These zesty, spicy buffalo hot dogs are quick and easy to prepare using convenient ingredients like coleslaw mix, blue cheese crumbles, and buffalo sauce. Grab your favorite brand of 100% beef hot dogs and fire up the grill!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the North American Meat Institute, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. I was compensated for my time. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the partners who support Street Smart Nutrition!
Let’s hear it for grilling season! I partnered with the North American Meat Institute to showcase one of the classics in a whole new light: Spicy Buffalo Hot Dogs with Blue Cheese Slaw!
You can read more about the nutrition facts of packaged meats like 100% beef hot dogs in this post. But for now, I hope your taste buds are ready for this recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Spicy Buffalo Hot Dogs with Blue Cheese Slaw
- It takes the classic 100% beef hot dog to another level with bold flavors inspired by buffalo wings: blue cheese, celery, and of course, spicy buffalo sauce!
- 20 minutes from start to finish…enough said.
- No grill? No problem! You can use an indoor griddle or grill pan on the stovetop to make this recipe.
While hot dogs aren’t always considered the most nourishing grilling option, I beg to differ. When you drop them into a fluffy bun stuffed with multiple types of veggies or serve them with veggie-forward side dishes, you suddenly have a great opportunity to incorporate additional servings of some shortfall nutrients. In fact, the latest 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests using burgers and sandwiches as an opportunity to “beef up” nutrient intake by pairing with produce and whole grains.
And what is a hot dog if not a type of sandwich? Plus, you can save some room on the grill for additional grilled veggies anytime you fire it up.
As a non-diet dietitian, I firmly believe food is supposed to be great-tasting and fun. And these grilled hot dogs represent my idea of an ideal summer gathering: delicious food, good company, plenty of options, and a safer way to gather and enjoy time outdoors!
If you’re planning for quick weeknight meals now that the school year started up again, or find yourself scrambling for a quick option if unexpected guests drop by, this recipe is for you! And well, it goes without saying. If you’re a fan of quick, simple recipes packed with flavor, this recipe is for you, too!
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Hot Dogs
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Spicy Buffalo Hot Dogs with Blue Cheese Slaw:
Ingredients: 100% beef hot dogs and your favorite hot dog buns, plus some shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, red onion, celery, and blue cheese crumbles. For the dressing, you’ll need mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and a little bit of honey. Don’t forget your favorite spicy buffalo sauce!
Street Smart Nutrition Tip: As you prep the celery, hang onto the little leaves from the heart of the bunch. They’re a dense source of celery flavor without all the fibrous texture. You can use them as extra garnish on your Spicy Buffalo Hot Dogs!
Equipment: grill (or grill pan if cooking indoors), tongs, cutting board and sharpened chef’s knife, a mixing bowl with a spoon or spatula, and measuring cups and spoons
Grilled hot dogs seem to be a perennial favorite and for good reason! They’re savory, just the right amount of salty, and can be a convenient delivery vehicle for all kinds of condiments and toppings.
When I made these for a quick weeknight meal, I went ahead and dressed the hot dogs with the Blue Cheese Slaw. I served them up with a side of celery sticks, extra buffalo sauce, and my favorite kettle-cooked chips. But if I’m grilling for a crowd, I keep it simple by creating a hot dog bar. This lets everyone can add their own mix of toppings and condiments. Just grab a few small dishes or ramekins with serving spoons, forks, or tongs. Your only responsibility at that point will be to manage the grill!
Street Smart Nutrition Tip: Remember that the Blue Cheese Slaw is dairy-based so take care not to let it sit out longer than needed as a food safety precaution!
Hot Dog Bar Flavor Ideas
I know you’re enticed by the idea of a hot dog bar. I don’t blame you! They’re a really fun option for outdoor entertaining with family and friends. So here are a few additional flavor combinations you can add to the spread:
- If you like SWEET & TANGY, try shredded cheddar, caramelized onions, and Dijon mustard
- If you like TONS OF CRISPY TEXTURE, try shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and bacon bits for a BLT-inspired hotdog
- Or, if you like PINEAPPLE ON YOUR PIZZA, you might incite a debate or two around the grill but throw a couple spears or rings of pineapple on there. Add them to your hotdog with a sweet BBQ sauce
Plus, you can get creative with your pickle pairings. Just set out a variety of quick pickles, relishes, and other pickled toppings. I almost always have a jar of these Quick Pickled Cucumbers and Onions in my fridge in the summertime for exactly this reason!
Here’s the recipe for Spicy Buffalo Hot Dogs with Blue Cheese Slaw!
Spicy Buffalo Hotdogs with Blue Cheese Slaw
Ingredients
- 6 100% beef hotdogs
- 6 brioche hotdog buns
- 1 1/2 cup shredded coleslaw mix
- 1 medium stalk celery, thinly sliced or finely diced, about 1/3 cup
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- 1/4 cup prepared buffalo sauce, for garnish
- Celery leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by heating your grill or stovetop griddle to medium-high heat.
- As the grill grates heat up, prepare the blue cheese slaw by adding the shredded coleslaw mix, diced or sliced celery, diced red onion, and blue cheese crumbles to a mixing bowl. Toss to combine, then prepare the dressing by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
- Mix the dressing into the slaw and fold until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set the prepared blue cheese slaw in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Meanwhile, grill the 100% beef hotdogs to your preferred doneness, rotating as needed to cook evenly and develop grill marks. Once cooked through, remove from the grill and turn off the heating element. Using the residual heat, lightly toast the brioche buns, open side down, on the grill grates (less than 5 minutes).
- To assemble, layer some of the blue cheese slaw into the toasted buns. Place the grilled 100% beef hotdog in the center, then garnish with the celery leaves, a drizzle of buffalo sauce, and additional blue cheese crumbles (if desired). Serve with your favorite side dishes for grilling and enjoy!
Nutrition
Have you ever tried a hot dog bar? I’d love to hear how it goes if you give this recipe a try! Be sure to leave a rating and comment to let me know what you think.
And in the meantime, you can find more information about the nutrition and safety of packaged meats like 100% beef hot dogs at the North American Meat Institute website. They’re one of my trusted resources to stay up to date on the latest happenings in the meat industry!
Questions & Reviews
That blue cheese addition was a marvelous idea to these dogs we loved them with the cheese thanks
So glad to hear that, Claudia, thank you!
Oh yum! I have to make this for my boys. They will flip when I serve them this. Looks delicious!
Thank you Natalie, enjoy!
That blue cheese slaw sounds absolutely delicious! Great for any party!