hot Dog Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- Leftover rice
- 1 hot dog (diced)
- Veggies (optional)
- Soy sauce
Instructions: Stir-fry some diced hot dogs with leftover rice. Add veggies and a splash of soy sauce. An easy, filling meal that you can whip up in minutes.
3. Hot Dog Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- 1 tortilla
- 1 hot dog (sliced)
- Cheese
Instructions: Layer slices of hot dog and cheese between a folded tortilla. Heat until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden brown. Slice and serve.
4. Spaghetti with Hot Dogs
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- 2 hot dogs (sliced)
- Tomato sauce
Instructions: Boil spaghetti according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, heat tomato sauce and toss in some hot dog slices. Combine with spaghetti. It’s like an Italian-American fusion you never knew you needed.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, see our more in-depth spaghetti with hot dogs recipe.
5. Hot Dog Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- Veggies
- 1 hot dog (sliced)
- Stir fry sauce
Instructions: Sauté your chosen veggies and add hot dog slices. Toss in stir fry sauce to finish. Easy, quick, and surprisingly good.
6. Hot Dog Casserole
Ingredients:
- Mashed potatoes
- 2-3 hot dogs (sliced)
- Cheese
Instructions: Layer mashed potatoes, hot dog slices, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Comfort food, reimagined.
7. Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs
Ingredients:
- Mac and cheese
- 1-2 hot dogs (sliced)
Instructions: Prepare your mac and cheese as usual. Add in some hot dog slices before the final stir. It’s a childhood favorite with an adult twist.
8. Hot Dog Tacos
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- 1 hot dog (sliced)
- Toppings of your choice
Instructions: Fill a tortilla with hot dog slices and your favorite taco toppings. A zany twist on Taco Tuesday.
9. Hot Dog Pizza
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Cheese
- 1 hot dog (sliced)
Instructions: Spread tomato sauce and cheese on your pizza dough. Add hot dog slices before baking. It’s a pizza party like no other.
10. Hot Dog Soup
Ingredients:
- Chicken or beef broth
- 1 hot dog (sliced)
- Veggies
- Noodles
Instructions: Heat broth and throw in hot dog slices, veggies, and noodles. Simmer until everything is cooked through. A quick soup that’s unexpectedly hearty.
So, next time you find yourself with more hot dogs than you can handle, don’t fret. These recipes ensure your leftovers will never go to waste. Cheers to inventive cooking and second chances!