What to Serve with Hot Dogs: 14 Picnic Classics

Nothing says American comfort food like a classic hot dog. These juicy, flavorful sausages are a hit whether you’re grilling in the backyard, enjoying a ballgame, or whipping up a quick weeknight meal.

But let’s be real—hot dogs are even better with the right sides! Whether you’re throwing a summer BBQ or just craving the ultimate meal, having the perfect pairings makes all the difference.

From crispy fries to creamy mac and cheese, we’ve rounded up the best side dishes to take your hot dog feast to the next level. Get ready to impress your guests with these crowd-pleasing favorites!

1.Watermelon Cucumber Salad

Looking for a summer cookout standout? This refreshing dish brings a cool, sweet, crunchy, and juicy vibe that’s perfect for the season.

It may sound like an unusual mix, but trust us, it works like a charm. Imagine pairing it with a savory hot dog for a delightful twist.

This simple salad adds a nice Greek flair to your classic American gathering, and your friends are sure to fall in love with it!

2.Cornbread

Cornbread is that perfect mix of sweet and savory that fills everyone up in no time.

This Southern favorite has a texture that pairs amazingly with the tenderness of a hot dog, making them a match made in heaven.

Sure, classic cornbread is already delicious, but if you want to spice things up, tossing in some chopped jalapenos will give it a nice kick.

3.Corn On The Cob

Why not make the most of your grill? Fire up some corn while you’re cooking those hot dogs for a delicious side that’s sure to impress.

Grilled corn is at its best when slathered in butter, offering a perfect mix of tender, sweet, and juicy in every bite. It’s a fun and tasty addition to any cookout.

Craving something with a bit more flair? Transform your simple corn into elote, a vibrant Mexican street food that’s packed with flavor.

Just spread grilled corn with sour cream and mayonnaise, sprinkle with chili powder, and top with cheese–queso fresco, feta, or cojita all work beautifully. It’s an easy, mouthwatering upgrade that’s ready in no time!

4.Sweet Potato Fries

Craving something sweet and crispy? Sweet potato fries are your answer! These oven-baked wonders are perfect when you want that satisfying crunch without deep frying.

Simply bake them in the oven at 425°F for about 30 minutes, or until they reach your desired crispiness. The result? Perfectly tender on the inside and golden on the outside.

For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle them with garlic powder and paprika. Easy to make and packed with deliciousness–these fries are a tasty treat you’ll love!

5.Coleslaw With A Hawaiian Twist

Summer cookouts are the perfect time for something cool and refreshing, and classic coleslaw never misses the mark.

Its vibrant mix of green and orange adds a pop of color to your plate and pairs perfectly with a hot dog. Want to mix things up?

Give your slaw a Hawaiian twist by tossing in some pineapple tidbits. A couple of tips to keep in mind: skip the pre-shredded veggies and slice them yourself for the freshest flavor and texture.

Also, don’t go heavy on the dressing–too much mayo can overpower the natural sweetness of the carrots and cabbage. Let the veggies shine in this creamy, crunchy combo that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

6.Fried Dill Pickles

Take your dill pickles to the next level by giving them a crispy makeover! Coating them in batter and deep-frying them makes them irresistibly crunchy.

The tangy zip of the pickle pairs perfectly with the savory bite of a hot dog for a flavor combo that’s pure magic. Craving that crunch but feeling a little guilty about the deep fry?

No worries! You can bake them instead and still get that deliciously crispy texture without the extra calories. Either way, these pickles are sure to be a hit!

7.Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s even better when served with hot dogs for a match made in heaven.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, and the best part? It’s super easy to make.

Whether you’re using a box or going all out with a homemade recipe, you can have it ready in just a few minutes.

For an extra twist, try slicing up those hot dogs and mixing them right into the mac and cheese–yum!

8.Macaroni Salad

Looking for something creamy and satisfying? Try this macaroni salad for a twist on the classic! It’s all about the pasta–no veggies here.

Perfectly chilled, it’s a great match for a sizzling hot dog on a warm summer day. The best part? It’s super easy to make!

Just mix elbow macaroni, sliced hard-boiled eggs, shredded chicken, mayo, mustard, and some carrots for a nice crunch. It’s creamy, it’s chilled, and it’s ready to be your new summer sidekick!

9.French Fries

Hot dogs are a timeless favorite, and what better way to enjoy them than with another classic–French fries? This combo is sure to be a hit with anyone.

If you’re short on time, grabbing a bag of frozen fries is a quick fix, but if you’ve got a few extra minutes, making them from scratch is totally worth it.

Sprinkle your favorite spices (chili powder and cayenne pepper are my go-tos) and bake them in the oven. It’s easier than you think, and your guests will be impressed!

10.Chili

Chili is the ultimate sidekick–whether you serve it alongside your hot dog or drizzle it right on top.

There’s nothing quite like a chili dog on a sunny summer day; it’s like catching a game at the ballpark. For an extra-special touch, try serving your chili dogs on pretzel buns.

It’s a simple trick that’s sure to wow your guests!

11.Baked Beans

Baked beans are a must-have for any cookout. Packed with brown sugar, bacon, and ground beef, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or tailgating, these beans are a crowd-pleaser.

For a classic twist, add some BBQ sauce. Or, slice up hot dogs and toss them in for an extra burst of flavor.

With so many ways to mix and match, these baked beans are a summer side dish staple.

12.Potato Salad

Potato salad is the ultimate creamy, hearty side that’s sure to hit the spot.

It’s a perfect match for savory hot dogs, and there’s something so satisfying about pairing a hot meal with a cool, refreshing side. Making potato salad is a breeze!

Just pick your favorite potatoes–red, Russet, or white. Boil them for about 20 minutes, peel, and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Stir in some onions and celery for crunch, coat it all in mayonnaise, and season with salt and pepper. Done! This classic side is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it’s even better when it’s had a little time to chill in the fridge before serving.

13.Pasta Salad

Looking for a meal that’s both hearty and healthy? A pasta salad is a fantastic option! The pasta noodles add substance, while the veggies bring in the nutrients.

To make it even more appealing, go for tri-colored pasta spirals–they’re not just colorful, but some brands actually use veggies in their pasta!

It’s a sneaky way to get extra nutrition into your kids’ meals without them even noticing. When crafting your salad, don’t hold back on the veggies–fresh ones make all the difference.

Toss them in a tangy dressing to tie all the flavors together, and you’ve got a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch!

14.Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Don’t knock Brussels sprouts until you try them this way! Sure, they can sometimes have a bitter bite, but that’s only if they’re not cooked to perfection.

When you bake Brussels sprouts just right, they transform into something truly special–nutty, earthy, sweet, and buttery. They’re the perfect match for a hot dog!

Drizzle them with maple syrup and let the oven work its magic. This will give you sweet, addictive caramelized sprouts that you just can’t get enough of.

Take it up a notch by sprinkling on some crisp, smoky bacon bits. Trust us, they’re so good you’ll forget you’re even eating Brussels sprouts!