Healthier Hot Dogs for 4th of July Summer - Kids Cook Monday Hot Dog Recipes
Hot dog loaded with veggies!
How to Make Hot Dogs Healthier for Kids
Hot dogs don't have to be totally unhealthy. Turkey dogs have considerably less fat and sodium, and fewer calories. I know that turkey dogs may not appeal to everyone, but, to me, they taste really good, just different from the all beef or even mixed chicken and pork hot dogs. Try turkey hot dogs on your kids. The younger the child, the less likely they will be able to tell the difference. They may grow up liking turkey dogs just as well as the "real" thing.
With these recipes, I also used wheat hot dog buns rather than white buns for a little added nutrition. Then I piled the hot dog high with my favorite ingredients to make one really tasty hot dog! There are even vegetables in these hot dog options.
Get everyone in the house to help you get all the ingredients out, get them chopped and ready to serve, and have your own hot dog buffet!
I love ketchup!
Kids Love Hot Dogs!
Kids seem to love hot dogs! A lot of adults do, too. My favorite way to cook hot dogs is outside on the grill until they are plumped and "striped" with the black lines from the grill. Yummy! I like mine dark and almost burnt. Some people like them barely done.
Besides grilling, hot dogs can be made quickly inside--on the stove in a pan of boiling water, in the oven on low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for less than a minute per hot dog.
The History of my Loaded Hot Dog
When I was a kid, my best friend took me to this small hole in the wall restaurant that sold hot dogs exclusively. She was a picky eater, but she loved hot dogs. But these weren't just ordinary hot dogs. These hot dogs were loaded with stuff, all kinds of stuff!
I was used to hot dogs with ketchup and mustard, or mustard, relish, and mayo. Chili-topped dogs with cheese were also well-liked in our house when I was growing up. But tomatoes? And onions? And chopped pickles? And all on the same hot dog? I don't remember exactly what was on those hot dogs, but my loaded hot dog re-creation brings back those memories of my friend, Jenifer, and me at Uncle Dood's Dawg House. I'll never forget that name. Uncle Dood's Dawg House. I wish it were still there.
How to fold this thing up now?
Cook Time
Instructions for your Hot Dog Bar
- Cook hot dogs on grill, or in oven, in a pan of boiling water on the stove, or in the microwave until warmed through, plumped or browned to desired consistency.
- Open up package of buns. Warm slightly if desired--on grill, in microwave, or oven.
- Place hot dog on bun and top with your choice of above toppings.
- Think about having a second hot dog, trying different toppings this time!
Rate the Loaded Hot Dog and More!
Ingredients & Optional Toppings
- 1 package hot dogs, turkey or other, cooked
- 1 package hot dog buns, preferably wheat
- 1 can hot dog sauce, heated
- 1/2 block (about 4 oz.) cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1-2 whole pickles, chopped
- sweet pickle relish
- dill pickle relish
- jalapenos
- mustard
- ketchup
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- black olives, sliced or chopped
Victoria's Loaded Hot Dog: Turkey dog on wheat bread with chopped pickles, onions, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and cheese
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 1 hot dog with bun | |
| Calories | 273 |
| Calories from Fat | 117 |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Fat 13 g | 20% |
| Saturated fat 4 g | 20% |
| Unsaturated fat 0 g | |
| Carbohydrates 33 g | 11% |
| Sugar 10 g | |
| Protein 13 g | 26% |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
More Nutritional Considerations
Note that all nutritional statistics are approximate. One serving also has up to 916 milligrams of sodium. Some positives of the loaded hot dog are 27% vitamin A and 61% vitamin C, with iron at 18% and calcium at 16% of the recommended daily allowance of a 2000 calorie per day die.
Other Hot Dog Varitations for the Entire Family
The great thing about this recipe is that it is very family and group friendly. Everyone, including children, can help in the preparation by getting all the ingredients out and putting into serving bowls, with older kids even helping with the chopping and minimal cooking that is involved.
A second cool thing about this hot dog bar is that everyone can choose what toppings they want. Here are some other favorite toppings for these hot dogs:
1) Ketchup and mustard--a favorite of many children!
2) Mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet pickle relish--This was actually always my favorite as a kid and now as an adult if I want just a basic hot dog.
3) Coney-type dog--Add hot dog sauce or even chili, along with shredded cheese and chopped onions. Add sour cream if you are a sour cream lover like me.
Check out all the ingredients listed in the ingredient list above and mix and match as you wish. Have a good time with it!
© 2012 Victoria Lynn
