30 Hot Dog Toppings for Spice Lovers

Craving a spicy kick to the quintessential all-American snack? 

Hot dogs have evolved from a simple sausage on a bun to a customizable canvas, capable of accommodating a myriad of flavorful toppings.

For those who like it hot, here are 30 fiery hot dog toppings sure to heat up your next barbecue or tailgate party.

1. Jalapeño Slices

Let’s start with jalapeños, which are usually associated with Mexican cuisine. They’re medium-sized chili peppers known for their vibrant green color and spicy kick. 

They vary in heat but can provide a fiery punch to any hot dog when sliced fresh. 

When pickled, they carry a tangy and spicy flavor. This makes a delightful addition to the savory taste of the hot dog.

So, how should you add jalapeños to your hot dog? 

Jalapeño slices can be used as a simple and minimalist topping. Or, you can mix them with other ingredients like onions and cilantro to create a fresh, spicy salsa. 

This topping provides an element of surprise with every bite, as the heat level can vary from one slice to another.

2. Sriracha Sauce

Originating from Thailand, Sriracha sauce is a type of hot sauce. It’s made from a blend of chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. 

It has a distinctive garlicky and sweet flavor, which is well-balanced by its spice. 

Sriracha can offer a sizzling touch to your hot dog that goes beyond your typical hot sauce.

There are many ways to incorporate Sriracha into your hot dog. A straightforward approach is to drizzle it over the top, allowing its robust flavor to seep into the bun and meat. 

Another creative alternative is to blend it with mayonnaise or ketchup. This creates a unique, spicy spread that can be slathered on the bun before adding the sausage.

3. Hot Chili Sauce

Hot chili sauce is a broad term that encompasses a variety of sauces made from chili peppers. 

Some are simple mixtures of peppers with salt and vinegar, while others, like Sriracha mentioned above, include additional flavors such as garlic and sugar. 

Hot chili sauce is an incredibly versatile hot dog topping, adding heat and flavor.

Depending on your hot chili sauce, you can take your hot dog on a global flavor trip. For instance, Asian hot sauces like Gochujang or Sambal Oelek will add a unique spicy depth with a slight fermented twist. 

Drizzle it on top of your hot dog or mix it with your favorite creamy condiment to create a spicy aioli.

4. Sliced Serrano Peppers

Serrano peppers, native to the mountainous regions of Mexico, are typically hotter than jalapeños and are perfect for those seeking an extra spice. 

Their bright, crisp flavor and medium-to-high heat level make them a tantalizing topping for any hot dog.

When used fresh, Serrano peppers can be thinly sliced and spread over the hot dog to provide a crunchy and spicy bite. 

You can roast or grill the peppers before slicing for a less intense heat and a slightly sweeter flavor. 

Regardless of how you prepare them, Serrano peppers are a fantastic way to turn up the heat and add an exciting pop of color to your meal.

5. Chipotle Mayo

Chipotle mayo combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, which are dried, smoked jalapeños, with the creamy, cooling effect of mayonnaise. 

This fusion creates a delightful topping with a rich flavor profile: smoky, spicy, tangy, and smooth.

This topping is particularly great on hot dogs as it balances the chipotle’s spiciness and the creamy mayo, counteracting the richness of the sausage. 

You can make your own chipotle mayo at home by blending mayonnaise with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or you can find premade versions in most grocery stores.

6. Habanero Relish

Habanero relish provides a tantalizing mix of sweet, tart, and blisteringly hot that is sure to please the most die-hard spice enthusiasts. 

Made from finely diced habanero peppers, a variety known for its intense heat and slightly fruity flavor, the relish often incorporates ingredients like onions, sugar, vinegar, and salt. 

The result is a condiment with a complex flavor profile and a serious kick.

While you can buy habanero relish pre-made, it’s also possible to make it at home, allowing you to adjust the heat and sweetness to your preference. 

Either way, this fiery relish can be spooned directly onto your hot dog for a blast of heat that is beautifully offset by the tangy and sweet undertones. 

For an added twist, try combining it with cream cheese for a refreshing yet spicy experience.

7. Ghost Pepper Cheese

Ghost peppers, also known as Bhut Jolokia, once held the title of the hottest pepper in the world. 

When combined with the creamy richness of cheese, you get ghost pepper cheese, an ingenious culinary fusion that delivers fiery heat and creamy coolness in a single bite.

Ghost pepper cheese can be melted directly onto the hot dog while it’s still on the grill, resulting in a deliciously gooey and spicy layer. Alternatively, it can be finely shredded and sprinkled on top for a slightly less intense experience. 

This unique cheese brings a new dimension of flavor to your hot dog, one that heat seekers will definitely appreciate.

8. Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning, a blend of spices originating from Louisiana, delivers a spicy and flavorful punch. 

Made from a variety of spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano, Cajun seasoning adds depth and kick to your hot dog.

You can sprinkle Cajun seasoning directly on your hot dog or mix it with mayonnaise to create a spicy Cajun aioli. 

Either way, it’s an easy way to bring the flavors of Southern cuisine to your backyard barbecue. 

Be ready for a bold, complex taste that perfectly complements a hot dog’s simple, savory flavor.

9. Spicy Pickles

Pickles are a classic hot dog topping, offering a tart and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the sausage. However, spicy pickles take this a step further by adding a layer of heat. 

These cucumbers have been pickled in brine with hot peppers or spicy seasonings, resulting in a topping that’s spicy, tangy, and crunchy.

Spicy pickles can be sliced and layered on top of your hot dog or chopped and mixed with other ingredients to create a spicy relish. Their unique texture and flavor combination add a refreshing kick to any hot dog. This topping is perfect for those who enjoy a multifaceted flavor experience.

10. Red Pepper Flakes

Known for their iconic role in pizzerias, red pepper flakes are dried and crushed mixtures of various peppers, delivering a universal heat that can enhance almost any dish – including hot dogs. 

These flakes are not just about spice; they also provide a slightly fruity and smoky flavor that can add depth to your meal.

You can sprinkle red pepper flakes directly onto your hot dog, or for a more subtle approach, mix them into ketchup or mustard. 

They are an ideal topping if you’re looking for a dry heat option that doesn’t alter the texture of your hot dog but still packs a punch.

11. Crushed Red Pepper

Often confused with red pepper flakes, crushed red pepper is essentially the same but generally has a wider variety of peppers, and the flakes are usually a bit larger. 

The heat level can vary depending on the specific mix of peppers used. They offer a bold, bright heat that can add excitement to your hot dog.

Crushed red pepper can be used just like red pepper flakes; sprinkle them on top for a heat that hits immediately, or mix them with a sauce or condiment for a spicy kick that blends with other flavors. 

This topping is perfect for adding a noticeable heat level without overwhelming your hot dog’s other flavors.

12. Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce, a spicy, tangy sauce traditionally used in buffalo wings, is a fantastic way to introduce heat and flavor to your hot dog. 

Made primarily from hot sauce, vinegar, and butter, Buffalo sauce delivers a heat that is flavorful but not overwhelmingly spicy, balanced by a tangy, buttery base.

Pouring buffalo sauce over your hot dog introduces a manageable heat level for most, yet still satisfying for spice lovers. 

Pair this topping with blue cheese crumbles for an authentic “Buffalo” experience. The sharp, creamy cheese is a perfect counterpoint to the tangy heat of the sauce.

13. Wasabi Mayo

For a heat that goes beyond traditional hot peppers, try wasabi mayo. This blend of Japanese horseradish and creamy mayonnaise produces a topping that is both spicy and smooth. 

The heat from wasabi is unique; it’s sharp and sinus-clearing but dissipates quickly, leaving a slightly sweet, earthy flavor behind.

Wasabi mayo is a versatile hot dog topping. It can be spread on the bun before the hot dog is placed or used as a topping after the hot dog is assembled. It brings a burst of heat that quickly subsides, making it a great option if you want an initial kick without lingering spiciness.

14. Korean Kimchi

Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, is a fermented cabbage dish known for its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. While traditional kimchi can be quite spicy, there are many varieties, and the heat level can vary.

Kimchi brings a unique set of flavors to your hot dog. The tangy, fermented flavors complement the savory meat, while the spiciness adds a thrilling kick. You can chop it into smaller pieces for easier topping or layer whole leaves for a dramatic presentation. 

Plus, kimchi is rich in probiotics, adding a healthy twist to your spicy hot dog.

15. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Thai sweet chili sauce is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy, offering a more mellow heat that can appeal to a variety of spice preferences. 

This sauce is a combination of red chili peppers, rice wine vinegar, garlic, fish sauce, and a sweetening ingredient like sugar or honey.

The sweetness in the sauce helps to balance the heat of the chilies, making it a perfect option for those who enjoy a little heat but don’t want to overpower the taste of their hot dog.

 Drizzle it on top of your hot dog, or mix it with mayonnaise for a creamy, sweet, and spicy topping.

16. Harissa Paste

Harissa is a hot chili paste that originates from North Africa. It’s made from roasted red peppers, serrano peppers, and other hot chili peppers, combined with spices like garlic paste, coriander, red chili powder, and caraway. 

Harissa paste delivers a smoky, earthy heat that’s rich in flavor.

It can be spread directly onto the bun before adding the hot dog or mixed with ketchup or mayonnaise for a less intense heat. 

Its unique blend of spices can turn a regular hot dog into an exotic treat.

17. Peri-Peri Sauce

Peri-Peri sauce, or Piri-Piri sauce, is a traditional Portuguese sauce made from crushed chili peppers, citrus peel, onion, bay leaves, paprika, pimiento, pepper, salt, lemon juice, basil, oregano, and tarragon. 

It’s known for its unique blend of hot, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.

Peri-Peri sauce can be used as a marinade for the hot dog or as a topping once it is cooked. 

Its unique combination of flavors makes it a great addition to any hot dog, especially if you’re looking for a spicy yet tangy flavor profile.

18. Scorpion Pepper Sauce

Scorpion pepper sauce may be just the ticket if you’re a heat-seeker looking for the next big challenge. 

Made from Trinidad Scorpion peppers, one of the hottest peppers in the world, this sauce is not for the faint-hearted.

With its intense heat, Scorpion pepper sauce should be used sparingly. A few drops can add significant heat to your hot dog. 

Despite its heat, it has a sweet and fruity flavor that adds depth to your meal.

19. Spicy Mustard

Spicy mustard, or hot mustard, is a type of mustard prepared with spicy mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and salt. It carries a sharp, fiery kick that complements hot dogs’ rich, meaty flavor.

Spicy mustard can be spread onto the bun for a powerful kick with every bite. It can also be mixed with other ingredients, like honey or mayo, to create a less spicy but equally flavorful topping. It’s a classic topping with a spicy twist that mustard lovers are sure to enjoy.

20. Horseradish Sauce

Horseradish sauce is a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce made from grated horseradish root, vinegar, and cream or mayonnaise. Its heat is potent and sharp, hitting the nose more than the tongue.

Horseradish sauce can be spread onto the bun before adding the hot dog, adding a sharp heat that cuts through the richness of the sausage. 

This sauce is an excellent choice for those who love a potent kick. Despite its intensity, the creamy base of the sauce helps balance the heat, offering a cooling aftertaste.

21. Chili Oil

Chili oil is a spicy oil made by infusing neutral oil, like vegetable or canola, with chili peppers. It offers a straightforward, oily heat that can be easily adjusted to suit your palate. 

The oil brings out the chili’s natural smokiness while mellowing its heat.

Chili oil can be drizzled on top of a fully assembled hot dog or used to sauté onions and peppers before adding them as toppings. 

With its rich, smoky heat, chili oil adds a flavorful twist to your hot dog.

22. Spicy Mango Salsa

Spicy mango salsa perfectly combines sweet mangoes, hot chili peppers, tangy lime juice, and savory onions and cilantro. 

This salsa offers a beautiful balance of sweet and spicy flavors and a refreshing, fruity twist.

Layer this salsa on top of your hot dog to add a tropical flair. The sweet mango helps to counterbalance the spice, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more moderate heat.

23. Pickled Jalapeños

Pickled jalapeños are jalapeño peppers that have been preserved in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices. They offer a tangy, spicy kick that is less intense than fresh jalapeños, making them a popular topping for hot dogs.

Layer pickled jalapeños onto your hot dog for a topping that adds heat and a sourness. This classic topping is sure to satisfy those who enjoy spicy, tangy flavors.

24. Crushed Habanero Peppers

Crushed habanero peppers deliver one of the most intense heats available in the world of peppers. 

Known for their fiery heat and slightly sweet, citrusy flavor, crushed habanero peppers are a topping for true spice lovers.

Add crushed habaneros to your hot dog if you dare, but remember that a little goes a long way. 

Despite the heat, their unique fruity flavor makes them a beloved choice for heat enthusiasts.

25. Spicy Slaw

Spicy slaw is a spicy take on traditional coleslaw. It is typically made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, mixed with a spicy mayo-based dressing. The result is a crunchy, spicy, and tangy topping that adds a refreshing texture to your hot dog.

Layer spicy slaw on your hot dog for a satisfying crunch with every bite. Its refreshing, tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with the heat, making it a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue.

26. Szechuan Peppercorns

Szechuan peppercorns are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are known for their unique flavor profile. They are not truly peppercorns but the dried berries of a type of ash tree. When eaten, they create a tingling, numbing effect in the mouth.

Crush Szechuan peppercorns and sprinkle them on your hot dog for a unique, tongue-tingling experience. Their distinct flavor and mouthfeel make them a unique and adventurous choice for a hot dog topping.

27. Chili Powder

Chili powder is a blend of spices, including ground chili peppers, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. 

It delivers a warm, moderate heat and a complex flavor profile that can enhance the taste of your hot dog.

Sprinkle chili powder directly onto your hot dog, or mix it into ketchup or mayo for a spiced-up version of classic hot dog condiments. 

It’s a versatile topping that brings a depth of flavor along with its heat.

28. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika is a type of paprika made from pimiento peppers that have been dried and smoked over an oak fire and then ground into a powder. It offers a mild heat and a rich, smoky flavor.

Sprinkle smoked paprika over your hot dog to introduce a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. It’s an excellent way to add a hint of heat without overpowering the other flavors.

29. Hot Pepper Relish

Hot pepper relish is a condiment made from diced hot peppers, vinegar, sugar, and sometimes onions and bell peppers. It’s known for its sweet, spicy, tangy flavors and chunky texture.

Spread hot pepper relish on your hot dog for a blend of heat, sweetness, and tang. The texture also adds a nice contrast to the soft bun and sausage.

30. Fire-Roasted Salsa

Fire-roasted salsa is a variation of traditional salsa made by first roasting tomatoes, peppers, onions, and other vegetables over a fire. The result is a smoky, rich-flavored salsa with moderate heat.

Spoon fire-roasted salsa onto your hot dog for a smoky, spicy topping. It’s a delightful alternative to traditional ketchup and mustard, adding a unique twist to your meal.

Remember, the best hot dog topping is the one that brings you the most joy. So feel free to experiment with different combinations and enjoy the journey of finding your perfect spicy hot dog topping!

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