I Tried the Hot Dog Burgers Taking Over Social Media and Now I Have a New Way to Enjoy a Classic Favorite

If there’s one thing I consider myself knowledgable about, it’s a good hot dog. I’ve enjoyed my fair share of hot dogs — made on the grill or the stovetop — over the years, and I personally thought I knew all there was to know about them.

But the latest trend is definitely not something I’d ever heard of: a hot dog burger. Hot dogs, sure; hamburgers, yeah! But a hot dog burger? How can someone eat a hot dog as a hamburger? It just doesn’t make any sense or even sound right.

Surprisingly, though, So Yummy‘s recipe for hot dog hamburgers has been making waves all over the internet. Once I saw it (and how simple it is to make), I knew I had to try it before summer officially wrapped.

So, for those innovative cooks that know how to use what they have when they don’t always have what they need, this is for you.

Get the recipe: Hot Dog Burgers

For this dish you only need three simple ingredients: hamburger buns, cheese, and hotdogs (plus with whatever condiments you choose to add).

Start by creating slits down your hotdog, being careful not to cut all the way through. Once you’ve created the slits, insert a toothpick connecting both ends of the hot dog together. Then, place your hotdogs on a hot grill and cook for five to seven minutes. Remove and let sit while prepping your “burger.”

If you like things simple, you can easily just prep the buns by adding cheese and whatever condiments you enjoy. I, however, like my hamburger buns to have a bit of a crisp when I bite, so I added butter and placed them on the stove, flipping on both sides after 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Once removed from the stove, place your hot dog and top with your cheese and condiments before enjoying!

This recipe was so simple and fun to make! To be honest, I was a little skeptical at first about how this recipe would turn out, but after making the hot dog hamburgers, I think I’ve found a new way to enjoy my hot dogs moving forward. 

1. Don’t go for the super-cheap stuff. Using quality hotdogs matters — even if you’re eating them regularly. I opted to use Johnsonville Smoked Brats because of the texture and the smoky taste it provided. 
2. Toast your buns. This will create a next-level experience for enjoying your hot dog hamburgers (or hamburgers in general).
3. Choose your buns wisely. You can use whatever hamburger buns you’d like, but in my experience, brioche buns are top tier when making these hot dog hamburgers.