Okay, friends, let’s talk about something seriously fun: Big Mac Hot Dogs! This isn’t your average backyard barbecue fare; it’s like a party in your mouth, blending the iconic flavors of a Big Mac with the simple joy of a hot dog. I remember the first time I made these; my kids were absolutely floored. They usually turn their noses up at anything remotely “fancy,” but these? They devoured them. They kept asking if I had sprinkled some kind of magic fairy dust on them. Trust me, it’s the special sauce that’s the real secret ingredient. Think of it as a leveled-up hot dog that’s just as easy to whip up as your regular cookout classics, but with a major flavor explosion. This version is even more kid-friendly than my jalapeno popper dogs, which they deem “too spicy”!
What is Big Mac Hot Dog?
So, what exactly *are* Big Mac Hot Dogs? Imagine your favorite grilled hot dog, but instead of the usual ketchup and mustard, it’s topped with all the classic Big Mac fixings: that tangy, slightly sweet special sauce, crisp shredded lettuce, melted cheese, chopped onions, and those unforgettable pickle slices. It’s essentially a deconstructed Big Mac, but served on a bun with a juicy hot dog. Think of it as a burger alternative if you’re in a grilling mood! It’s a ridiculously tasty and fun way to upgrade your next barbecue. The name comes, obviously, from the inspiration: we’re trying to capture all those familiar flavors into a handheld delight.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons. For starters, the flavor is just out of this world. That special sauce, combined with the salty, savory hot dog and the crisp, fresh toppings? It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that somehow just *works*. The onions add a welcome bite, the cheese is so gooey, and the lettuce adds freshness. I always make extra special sauce, because frankly, it’s great with anything!
Secondly, the simplicity is a huge plus. Seriously, if you can grill a hot dog, you can make these Big Mac Hot Dogs. The special sauce comes together in minutes and the assembly is a breeze. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.
Then there’s the Cost-. Hot dogs are generally pretty budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are things you probably already have in your fridge or pantry. A real win for wallets conscious cooks.
Finally, the versatility! While I’m giving you the classic Big Mac treatment, feel free to get creative. Add some crispy bacon, swap out the cheddar for pepper jack for a little kick, or even grill the onions for a sweeter flavor. Trust me; this is your canvas. If you love our other burger-inspired dishes, like our Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, you’ll go nuts for these Big Mac Hot Dogs. What I love most about this recipe is how it manages to be both familiar and exciting all at the same time. It’s pure comfort food with a fun twist.
How do you make a big mac and cheese hot dog?
Quick Overview
How do I make Big Mac Hot Dogs? How do I make a batch of special sauce? What are some ways to cook a hot dog? Lastly, you will load them up with the sauce, cheese, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickle. How do I get everything ready for assembly? Can anyone do this?
Ingredients
What is the special sauce used for?
12 cup mayonnaise (I always use full-fat for the best flavor, but light works too)
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (Don’t skimp on the sweet; it’s crucial!)
1 tablespoon yellow mustard (Just plain old yellow).
What are some good uses for white vinegar?
12 teaspoon garlic powder (Not garlic salt)
12 teaspoon onion powder (Same as above) 1 tsp salt (
1/4 teaspoon paprika (Adds a bit of color and flavor)
Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.
For the Hot Dogs:
What are the best hot dogs to eat?
I like the soft, squishy kind of hot dog buns. I have 8 of them.
For the Toppings:
How do I use American cheese for a Big Mac?
1 cup shredded lettuce (Iceberg is classic, but romaine works too) (salt and pepper)
12 cup diced onion (Yellow or white, finely chopped)
12 cup pickle slices (dill or sweet, your preference)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Special Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I usually let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but you can use it right away if you’re in a hurry. Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Step 2: Grill or Cook the Hot Dogs
Preheat your grill to medium heat. If grilling, cook the hot dogs for about 5-7 minutes, turning frequently, until they are heated through and have nice grill marks. Alternatively, you can cook the hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat, or even microwave them (though I don’t recommend microwaving because the texture isn’t ideal). I always give them a quick sear in a hot pan after microwaving though – trust me, it makes all the difference!
Step 3: Prepare the Buns
If you like, you can toast the hot dog buns lightly. This adds a nice texture, but it’s totally optional. I sometimes brush them with a little melted butter before toasting for an extra touch of richness.
Step 4: Assemble the Big Mac Hot Dogs
How do you place a hot dog in sock? Top with a generous amount of special sauce, followed by the cheese, shredded lettuce, diced onion, and sliced peppers. What are some good pickle slices? Serve immediately and enjoy!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Big Mac Hot Dogs immediately. Make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand, because these can get a little messy (but that’s part of the fun!).
What should I serve it with?
Big Mac Hot Dogs are great on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right kind of fries.What is a classic BBQ?Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob. What is a great summer cookout idea? I always make my Grandma’s coleslaw recipe because it is the best!What is a quick weeknight meal?What are some good side dishes to serve with potato chips? I also make a batch of sweet potato fries in my air fryer as an alternative.What is a kid-friendly feast?Serve with french fries, tater tots, or mac and cheese. Guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. My kids love dipping their fries in special sauce!For a More Sophisticated Gathering: Offer a variety of gourmet toppings like caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, or different types of cheese. This allows your guests to customize their hot dogs to their liking.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Big Mac Hot Dogs
Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time: As I mentioned earlier, the special sauce tastes even better if it has a chance to sit for a while, so make it at least 30 minutes in advance, or even the day before. The flavors really meld together and become more pronounced.
Don’t Overcook the Hot Dogs: Nobody likes a dry, rubbery hot dog. Cook them until they are heated through and slightly browned, but still juicy.
Use Good Quality Hot Dogs: The quality of your hot dogs will definitely impact the overall flavor of the dish. I prefer all-beef hot dogs, but use whatever you like best.
Don’t Skimp on the Toppings: The toppings are what make these Big Mac Hot Dogs so special, so don’t be shy! Load them up with plenty of sauce, cheese, lettuce, onion, and pickles.
Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy from the sauce.
Get Creative with the Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your own unique version of the Big Mac Hot Dog. Some other ideas include diced tomatoes, avocado, or even a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a little kick. I’ve even added crushed potato chips before – don’t knock it til you try it!
Warm the Cheese: Place the cheese on the hot dogs after grilling so it melts slightly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing:
If you have leftover Big Mac Hot Dogs, it’s best to store the components separately to prevent the buns from getting soggy. Store the cooked hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the special sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store the toppings (lettuce, onion, and pickles) in separate containers in the refrigerator as well.
Reheating:
To reheat the hot dogs, you can grill them, cook them in a skillet, or microwave them. If grilling or cooking in a skillet, heat them until they are heated through. If microwaving, heat them in 30-second intervals until they are heated through.
Assembly:
Once the hot dogs are reheated, assemble the Big Mac Hot Dogs as directed above.
Freezing:
I don’t recommend freezing assembled Big Mac Hot Dogs, as the toppings will likely become soggy and the buns will lose their texture. However, you can freeze the cooked hot dogs for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The special sauce can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator, and stir well before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: Big Mac Hot Dogs! They are a fun, flavorful, and easy way to upgrade your next barbecue or weeknight meal. The combination of the juicy hot dog, tangy special sauce, and crisp toppings is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a die-hard Big Mac fan or just looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy hot dogs, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other burger-inspired dishes, like my cheeseburger quesadillas or my bacon cheeseburger dip. Happy grilling!
Big Mac Hot Dogs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 hot dogs Hot Dogs
- 6 hamburger buns Hamburger Buns
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded lettuce
- 0.25 cup special sauce
- 1 tablespoon diced onion
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Grill or pan-fry the hot dogs until heated through.
- Place the hot dogs in the hamburger buns.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, special sauce, and diced onion.
