Hot Dog Chili Sauce – Sprinkles and Sprouts
Serving Suggestions
What to eat with Hot Dog Chili Sauce.
This chili sauce is made for loading up hot dogs! So grab your favorite hot dog sauces and some soft buns and enjoy! I like a meatier smoked sausage, but use whatever your family enjoys.
From there, the topping options are endless! Keep it classic with grated cheese and finely diced onion, or go all out with pickled jalapeños, mustard, sour cream, or even crushed corn chips for a bit of crunch. Let everyone customize their own for a DIY hot dog night—it’s such a fun way to feed a crowd. (Especially as the hot dog chili sauce recipe can easily be doubled or tripled and made in advance!)
This sauce is also great beyond the bun! Spoon it over fries or wedges, and add some shredded cheese for amazing chili cheese fries. Serve it with baked potatoes, or spoon it over some cooked rice.
What to drink with Hot Dog Chili Sauce
This rich, savory hot dog chili sauce pairs well with drinks that can stand up to bold flavors while still keeping things fun and easy. Whether you’re firing up the BBQ, planning a game day feast, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, here are some drink pairings that work beautifully with chili dogs.
Hot dogs and beer are a classic combo for a reason! And a smooth, malty Amber Ale is perfect here. It’s full-flavored without being too bitter, and it pairs beautifully with the spices in the sauce. For something lighter, go for a crisp Pilsner, which adds a refreshing bite and won’t compete with the richness of the chili. (my drink of choice for a chili dog dinner)
If you prefer a glass of white wine, opt for something with a hint of sweetness and plenty of acidity to complement the rich, meaty sauce (and smoky sausage!). A slightly off-dry Riesling is my top pick. It balances the slight kick in the sauce and keeps things feeling fresh. For something drier, a Chenin Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay will still give you that crisp, refreshing contrast without clashing with the flavors.
Red wines work well here; go for a fruity, medium-bodied red. Zinfandel would be an excellent match for the savory, spicy notes of the chili sauce. It has enough body and a touch of spice to complement the beefy richness without overpowering the dish. If you prefer something a little lighter, try a chilled Grenache or a GSM blend; they’re easy-drinking reds with soft tannins that play nicely with chili-style flavors.
For an alcohol-free option, you want something bold enough to hold its own. A good-quality Ginger Beer is perfect. The warmth of the ginger matches the spices in the sauce, and the fizz keeps things fun (I mean, everyone loves a soda, right?). If ginger isn’t your thing, I think a tall glass of ice-cold Coke can’t be beaten; it’s refreshing yet has enough spice and flavor to hold its own with the chili sauce.
