Ketchup and Mustard Are Boring Hot Dog Toppings

Hot dogs deserve better.

For too long, hot dogs have been charred to a crisp over too-fiery grills and then, in order to give the dogs some flavor other than charcoal, doused with lackluster condiments like sugary ketchup and one-note mustard.

It's time to honor the hot dog for what it is: a delicious meat treat for summer. And fall. And winter. And spring.

And, on top of being more delicious, hot dogs can also be more nutritious. First, there's just buying better-for-you hot dogs. Next, there's loading with up the finished hot dog with a ton of healthful toppings. But before we get to those, a few tips on how to cook a better hot dog.

Step 1: Turn down the temperature

Searing heat burns and splits the skin of hot dogs before the insides warm through. Instead, preheat your grill to medium low. Then add your franks, close the grill lid, and cook, turning them every minute or so, until browned and plump, 5 to 7 minutes. Then remove the dogs and allow them to rest for 2 minutes (during which time you can grill your buns till crisp, about 30 seconds).

Step 2: Stuff and top

Transfer the rested hot dogs to the toasted buns. Then pile or spoon on the topping combos that follow.Don’t skimp: You shouldn’t see more than the ends of the dogs. Each recipe the follows makes 2 servings. Scale up to feed more.