As the chill of winter wraps around us, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of something delicious!
While the sizzle of the grill and the classic hot dog and bun combination may bring you back to when you were sitting in the sun in your shorts and T-shirt, this doesn’t mean hot dogs cannot be enjoyed during the winter months too.
You can make many exciting and delicious winter meals with hot dogs. So, let’s get right to it with our favorite hot dog soup and stew recipes.
1. Cheesy Hot Dog Chowder
There’s nothing quite like the combination of cheese and hot dogs to bring a smile to your face on a cold day.
Imagine diving into a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness packed with the savory taste of hot dogs. This chowder is not just a soup; it’s a comforting experience that brings together the best of both worlds – the heartiness of hot dogs and the smooth, rich cheese flavors.
It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles around the table, ideal for warming up any evening this winter.
Why It’s Delicious
The heartiness of the hot dogs and the creamy cheese base come together to create a comforting and satisfying soup. The blend of spices and vegetables adds depth to the flavor, making each spoonful a delightful experience.
Ingredients:
- 4 large hot dogs, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the sliced hot dogs and cook until they are lightly browned.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and cream, warming it gently without boiling.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
2. Spicy Hot Dog and Bean Stew
Turn up the heat this winter with Spicy Hot Dog and Bean Stew. This stew is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a perfect way to warm up on a cold night.
Combining the smoky flavor of hot dogs with the richness of beans, and a spicy kick, this stew is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Why It’s Delicious
The smokiness of the hot dogs pairs perfectly with the heartiness of the beans while the spices add a warm, inviting aroma and a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s a comforting dish with just the right amount of spice to keep you cozy and content.
Ingredients:
- 4 large hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add garlic, onions and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the sliced hot dogs to the pot and cook until they start to brown slightly.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable or chicken broth.
- Season the stew with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
3. Creamy Potato and Hot Dog Soup
Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Potato and Hot Dog Soup. This soup brings a comforting twist to your winter menu, combining the heartiness of potatoes with the beloved taste of hot dogs in a creamy, dreamy broth.
It’s a simple yet delightful dish that’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings on a cold day.
Why It’s Delicious
The soft, starchy goodness of potatoes melds perfectly with the savory hot dogs, while the creamy broth adds a luxurious texture. Each spoonful is a blend of comfort and flavor, making it a perfect pick for a relaxed winter evening.
Ingredients:
- 4 large hot dogs, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until they are translucent.
- Add the sliced hot dogs and cook until slightly browned.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and add the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup partially, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream and continue to heat the soup, making sure not to boil it.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives.
4. Hearty Hot Dog Minestrone
Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Potato and Hot Dog Soup. This soup brings a comforting twist to your winter menu, combining the heartiness of potatoes with the beloved taste of hot dogs in a creamy, dreamy broth.
Embrace the flavors of Italy with a twist in Hearty Hot Dog Minestrone.
This soup is a vibrant and nourishing medley of vegetables, pasta, and hot dogs, simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s a perfect way to bring a bit of Italian warmth to your winter table.
Why It’s Delicious
This minestrone is a beautiful harmony of various textures and flavors. The hot dogs add a unique and savory twist to the classic minestrone, making each spoonful a delightful surprise. The rich tomato base, combined with a variety of vegetables and pasta, creates a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 large hot dogs, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or macaroni)
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Turn the heat to medium, and heat olive oil in a big pot. Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the sliced hot dogs and cook for a few minutes until they begin to brown.
- Stir in the zucchini, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the pasta, cannellini beans, and dried Italian herbs to the pot.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
5. Smoky Hot Dog Lentil Stew
Dive into the rustic and hearty world of Smoky Hot Dog Lentil Stew.
This stew is a robust blend of lentils, vegetables, and hot dogs, infused with a smoky flavor. It’s a filling and nutritious option that brings a new level of comfort to your winter dining.
Why It’s Delicious
The earthiness of the lentils pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the hot dogs, creating a rich and satisfying stew. The blend of vegetables adds freshness and texture, making every bite a hearty experience.
Ingredients:
- 4 large hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and garlic, cooking until they start to soften.
- Add the sliced hot dogs to the pot and cook for a few minutes, allowing them to brown slightly.
- Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable or chicken broth.
- Season the stew with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
6. Fiery Hot Dog Gumbo
Spice up your winter with Fiery Hot Dog Gumbo. This dish is a fantastic fusion of classic gumbo elements with a fun hot dog twist.
Packed with bold spices, vegetables, and hot dogs, it’s a surefire way to bring some heat and excitement to your winter meals.
Why It’s Delicious
The smoky hot dogs add a unique and savory depth to the gumbo, complementing the spicy and rich flavors of the traditional roux-based broth. The combination of vegetables and spices creates a complex flavor profile that’s both invigorating and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 4 large hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped okra (optional)
- Chopped green onions and parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking until it turns a deep brown color, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux, cooking until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the sliced hot dogs and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Gradually add the vegetable or chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the gumbo to a simmer.
- If using, add the chopped okra and simmer for another 15 minutes until the gumbo thickens slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley.
7. Sweet and Sour Hot Dog Stew
We’re giving you a soup or stew for every day of the week, and we’re ending our winter menu with something we’re sure you’ll have never tried before: Sweet and Sour Hot Dog Stew.
This unique stew combines the familiar taste of hot dogs with a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce, offering a delicious contrast of flavors.
It’s a playful yet comforting dish that’s sure to intrigue and satisfy your taste buds.
Why It’s Delicious
The combination of the sweet and tangy sauce with savory hot dogs creates a harmonious balance of flavors. This stew is not only a treat for the palate but also provides a refreshing change from traditional winter recipes.
Ingredients:
- 4 large hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve the juice)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until they start to soften.
- Add the sliced hot dogs to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned.
- In a bowl, mix the reserved pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and tomato paste to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the pot, along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the stew to a simmer.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the stew.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew to thicken the sauce.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the stew thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
A Winter Feast of Flavors
So there you have it: our hot dog soup and stew recipes to keep you warm during the winter! Each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy the classic comfort of hot dogs.
Remember, winter cooking is all about comfort, warmth, and a dash of creativity. So, don your apron, fire up the stove, and let these hot dog-inspired soups and stews be the stars of your winter dining experience.
More from Articles
Hot Dogs in Cinema: Iconic Hot Dog Movie Moments
Hot dogs, the classic street food we all adore, have had some pretty memorable moments in the world of cinema! Introduction …
Fun Hot Dog Serving Ideas At Children’s Parties
If you're looking to delight your little guests with something as fun to eat as it is tasty, look no …
The Best Hot Dog Sauces from Around the World
Embark on a global culinary journey as we explore the best hot dog sauces from around the world! Hot dogs vary …