I can’t describe in words how awesome these hot dogs taste. I named them “Heavenly (HAUTE) Hot Dogs” because well, first, they’re heavenly, and as a great designer dress, they are just better than anything off the rack. They are intensely flavored and texturally layered to create a perfect and seriously tasty bite. Even if you think you don’t like hot dogs, I challenge you to try them; I bet I can change your mind and your taste buds. The idea for these dogs came from my friend Jackie Yellin!
LAYERS OF FLAVOR!
I analyzed every component and made each a tasty layer to create fireworks in your mouth. Let’s look at each.THE BUN
If you’re gonna eat it, make it count…go for a soft pretzel bun.
THE DOG AND MARINADE
Size does matter, thick, long, and nitrate-free. I love The Great SteakhouseSteak Dogs from Allen Brothers. Create an intensely flavored, lightly charred dog with crispy edges. Shallow diagonal cuts along the dog’s length, drenched in a combination of your favorite barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce, will help to caramelize the dogs and make you a hero! The cuts pop open as the dog cooks, and the flavors develop.
THE RELISH SALAD
Be healthy and make it a salad, by layering sweet, spicy, and crunchy.
MAKE YOUR OWN “SWEET PICKLE RELISH” TO ADD TO THE SALAD.
I recently ran out of sweet relish, but I did have some dill pickles and Amen Wardy, Spicy Sweet Jalapeños in the fridge. Hence, I took two giant pickles and a heaping spoonful of Jalapeños and put them in a food processor, and to my surprise, I created the best “Sweet Pickle Relish” I’ve ever had.
THE CONDIMENTS
Spicy is in, so add a little Amen Wardy Jalapeño cilantro, yellow mustard, and some spicy ketchup for a bright pop of flavor. Top with Cornichons and serve extras. We like to assemble the dogs before serving because we know how they taste best. Serve with a mini-condiment bar, including some extra barbecue sauce, to let your guests top each bite off.
THE ASSEMBLY AND PRESENTATION
The last important step spread Jalapeño yellow mustard on one side of the bun and Spicy Ketchup on the other. Pile relish salad on the bottom bun, then the hot dog, and the top bun.
Stick a crunchy Cornichon (small pickled gherkins-i.e. tiny little pickles) on top and straight through the middle of the Heavenly “Haute” Hot Dog with a nice long pretty pick to hold it all together and serve.
Serve with chips and a salad, Cesar Salad pairs well!
Heavenly Haute Dogs
- Prep Time: 30 minutes.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes.
- Total Time: 45 minutes.
- Yield: 4 Heavenly Haute Dogs 1x.
INGREDIENTS
Hot Dog and Buns
- 4 Large, Uncured, all-beef Hot Dogs (we like the “Great Steakhouse Steak Dogs” from Allen Brothers).
- 4 Pretzel Sausage Buns (we like PRETZILLA®).
- 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce.
- 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce.
Relish Salad
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- 1 small seedless Persian cucumber, skin on, small diced.
- 1/2 cup quartered cherry or grape tomatoes.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced pepperoncini.
- 1/2 cup celery leaves.
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish (try making your own as described in this post).
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil.
- Kosher Salt.
- Freshly Cracked Pepper.
Condiments
- Cornichons (small pickled gherkins-i.e. tiny little pickles).
- Jalapeño yellow mustard.
- Ketchup.
- Sauerkraut (optional).
- Butter, Mayo, or Olive Oil (to grill buns).
INSTRUCTIONS
Relish Salad
- In a bowl, place all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper. Toss and set aside.
Hot Dog and Buns
- Make diagonal cuts halfway through and 1/2″ apart along one side of each dog, (take care not to cut all the way through).
- Mix the barbecue and Worcestershire sauces and marinate the dogs for about 1/2 hour, longer if possible.
- Grill the dogs over medium heat on all sides, until they blossom and begin to char, baste with remaining marinade, remove, and set aside.
- Just before assembly, cut each bun, brush lightly with butter, mayo, or olive oil and lightly grill cut side down until lightly charred.
Assembly
- Spread Jalapeño yellow mustard on one side of the bun and Ketchup on the other. Pile relish salad on the bottom bun, and top with a hot dog and top bun. Insert a long pick through a Cornichon and place it in the middle of each Heavenly Hot Dog and serve.
NOTES
The relish salad is packed full of flavor and tang but hot dog purists may want to add Sauerkraut anyway, so serve some on the side.
Mustard: Spicy is in, so try a little Amen Wardy Jalapeño cilantro, yellow mustard.
Sweet Relish: I recently ran out of sweet relish, but I did have some dill pickles and Amen Wardy, Spicy Sweet Jalapeños in the fridge. Hence, I took two giant pickles and a heaping spoonful of Jalapeños and put them in a food processor, and to my surprise, I created the best “Sweet Pickle Relish” I’ve ever had.
Both items are available at Amen Wardy in Aspen CO 970-920-7700 and soon on our online shop.
