There’s nothing quite as iconic of American culture than a grilled hot dog in the summertime. The admiration that Americans have for the grilled sausage is far from a stereotype. A recently conducted survey concluded that Americans purchase approximately 9 billion hot dogs a year nationwide! For this reason, it’s no surprise that July is now deemed National Hot Dog month. Celebrate, friends!
Contrary to what you may think, you can still pay homage to this classic food this month if you are trying to cut down on meat consumption or follow a plant-based diet. But if you’re skeptical about the vegan alternatives to hot dogs in your grocery store, we’ve got you covered. These nine veggie dog recipes are more interesting, healthier, and more satisfying than your plain old dog.
Whether you’re looking for new toppings to spice up your pre-made veggie dogs or are looking for a recipe to make a batch of your own, you will want to check out these guaranteed barbecue hits. The idea of making your own hot dogs may seem overwhelming, but it is actually significantly less hard than you might think! Check out our tips and tricks for making your own sausages for some additional guidance.
1. Bánh Mì Chay Dog
Source: Bánh Mì Chay Dog
Bánh Mì is a Vietnamese street food sandwich consisting of the bread, which is traditionally a Vietnamese French baguette, pickled carrot and daikon, spicy mayo, cilantro, and your preferred protein. Put a twist on your standard veggie dog by dressing it with traditional Bánh Mì toppings in this Bánh Mì Chay Dog by Trine Rask. Much more interesting than ketchup and mustard!
2. Spicy Veggie Dogs
Source: Spicy Veggie Dogs
Don’t put those processed meatless hot dogs in your shopping car just yet! These Spicy Veggie Dogs by Tina Dawson are made from beet, carrot, green chilis, potatoes, and peas, then are seasoned with an assortment of spices, and eventually are brushed with a bit of oil and pan-seared. The result? A crispy sausage that is perfect for barbecues when served in a fluffy hot dog bun with a generous drizzle of vegan mayo and ketchup.
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3. Carrot Hot Dogs
Source: Carrot Hot Dogs
One unstoppable vegan food trend is the carrot hot dog that involves roasting a marinated carrot until it becomes as tender and juicy as the real deal! These Carrot Dogs by Casey Muir Taylor are not only delicious but also much healthier than hot dogs and can be made with minimal ingredients. Go for a classic, photo-ready squiggle of mustard and ketchup and everyone will be fooled.
4. Sweet Potato and Cabbage Dogs
Source: Sweet Potato and Cabbage Dogs
Believe it or not, sweet potatoes combined with cabbage and spices give a wonderful texture and flavor to the best veggie dogs you’ll ever make. These Sweet Potato and Cabbage Dogs by Anupama Paliwal have a crispy outer layer and a softness inside served on a toasted bun with ketchup, mustard, and sliced vegetables or relish, like a classic hot dog. The best part is that these homemade veggie dogs are the easiest thing to make ever and they taste awesome.
5. Pretzel Wrapped ‘Cheese’ Dogs
Source: Pretzel Wrapped “Cheese” Dogs
Pretzel Wrapped “Cheese” Dogs by Gabrielle St. Claire may not be what you imagine when you think of hot dogs…they’re better! These dogs are wrapped in a perfectly textured homemade dough, sprinkled with cheese inside and out, and then served with a zesty spicy mustard. Bring these to your next barbecue and watch them vanish in mere seconds.
6. Homemade Seitan Dogs
Source: Homemade Seitan Hot Dogs
If you are looking for an uncanny meatless alternative, then these Homemade Seitan Hot Dogs by Annie Oliverio are the ones you should start cooking up ASAP. These vegan hot dogs are super easy to make, are perfectly juicy, and have that eerily familiar mouthfeel. Add some freshness with tomato or top with some wonderfully acidic sauerkraut to replicate the classic combo.
7. Red Cabbage Carrot Dogs
Source: Red Cabbage Carrot Dogs
We’ve already discussed the easy-to-make carrot dogs, but these Red Cabbage Carrot Dogs by Melina Kutelas put a spin on the trend to make them even tastier! The added flavor bonus of shredded red cabbage and spicy arugula makes it even better and a little bit more special. Drizzle it with ketchup and mustard and dig in.
8. Jalapeño Corn Dogs
Source: Jalapeño Corn Dogs
Corn dogs technically qualify as hot dogs…right? They both have starchy exteriors and a savory dog in the middle, so we are going to say yes. These meat-free Jalapeño Corn Dogs by Gabrielle St. Claire are perfectly crisp and spicy on the outside and paired with a spicy vegan mayo for even more heat.
9. Meat-Free Haute Dogs
Source: Meat-Free Haute Dogs
What do you call a version of the classic hot dog that is vegan, protein-packed, healthy, and tastes remarkably like the meaty classic itself? Haute dogs, of course! These Meat-Free Haute Dogs by VEGANIZE IT! are made from tofu, wheat protein, and oat flour and are seasoned with a blend of savory spices to make them taste just like the American icon. These versatile dogs can be dressed however you like! We recommend getting innovative using what you have laying around your refrigerator and cupboard.
This weekend, leave those bean burgers and veggie burgers behind and try one of these scrumptious, creative takes on the veggie dog!
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