Hot Diggity Blog - From best loved brands to how to host a hot dog bar, we've got you covered!

Hot Diggity Blog  

From best loved brands to how to host a hot dog bar, we've got you covered! 

Top Brands & How to Host the Ultimate Hot Dog Bar

Hot dogs aren’t just for ballparks anymore—they’re comfort food, party food, and even gourmet food if you dress them up right. Whether you’re a hot dog purist or a topping adventurer, this guide covers the best brands and how to throw an epic hot dog bar for your next get-together.

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🌭 Top Hot Dog Brands You Should Know

Not all franks are created equal. Here are some of the best-known and most-loved hot dog brands on the market:

1. Nathan’s Famous

• Known for: Classic beef franks with a snappy casing

• Fun fact: Originated in Coney Island in 1916 and home of the famous hot dog eating contest

2. Hebrew National

• Known for: Kosher beef franks with rich flavor

• Why people love it: High-quality cuts of meat, no artificial flavors, and a firm texture

3. Oscar Mayer

• Known for: The every-kid’s-favorite hot dog

• Best for: Casual cookouts and picky eaters

4. Applegate Naturals

• Known for: Organic, nitrate-free hot dogs

• Great for: Health-conscious eaters or anyone looking for clean ingredients

5. Vienna Beef (Chicago-style lovers, this one’s for you)

• Known for: Signature flavor, used in most authentic Chicago dogs

• Sold mostly in: The Midwest, but available online

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🌟 How to Host the Ultimate DIY Hot Dog Bar

A hot dog bar is the perfect crowd-pleaser for summer parties, birthdays, sports nights, or even casual weddings. Here’s how to make yours unforgettable.

🛒 What You’ll Need

The Dogs

• Choose 2–3 brands or types (beef, turkey, veggie)

• Grill or steam to order and keep warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker

The Buns

• Traditional white buns

• Potato buns for extra flavor

• Gluten-free or brioche buns for options

Classic Toppings

• Ketchup

• Yellow mustard

• Relish

• Diced onions

• Sauerkraut

Next-Level Toppings

• Chili

• Shredded cheese

• Jalapeños

• Bacon bits

• Coleslaw

• Pickles

• Sriracha mayo or chipotle aioli

Regional Flavor Stations (optional but fun!)

• Chicago Dog: Mustard, onions, sweet relish, pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, celery salt

• New York Dog: Sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard

• Sonoran Dog: Bacon-wrapped, beans, grilled onions, tomato, mayo, mustard, jalapeño salsa

Sides & Extras

• Chips

• Corn on the cob

• Pasta salad

• Root beer or classic soda in glass bottles

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🎉 Pro Tips for Hot Dog Party Success

• Label everything so guests know what’s what (and what’s spicy).

• Offer trays or paper hot dog boats to catch messy toppings.

• Set up toppings in mason jars or squeeze bottles for easy access.

• Snap a few pics of your masterpiece bar before the guests dig in—it’s Instagram gold.

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🌭 Final Bite

Whether you’re loyal to a brand like Nathan’s or all about exploring toppings from around the country, hot dogs bring people together. With a little planning, your hot dog bar could be the highlight of the summer.