7 Delicious Uses for Leftover Hot Dogs

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I love hot dogs. Not just in the summer, but all year long. When I moved to New Zealand, I lost weight from the lack of hot dogs available. I wish I were kidding, but it's just not something the British or New Zealanders eat, probably for a good reason.

But if you're in a country that regularly consumes hot dogs, you may have a problem with too many hot dogs left over from summer barbecues. Luckily, there are a lot of other uses for hot dogs besides the usual hot dog on a bun.

1. Hot Dog Spaghetti

My boyfriend loves hot dog spaghetti and believes he invented it. Unfortunately, the Internet beat him to it. This meal is quick, easy, and delicious, albeit a little weird. Simply cut up uncooked hot dogs, thread 6-8 spaghetti noodles through them and boil for six minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Drain and mix with butter. Top with parmesan. My boyfriend also adds ketchup and hot sauce. I'll leave that up to you.

2. Hot Dog Casserole

The Southern (and most obvious) way to use any leftover food is to make a casserole. Hot dog casserole is basically macaroni and cheese with hot dogs, which is maybe something I eat on occasion anyway. While this particular recipe is not very nutritious, it is very much delicious. Unfortunately, a search for "hot dog casserole healthy" yielded little-to-no actual results.

3. Sloppy Dawgs

Similar to chopped dogs, which are chopped up hot dogs cooked in a chili sauce, sloppy dawgs are chopped up hot dogs with sloppy joe seasonings. In a skillet, cook chopped up hot dogs until golden brown, then add onions and red pepper with tomato paste. Separately mix red wine vinegar, brown sugar, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, and add to the pan. Cook until thickened and then add to a toasted bun.

4. Chicago Dog Salad

Chicago dogs are some of the best hot dogs in the world. The combination of spicy and sweet on a poppyseed bun — you can't beat it! That is… unless you make this delicious treat into a salad. Using ingredients from regular Chicago dogs sans bun, this salad is a much healthier alternative to pretty much every recipe on this list. Check out the recipe here and munch away!

5. Hot Dog Hash

I have seen a number of coworkers eat a hot dog in the morning. A hot dog, on a bun, slathered in ketchup. I have no idea what compels someone to eat a hot dog that early, but if you're going to do it, add an egg at least. This hot dog hash recipe from Michael Symon takes fresh potatoes, onions, eggs, and seasonings to create a delicious sounding breakfast (or brinner) option.

6. Pigs in a Blanket

When I was younger, the food I always asked for on my birthday was as follows: hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls, with macaroni and cheese and baked beans. Every year I requested this delicious combination of everything unhealthy, and every year my mom obliged. Pigs in a blanket is one of the easiest hot dog recipes that exists. You take a can of crescent rolls, cut the hot dogs down the middle, add sliced American cheese, and then wrap them in the crescent rolls. Bake according to package directions, but add an extra 5-10 minutes to make sure the crescent rolls are baked all the way. Serve with macaroni and cheese and baked beans and invite me over.

7. Corn Dog Waffles

Yep, you read that right. It's like Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson came up with the ultimate food. For these creative corn dog waffles, you'll need a waffle iron, waffle supplies, and of course, hot dogs. You can even put them on a stick — which might be the best part?. These are perfect for a summer party or your next Parks and Rec themed party (which I had in June).

What are your favorite uses for leftover hot dogs? Share with us!

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Guest

Mom used to grind them up with mayo and pickle relish and make a sandwich spread.