All the flavors of a classic Big Mac, packed into a juicy grilled hot dog! With melty American cheese, shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and a creamy special sauce, these Big Mac Hot Dogs are a fun and delicious twist on a fast-food favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast-Food Flavor at Home – Enjoy the iconic Big Mac taste in a handheld hot dog.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Perfect for BBQs – A fun grilling recipe that’s sure to be a hit at cookouts.
- Loaded with Toppings – A combination of melty cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy sauce.
- Customizable – Adjust the toppings and sauce to your taste!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Hot Dogs:
- 4 sesame seed hot dog buns
- 4 beef hot dogs
- 4 slices American cheese, cut diagonally
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup diced white onion
- ¼ cup sliced pickles
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
- Make the Special Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
- Grill the Hot Dogs – Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill hot dogs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred.
- Toast the Buns – Lightly toast sesame seed buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Assemble the Hot Dogs – Place a slice of American cheese inside each bun, followed by a grilled hot dog. Top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and sliced pickles.
- Drizzle with Special Sauce – Generously drizzle Big Mac-style sauce over each hot dog.
- Serve & Enjoy – Serve immediately with fries, chips, or coleslaw for the ultimate fast-food-inspired meal!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Big Mac Dogs – Add diced jalapeños or drizzle with spicy sriracha mayo.
- Extra Cheesy – Double the cheese by melting additional slices over the hot dogs.
- Bacon Lover’s Twist – Add crumbled crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Grilled Onion Option – Swap raw onions for caramelized grilled onions.
- Vegetarian Alternative – Use plant-based hot dogs and dairy-free cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftover hot dogs (without toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Make-Ahead Tip – Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of hot dog?
Yes! Beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based hot dogs all work well in this recipe.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Brush the inside with melted butter and toast on the grill for a richer flavor.
Can I use store-bought Big Mac sauce?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use store-bought special sauce instead of making your own.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
American cheese is classic, but cheddar or Pepper Jack can also be used.
Can I make these in a skillet instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Cook hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
What sides pair well with Big Mac Hot Dogs?
French fries, onion rings, potato salad, or coleslaw are all great choices.
How do I keep the hot dogs from rolling on the grill?
Use a grill basket or gently press the hot dogs with tongs to create light grill marks, which help them stay in place.
Can I add more toppings?
Yes! Pickled jalapeños, crispy fried onions, or extra relish make great additions.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
Use whole wheat buns, turkey or veggie hot dogs, and a lighter mayo-based sauce.
Can I make these hot dogs ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and toppings ahead, but it’s best to grill and assemble the hot dogs just before serving.
Conclusion
These Big Mac Hot Dogs bring all the classic flavors of a Big Mac into a fun, handheld meal. With juicy grilled hot dogs, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy special sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any BBQ, cookout, or weeknight dinner. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a fast-food favorite in homemade form!
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Big Mac Hot Dogs
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
All the flavors of a classic Big Mac packed into a grilled hot dog—juicy, cheesy, and topped with creamy special sauce! This fast-food-inspired creation is perfect for BBQs, game days, and summer cookouts.
Ingredients
For the Hot Dogs:
- 4 sesame seed hot dog buns
- 4 beef hot dogs
- 4 slices American cheese, cut diagonally
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced white onion
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Special Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
2️⃣ Grill the Hot Dogs – Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill hot dogs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred.
3️⃣ Toast the Buns – Lightly toast sesame seed buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
4️⃣ Assemble the Hot Dogs – Place a slice of American cheese inside each bun, followed by a grilled hot dog. Top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and sliced pickles.
5️⃣ Drizzle with Special Sauce – Generously drizzle Big Mac-style sauce over each hot dog.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy – Serve immediately with fries, chips, or coleslaw for the ultimate fast-food-inspired meal!
Notes
- Swap American cheese for cheddar or Swiss for a unique twist.
- Add sesame seeds to plain buns if sesame seed buns aren’t available.
- For an extra crunch, add crushed potato chips or crispy fried onions.
- Pairs well with sweet potato fries or onion rings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course, BBQ
- Method: Grilling, Assembling
- Cuisine: American, Fast Food-Inspired