If you’re obsessed with the idea of comfort food meeting adventurous flavor, you’re about to fall hard for Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs. These aren’t your ordinary frankfurters—imagine juicy sausages nestled in golden, buttery buns and then absolutely decked out with creamy remoulade, tangy pickled cucumbers, crispy onions, fresh dill, and even a spoonful of fluffy mashed potatoes. This recipe channels the vibrant, playful spirit of Scandinavian street food in every dazzling, flavor-packed bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every layer in Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs is thoughtfully chosen—nothing fussy, just Scandinavian simplicity at its finest. Each ingredient adds a punch of flavor or a nifty twist of texture, so don’t skip a thing if you want the full Nordic thrill ride!
- Hot dogs: Go for beef or pork; a good-quality sausage is the backbone of that juicy, satisfying bite.
- Hot dog buns: Soft yet sturdy buns will cradle all those glorious toppings without falling apart.
- Butter (for toasting buns): A sweep of butter adds rich flavor and the perfect golden crunch when toasting.
- Crispy fried onions: These crowning jewels deliver swoon-worthy crunch and a savory punch.
- Quick-pickled cucumbers (thinly sliced): Snappy, vinegary pickles bring brightness and cut through the richness.
- Remoulade sauce or mayonnaise: Classic remoulade gives you tangy, herby creaminess, but rich mayo is a great stand-in if you’re in a pinch.
- Ketchup: Just a drizzle ties everything together with a sweet-tangy lift.
- Yellow mustard: Sharp mustard offers that classic hot dog flavor and a hint of zip that makes the toppings sing.
- Chopped fresh dill: This fresh herb is utterly essential for that unique Scandinavian pop of flavor.
- Mashed potatoes or potato salad (optional): Not traditional everywhere, but irresistibly creamy and satisfying if you love your hot dog extra loaded.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A sprinkle at the end sharpens every flavor and brings the whole creation into perfect balance.
How to Make Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs
Step 1: Cook the Hot Dogs
Start your journey by grilling or pan-frying the hot dogs over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re aiming for lovely caramelized edges and a hearty, piping-hot sausage. The key here is patience—let them get good and browned so their juices are locked in and each bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
While the hot dogs are sizzling, lightly butter the inside of each bun and toast them in a skillet or pop them briefly under a broiler. That quick blast of heat transforms plain bread into a fragrant, golden home for your toppings. Toasted buns also stand up better to all the saucy, crunchy, creamy ingredients you’re about to pile on.
Step 3: Layer on Sauces
Spread a generous swoop of remoulade sauce or mayonnaise inside each toasted bun. This creamy layer is the foundation for your Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs, lending richness and a surprising tangy zip that cuts through the savoriness of the sausage and toppings.
Step 4: Assemble with Hot Dogs and Classic Toppings
Place your hot dog in the bun. Now swirl on ketchup and mustard to taste—don’t be shy, the combination is classic for a reason! For those ready to go all in, add a hearty dollop of mashed potatoes or potato salad for a starchy, craveable twist that makes these truly loaded.
Step 5: Add Signature Scandinavian Flavors
Now comes the magic: shower each hot dog with crispy fried onions and artfully scatter on the pickled cucumbers. These two ingredients crisscross flavors and textures—crunchy, acidic, savory, and utterly addictive.
Step 6: Finish with Dill and Seasoning
Finish your Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs with a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill and, if you like, an extra pinch of salt and pepper. The dill is more than a garnish—it brings everything to life with a pop of fragrant freshness.
How to Serve Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs
Garnishes
A cascade of fresh dill instantly signals that these aren’t your everyday hot dogs. For flair and flavor, you can add a few paper-thin radish slices or a finishing sprinkle of crunchy sea salt. Don’t underestimate extra fried onions for dramatic crunch or a final drizzle of remoulade if you’re feeling extra.
Side Dishes
These hot dogs practically beg for simple, satisfying sides. Think tangy red cabbage slaw, quick beet salad, or crispy oven fries doused in sea salt. Even a handful of pickled vegetables rounds out the meal and keeps the Scandinavian theme strong and lively.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not set up a DIY Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs bar? Lay out the buns, hot dogs, and all the toppings so everyone can build their own masterpiece. Or, slice each hot dog in half and serve as sliders for parties—guaranteed conversation starters with big flavors in a small package.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made extra Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs, store the sausages, buns, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, each element stays fresh and crisp without turning to mush by the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover cooked hot dogs and buns. Double-wrap the hot dogs in foil and pop them in a zip-top bag; buns can go in a freezer-friendly bag as well. Toppings like remoulade, pickles, and crispy onions are best made fresh for crunch and brightness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm hot dogs in a skillet or microwave until fully heated, then refresh buns in a toaster oven or on a dry skillet to restore that fabulous toast. Assemble your Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs just before serving to keep everything lively and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or veggie sausages instead of beef or pork?
Absolutely! Chicken or high-quality veggie sausages soak up all the toppings just as well, making these Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs easily adaptable for different dietary preferences.
What’s the best way to make quick-pickled cucumbers?
Just slice cucumbers thinly and toss with a splash of vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a sprinkle of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes—instant tangy crunch for your hot dogs.
Is remoulade sauce traditional for Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs?
Yes, remoulade is a beloved condiment in Scandinavian cuisine, offering creaminess and that signature herby tang, but plain mayo is a great substitute if remoulade isn’t handy.
Can I prepare any elements in advance?
Definitely! You can make the quick-pickled cucumbers and chop the dill ahead. Even the mashed potatoes or potato salad can be prepped a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Do I need to use mashed potatoes or potato salad?
Not technically, but they’re a fun, hearty nod to Scandinavian tradition for Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs—and they’re guaranteed to wow your guests with something they’ve likely never tried before!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate your hot dog game, don’t wait another minute—gather your toppings and whip up a batch of Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs for your next meal. Every bite is fresh, bold, and full of excitement. You’ll never look at hot dogs the same way again!
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Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your hot dog game with these Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs inspired by Scandinavian street food. Topped with pickled cucumbers, crispy fried onions, and a flavorful remoulade sauce, these hot dogs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Hot Dogs:
- 4 beef or pork hot dogs
Hot Dog Buns:
- 4 hot dog buns
For Toasting Buns:
- 1 tablespoon butter
Toppings:
- ½ cup crispy fried onions
- ½ cup quick-pickled cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup remoulade sauce or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
- ½ cup mashed potatoes or potato salad (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill or Pan-Fry Hot Dogs: Cook hot dogs over medium heat until browned and heated through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Toast Buns: Butter and toast the buns in a skillet or under the broiler until golden.
- Assemble Hot Dogs: Spread remoulade or mayo on buns, add hot dogs, ketchup, mustard, mashed potatoes (optional), fried onions, pickled cucumbers, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Enjoy your Loaded Scandi Hot Dogs immediately.
Notes
- Traditional Scandinavian-style hot dogs often include remoulade, pickles, and crunchy onions for texture.
- Consider using shrimp salad or curry ketchup for regional variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded hot dog
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
