I admit it, I’m a closet hot dog lover, maybe you are too? Today I’m sharing a slew of exotic toppings for a tropical hot dog bar, including homemade spicy kiwi relish and Maui onion slaw, that will turn your next barbecue into an island paradise!
It’s all about the toppings when it comes to hot dogs and burgers, at least for me. I like to lay them on heavy, and the more creative the better. Colorful, juicy, tangy, crunchy, you name it, I want it, and I’ve got it here today. I could have gone on forever coming up with these vibrant relishes and salsas ~ I had to stop myself eventually, and in fact there were a few more than didn’t make it into the photos. Go ahead and improvise on what I’ve started, the possibilities are endless, and you can’t go wrong with this cast of characters.
My collection of toppings is inspired by the kind you find in Hawaii, where they use all sorts of local tropical fruits to make exotic mustards, relishes, and salsas for the humble hot dog. With these recipes you can create that tropical getaway in your own backyard.
Creative toppings elevate hot dogs to an art form!
If you lay everything out on a table while the hot dogs are grilling, then everybody can create their own custom masterpiece ~ how about some passion fruit mustard with a scoop of coconut relish? I’m partial to the mango salsa myself, I heap on as much as my dog can handle, and then some!
What you’ll find on my tropical hot dog bar ~
- Spicy kiwi relish
- Mango salsa
- Maui onion slaw
- Coconut relish
- Passion fruit mustard
- Papaya lime relish
- Pineapple jalapeno salsa
- avocado salsa
Pay a visit to the tropical fruit section of your supermarket and load up your cart. If you can’t find Maui onions, any sweet variety will do, they’re right there next to the yellow and white onions. Don’t be afraid of these unusual combinations ~ they complement grilled meats beautifully and I guarantee you’ll be going back for seconds and thirds. For me, the biggest surprise was the coconut relish, I wasn’t sure about it, but boy is it fantabulous. The sweetness of the coconut is balanced by the tangy mayo dressing and the spicy crunch of the mustard seeds ~ an unexpected YUM.
You can make all your condiments up to the night before you want to use them, they’ll keep fine in the refrigerator.
TIP: For these tropical salsas and relishes you’ll want to buy ripe but still firm fruit so that it can be cut into a small dice without turning to mush. Better too firm than too ripe.
Homemade condiments make the best gifts!
If friends ask you to bring something to a barbecue these would be perfect, just package them up in mason jars with some of the really cute replacement lids you can get now, like these speckled canister style lids, or these Bamboo wooden ones. You can even get clip on spoons for mason jars ~ I love them!
The million dollar question ~ who makes the best hot dogs?
I donโt eat many hot dogs, only a handful every year, so I want them to be GOOD. For me I love Boarโs Head, and Hebrew National, with Boarโs Head being my current fave for flavor and texture. How about you?
TIP: hands down the best way to grill hot dogs is to slash them on the diagonal several times along their length. They’ll cook up perfectly and those slashes will open up and hold even more of your favorite condiments. In fact, if you want to go a step further you can spiral cut your hot dogs and sausages.
Tropical Hot Dog Bar
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
passion fruit mustard
- 4 passion fruit halved, with flesh scooped out (either with seeds or strain them)
- 1/2 cup mustard of your choice
spicy kiwi relish
- 4 ripe but still firm kiwi peeled and cut in small dice
- 1 red jalapeno pepper minced
- 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds
- juice of 1 lime 2 if they are small or dry
mango salsa
- 1 ripe but still firm mango peeled and cut in small dice
- 3 Tbsp minced red onion
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro
- juice of 1 lime 2 if they are small or dry
Maui onion slaw
- 1/2 Maui onion or other sweet variety
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp mild vinegar such as champagne or apple cider
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard seeds
- salt and pepper to taste
coconut relish
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp mild vinegar such as champagne or apple cider
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard seed
papaya lime relish
- about 1/2 small papaya cut in small dice
- juice of 1 lime or 2 if they are small or dry
- handful of chopped fresh cilantro
pineapple jalapeno salsa
- 1/2 small pineapple cut in small dice
- juice of 1 lime or 2 if they are small or dry
- 1 jalapeno minced
- handful of chopped fresh cilantro
avocado salsa
- 1 large or 2 small ripe but firm avocados cut in small dice
- juice of 1 or 2 limes depending on size
- 1/4 cup minced red onion or thinly sliced green onions
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Make each of the condiments by mixing the ingredients together. Taste test each one and adjust to suit your preference. For the onion slaw and the coconut relish, blend the mayonnaise together with the vinegar first before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat a grill or grill pan on medium high heat until quite hot.
- Use a small sharp knife to make several diagonal slashes along the length of each hot dog. Grill them, place in buns, and pass the toppings!
notes
- Did you know you can make your own mustard from scratch?ย See my How to Make Homemade Mustard, my version is hot, sweet, and smokey.
- Ketchup lovers, don't worry, I also have an incredible Homemade Ketchup recipe.ย Like all great ketchups, it has a lot of ingredients, but you probably already have them in your kitchen, and you can customize it just the way you like it.ย You'll never go back to the store bought stuff again!
- Are you craving some good old fashioned pickle relish?ย I've got a recipe for that too!ย How to Make Old Fashioned Relish ~ this homemade pickle relish has been Great Island-ized with some hot peppers, and a little bit of extra spice.ย Youโre going to love it, and itโs so easy!
49 Comments
yolanda terry parks
September 14, 2020 at 10:22 amBack in the 70’s I coached girls softball and our sponsor “The Hot Dog Junction” had a similiar condiment bar. Condiments with a Coney Island, Midwest, Southern and Western flair. There is no end to the variety of condiments and for me the very best hot dogs – Hebrew Nationals.
Margaret
August 9, 2020 at 7:39 pmI love your flair -this article is so original and creative. Thank you for this series of unique recipes. You’re the very best.
Pat
August 9, 2020 at 5:08 pmI must admit I have never really been a hot dog fan. If I have one which I make for the people in my family I grill onions, peppers and mushrooms and smother the hot dog. That way I can put up with hot dogs a couple of times during the summer. Shall try your additions which sound great.
Susan
August 9, 2020 at 12:52 pmA natural casing hot dog for me is a real find, but otherwise I’ve come to really like Nathans. Haven’t seen or tried Boar’s Head. I like good ole yellow mustard and a slather of butter and I’m a happy old lady.
Donna
August 9, 2020 at 11:11 amNothing like a good old โdogโ. I take mine with Hebrew National mustard & sauerkraut!
Jackie
August 9, 2020 at 7:38 amI love a good hotdog. We tend to get Nathan’s or Hebrew National. While on a cruise in Europe last year, I saw that the tables had “Curry Wurst” on all the tables. This curried ketchup is popular in Germany and adds another layer of flavor to hot dogs (and anything else) I am picturing it going really well with your Papaya Relish for even more exotic flavor. I got my “Curry Wurst” from Amazon.
Sue
August 9, 2020 at 7:48 amI’ve heard of that but never tried it, now I will!
Donna
November 8, 2017 at 2:46 pmHi Sue, my saliva juices are flowing!! These look wonderful.
I live in much colder climes with plenty of wind and rain. I was wondering if you would have recipes for similar, but with a longer shelf life, or any non-tradional spiced chutneys made with coconut.
I love the idea of banana & coconut together. Will try that.
Thank you
Donna
Sue
November 8, 2017 at 2:49 pmI’ll keep that in mind, Donna, I love chutneys and they would be so exotic on a hot dog bar!
John/Kitchen Riffs
May 17, 2017 at 8:45 amI love hot dogs! Don’t eat that many, but do like them. I go back and forth between Hebrew National and Nathan’s. Don’t think I’ve tried Boar’s Head — have to give them a whirl. Anyway, fun post — thanks.
Sue
May 17, 2017 at 12:10 pmI like Nathan’s, too!
Michele
May 17, 2017 at 8:23 amNot to ruin the hot dog moment…I certainly splurge too….but any of those toppings would be delish on grilled chicken or fish. Easy for quick summer meals! Thanks for the ideas!
Sue
May 17, 2017 at 12:11 pmYou’re so right, and the Hawaiian flavors would go especially well with pork or fish, I think.
Adina
May 17, 2017 at 2:23 amNow, this is a way of enjoying a hot dog! So much better than the regular ones.
Kate
May 16, 2017 at 3:53 pmI’m an unabashed hotdog hound. I only draw the line at all beef. I know they’re the dregs of food hierarchy; but, they bring me back to childhood, summerdays and dinner in hand. I love them on potato rolls. If they’re not available I will stoop to plain old white hot dog buns. I could never bring myself to eating one on a whole-wheat bun. The texture and flavor would seem sacrilegious. After all, what would be the point of sticking in something wholesome? In my book it’s not just a hotdogโฆ I’ve elevated them to”tube steak”. Your toppings lock beautiful and inviting. The only thing I detest on a hotdog is ketchup! MUSTARD is king. After all, a girl has to have SOME standards!?! ๐
Sue
May 16, 2017 at 4:11 pmThanks for the good laugh Kate! I love the term ‘hotdog hound’ ~ and mark my words, the humble hot dog is coming up in the foodie ranks, pretty soon we will see a steak-dog, and I’ll be first in line to try it!
Diane (created by Diane)
May 16, 2017 at 12:50 pmoh, I’m a total closet hot dog lover, well its’ pretty out in the open in my house. I love these tropical toppings and can’t wait to try them. I love a crispy hot dog… topped with yumminess and these look great!
Sue
May 16, 2017 at 4:11 pmCrispy hot dog….mmmmmmm!
Chris Scheuer
May 16, 2017 at 7:49 amWhat a wonderful, fun FEAST. I love all your inspiration. I don’t eat many hot dogs (can’t resist one every now and then at Costco) but that’s about to change with all these great ideas!
Sue
May 16, 2017 at 10:45 amYeah, Costco’s are pretty irresistible after a hard day of shopping ๐
[email protected] is How I Cook
May 15, 2017 at 8:41 pmI haven’t eaten beef or lamb for years. However the one thing I can not avoid is one Hebrew National per summer. Now you have me drooling!
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 8:57 pmI’ve probably told this story before, but I was a vegetarian for many years, and the thing that finally slipped me up was…bacon. Same idea.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
May 15, 2017 at 8:02 pmA friend suggested we do a hot dog spread-not specifically tropical but I can see how tropical really works! ๐ What a great idea!
Vicki Bensinger
May 15, 2017 at 6:30 pmWhat a fun idea but I have to tell you all I see is indigestion! I use to be able to eat hot dog, after hot dog, but not anymore. I recently heard though that one of the major brands has eliminated the nitrates in the dogs so maybe I’d be able to eat one without having it live with me all day. Great idea!
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 7:30 pmYes, I think various brands are making all kinds of improvements…I avoid eating very many hot dogs specifically because of the nitrates. Lots of time I’ll substitute with chicken sausage.
Milena | Craft Beering
May 15, 2017 at 11:33 amHot dogs and beer:) Yum. Not a single topping I would refuse! And – big AND – this bar opens the door to a variety of craft beer pairing possibilities! Love it!
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 12:26 pmOh yes, what do you recommend Milena??
Barb
May 15, 2017 at 10:57 amThis is AWESOME! I’m totally inspired to do this next weekend .
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 12:30 pmLet it know how it goes over with your friends, Barb!
Christie
May 15, 2017 at 10:08 amWhat a feast for the eyes and stomach. Not only did you give great flavor options for hot dogs but they look like a work of art!
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 12:31 pmHot dog art ~ it might be a new trend ๐
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C
May 15, 2017 at 8:14 amMy guys would go nuts for a tropical hot dog bar! I haven’t had a hot dog in three years, but I could definitely do bratwurst or even Italian sausage with this. I’m so intrigued by the coconut relish!
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 8:26 amYes, a brat bar would work! And the coconut relish is a big surprise!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
May 15, 2017 at 7:57 amI have always been a sucker for a great hotdog, so I’m loving these. Love the creative twist with the tropical fruits ๐
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 8:02 amThanks Jennifer ~ I’m a sucker too ๐
Dahn
May 15, 2017 at 7:49 amThese toppings sound amazing, the passion fruit mustard and papaya lime relish are the first that I would have to try.
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 8:00 amI was just saying that the papaya relish might be the most unusual, after the coconut. Papaya has such a distinctive flavor and texture, I’m guessing people either love it or hate it!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
May 15, 2017 at 7:34 amOMG I cannot tell you how excited I am for these toppings!!! I was going to make hot dogs this week, and now I know, that it’s going to be so much more fun than I initially thought it would be!!!
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 7:36 amHave fun Tina!!
JWT
May 15, 2017 at 7:26 amThis is literally a feast for the eyes. I have to admit, I eat more than a handful of hotdogs a year!
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 7:38 amThanks JWT ~ I love tropical fruit, it’s not only beautiful but has such unique flavor profiles and interesting textures, like the papaya salsa, it has this incredible silky texture, and exotic flavor…this was a fun post for me. Thanks for stopping by ๐
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish
May 15, 2017 at 7:04 amYum! My hubby would love these!
Platter Talk
May 15, 2017 at 7:02 amWow does this look good. Perfect plan for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend!
Jeff
May 15, 2017 at 5:42 amI’m not ashamed to say that I love a good hot dog. But I’ve never considered pairing them with these exotic flavors. Interesting!
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 6:40 amI’m glad I piqued your interest Jeff, I ate more hot dogs during the making of this post than I usually consume in a year, but it was worth it ๐
[email protected]'s Recipes
May 15, 2017 at 4:44 amTo be honest, I am not a fan of hot dog at all, but I definitely would love to try these simply because of those fruit toppings…a very cool idea, Sue.
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 6:44 amI knew this might be a little controversial, hot dogs don’t have a great reputation among foodies, but I do think they’re making a comeback, and that companies are creating better products lately ~ who knows, maybe the hot dog will be the new ‘it’ food. Anyway Angie, I’d these toppings on a veggie burger too ๐
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert
May 15, 2017 at 4:08 amWhat a terrific idea! I bet the natural sweetness from the fruit is a great compliment to the savory dogs ๐ We love a good hot dog too – but especially at a baseball game! With a beer of course. I bet they don’t have these toppings at the game. LOVE!
Sue
May 15, 2017 at 6:48 amYES Tricia! The sweetness of the fruit, along with the tang of the other ingredients really goes well with the meat. I think these would be great with all kinds of grilled meats and fish.