How To Use Leftover Hot Dogs (10 Easy Ideas!)

Have a stack of leftover hot dogs after your last barbecue bash and don’t know what to do with them? From reinventing your breakfast routine to introducing a fun twist to your lunch, learn 10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Hot Dogs in delicious dishes!

As the weather warms and the summer season begins, barbecues and cookouts are happening everywhere. Hot dogs are a popular food for these events because of their convenience and taste, especially among the little ones! You may end up with a surplus of cooked hot dogs after a summer BBQ, picnic, or party but fear not! There are countless ways to repurpose leftover hot dogs into many different meals.

Hot dogs, with their savory, smoky flavor, are versatile food! They are already fully cooked, which makes them safe and easy to add to any dish, and their taste can complement and enhance a wide variety of ingredients. The soft texture of hot dogs also pairs well with crunchy veggies in stir-fries, pasta dishes, or skewers. Their salty, meaty flavor can also be a great addition to eggs, making them a suitable choice for breakfast dishes. Use these ideas to create a meal using leftover hot dogs!

📖How To Store Cooked Hot Dogs Properly

Using hot dogs in other dishes starts with proper storage. When stored correctly, a cooked hot dog can last for up to 4 days using these simple instructions.

1️⃣Cool the Hot Dogs: Ensure the hot dogs have cooled down completely before storing them. Hot food can raise the temperature of your refrigerator, which can cause other foods to spoil.

2️⃣Package Properly: Place the hot dogs in a shallow airtight container. If you don’t have an airtight container, tightly wrap them in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

3️⃣Refrigerate: Put the hot dogs in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.

4️⃣Use within 4 days: For the best quality and food safety, consume leftover hot dogs within 4 days of refrigeration.

5️⃣Reheat Hot Dogs: When you’re ready to use the hot dogs, reheat them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F, or until hot and steaming.

🌭10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Hot Dogs

1️⃣Hot Dog Scramble: Chop the leftover hot dogs into small pieces and fry them up in a pan. Mix them into scrambled eggs and serve with a side of toast for a protein-packed breakfast.

2️⃣Hot Dog Pizza: Use a pre-made pizza crust, or make your own, then top it with your favorite sauce, cheese, chopped hot dogs, and other preferred pizza toppings. Bake according to crust instructions for a fun lunch or snack.

3️⃣Hot Dog Grilled Cheese: Slice hot dogs lengthwise and grill them on a pan. Add them to a classic cheese sandwich and grill until golden brown for a tasty and simple lunch.

4️⃣Hot Dog Stir-fry: Cut the hot dogs into bite-size pieces and add them to a pan with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. Stir fry everything together and serve over rice for a quick lunch.

5️⃣Hot Dog Omelet: Slice the hot dogs and fry them briefly in a pan. Add whisked eggs and your favorite cheese, then fold the omelet over and cook until done for a filling breakfast.

6️⃣Hot Dog Pasta: Cook pasta according to the package instructions, chop up the hot dogs, and add them to your favorite sauce. Mix it with the pasta for a twist on traditional spaghetti for lunch or dinner.

7️⃣Hot Dog Fried Rice: In a pan, sauté some onions and garlic, and add cooked rice, chopped vegetables, soy sauce, and chopped hot dogs. Stir well to combine, cook for a few minutes and serve as a hearty lunch.

8️⃣Hot Dog Kabobs: Cut the hot dogs into chunks and skewer them alternately with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Grill or broil until slightly charred for a snack or light lunch.

9️⃣Hot Dog Breakfast Burrito: Slice and fry the hot dogs, scramble some eggs, then roll both into a tortilla with some cheese and salsa. Heat up on a griddle until the outside is crisp for a breakfast burrito with a twist.

🔟Hot Dog Quesadilla: Cut up the hot dogs and sprinkle them over half a tortilla, along with some shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over and heat it in a pan until the cheese is melted and the outside is crispy, making a quick and easy snack.

Now that you’ve used up your leftover hot dogs, here are some ideas for your Leftover Hot Dog Buns!

❔FAQ

Can you freeze unused hot dogs?

Yes, you can freeze unused hot dogs. It’s recommended to store them in their unopened packaging if possible, or if they are open, put them in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can you reheat hot dogs the next day?

Yes, you can reheat hot dogs the next day. Make sure to reheat them thoroughly using an air fryer, oven, or microwave until they’re hot all the way through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can you leave hot dogs in water after boiling?

It’s not recommended to leave hot dogs in water after boiling for more than 2 hours. If the water isn’t kept hot enough, it could allow for bacteria growth, so it’s best to drain them and store them properly as soon as they’ve cooled down.