Best Hot Dog and Hamburger Toppings for Summer

As we head into the warmer months, nothing hits the spot quite like summer hot dogs and hamburgers. They’re quick and easy to make, and you can enjoy them anywhere. 

There’s so much you can do with these two staple summer foods. Whatever the occasion, you can have the perfect hot dog toppings or wow your guests with delectable hamburger toppings. After years of enjoying these quick and tasty treats, you can still keep things fresh and exciting. You only need some quality bread, delicious meats and a little imagination. 

Summer Hot Dog Recipes

Hot dog toppers can make or break your summer hot dog recipe. If you want to up your hot dog game this summer, consider these five creative takes on this traditional American fare:

1. The Hawaiian 

Nothing says summer quite like some fruity island flavors. Toppings like grilled pineapple, fresh jalapeno and red onion will make your average hot dog a sweet and spicy Hawaiian feast. Toast some macadamia nuts for a little crunch, and get creative with teriyaki sauce, hot sauce, chopped cilantro and mayonnaise. 

Feeling extra adventurous? Swap the hot dog for SPAM to enjoy a true Hawaiian treat. You can use slices or mold your own hot dog shapes to add to the grill.

2. The Breakfast Dog

Hot dogs can make an excellent breakfast meal with the right toppings. If you’re looking for a filling and delightful breakfast, consider adding some egg, hash browns, fried onions, bacon and cheddar cheese to your toppings list, with some fresh chives and hot sauce for a bit of extra flavor. 

You can also swap out your regular hot dog sausage for a breakfast sausage to give you all the traditional breakfast flavors you need to start your day. 

3. The Kimchi Dog

There’s nothing quite like some refreshing kimchi on a blistering summer day. Kimchi is a bold, sweet, salty delight that makes an ideal hot dog topping for an afternoon meal. To make your kimchi topping stand out, add fresh cucumber, poppy seeds and sriracha mayonnaise on a soft hot dog roll for a unique taste. 

4. The Crunchy Asian-Style Dog

Fusing the crunchy freshness of Asian slaw with a traditional hot dog can give you a fresh and crisp summer flavor. For this hot dog topping, you can buy pre-made Asian slaw or make your own with some shredded cabbage, carrot and green onion. An all-beef frank will bring out the slaw’s fresh flavor. 

Remember, one of the main ingredients of a good slaw is the mayonnaise, so make sure you have plenty. To give this creative hot dog topping some extra zing, drizzle sriracha sauce over the top or mix your own sriracha mayonnaise into your slaw. You can use a light wheat hot dog roll to finish off a light and delectable gourmet lunch. 

5. The Cobb Hotdog

Salad is another summer staple, and adding it to a hot dog will get you first prize in the creativity department. This fresh combination of cobb salad and traditional hot dogs is perfect for any picnic. Cobb salad is your topping here, providing a refreshing blend of crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, iceberg lettuce and a creamy basil and yogurt dressing.

Summer Hamburger Recipes

Hamburgers are great for afternoon cookouts, relaxed dinners and occasional snacks. The best thing about this traditional summer feast is that there’s so much you can do with them to add your unique twist. Check out our five top hamburger toppings to breathe new life into this classic meal:

1. The Thai Burger

Fuse a classic American burger with some Asian-inspired crispness for the perfect summer addition to any meal. For toppings, try adding Thai salad with a peanut dressing, which merges perfectly with beef patties and some seeded potato hamburger rolls. 

This Thai burger is rich and fresh, with enough heat to spice up a summer evening. 

2. The Gruyere and Egg Burger

Kids and adults alike love the simple Gruyere and egg burger. The toppings may be simple, but this recipe is a taste sensation. The garlicky mayo and the buttery texture of the egg create the perfect blend of tanginess and a little heat, with the smoky Gruyere to tie everything together. 

You can make this burger as simple as you like or add extras like caramelized onions to bring out the flavor. Use brown and serve rolls to make sliders for an excellent snack, or pair the burger with salad and some sweet potato fries for a nutritious, protein-rich meal. 

3. The Cajun Surf and Turf

Surf and turf is integral to many cookouts, but adding some cajun flair can make it more unique. Top your burger with decadent shrimp grilled with cajun seasoning. You can also create a garlic and mustard aioli and add some grilled yellow onions and red and green bell peppers to bring out the seafood flavors. 

4. The Tropical Burger

When you want to get a little more creative than a simple pineapple slice, there are plenty of other ways to punch up your burger with fruity flavors. Add a combination of mango and avocado to your next burger for a simple, quick and delicious change. It might be an unexpected choice, but it’s juicy and full of the taste of summer. Take it to the next level with some sweet chili and mayonnaise. 

5. The Caprese Burger

Consider a chicken or turkey patty on a seeded hamburger roll with toppings that mimic a classic Caprese salad, and make your burger a lighter and more summery meal. You’ll need fresh-sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, a sprinkle of basil and some fresh pesto sauce for a delicious lunch or dinner. 

The Best Summer Hot Dog and Hamburger Sides

You can turn your hot dog or hamburger into a complete meal with the addition of some tasty side dishes, including the following:

• A classic potato salad
• Grilled corn on the cob with cheesy mayonnaise
• Smoky chipotle coleslaw
• Tomato salad with feta, dill and red onion
• Greek pasta salad
• Baked zucchini or sweet potato fries
• Classic onion rings
• Potato wedges
• Creamed spinach
• Avocado salad
• Steamed asparagus

Make the Ultimate Summer Hot Dogs and Hamburgers With Gold Medal Bakery

The bread you use is the most critical part of an excellent hamburger or hot dog. With Gold Medal Bakery, you can be sure you’re getting the highest-quality fresh bread products. We’ve been delivering quality baked goods for over a hundred years and pride ourselves on providing the best possible service to our retailers and distributors. 

If you are a supplier looking to partner with an established one-stop shop and an excellent, dedicated sales team, please contact us today. A member of our experienced sales team will be in touch to answer any questions.