If you're looking for ideas to spice up your next cookout, these Buffalo Hot Dogs are a must-try! Juicy grilled hot dogs get topped with flavorful buffalo wing sauce, creamy blue cheese crumbles, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
They're quick to make, easy to serve on a platter, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite at football parties, summer barbecues, or just went you want something a little different from the classic dog.
These buffalo hot dogs were inspired by our Mexican version (we clearly love spicy dogs). We like to pair them with thick-cut baked fries and a good margarita.
Jump to:
Ingredients
The quantities for these easy dogs are very flexible. Add more (or less) sauce, cheese, or toppings depending on what you like best.
- 8 hot dogs: grilled until they're nicely charred on the outside.
- 8 hot dog buns: lightly toasted (and buttered for extra flavor).
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce: tangy and spicy, drizzle it generously over the hot dogs. Choose your favorite!
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese: this balances the heat from the buffalo sauce and adds incredible flavor.
- ¼ cup chopped chives: adds a little pop of color and a lot of flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Hot Dogs
- Grill the hot dogs
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook the hot dogs until they're heated through and slightly charred on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toast the buns
- Place the buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes, just until they're lightly golden.
- For extra flavor, brush the insides with melted butter before toasting (highly recommended).
- Assemble the hot dogs
- Place each hot dog into a toasted bun.
- Drizzle generously with buffalo wing sauce.
- Top with crumbled blue cheese.
- Sprinkle generously with chopped chives.
- Serve immediately
- Enjoy them hot with plenty of napkins (these are messy in the best way)!
Tips & Variations
Control the heat: Use a mild buffalo sauce if you prefer less spice, or go extra hot for more kick. We usually serve both and let everyone add whichever they prefer.
Swap the cheese: If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can try ranch dressing, crumbled feta, or shredded mozzarella.
Make it creamy: Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top along with the crumbles.
Add crunch: Top the dogs with shredded lettuce or crispy fried onions.
Swap the buns: Use brioche or pretzel buns instead of standard hot dog buns.
Party platter: Serve an assortment of hot dogs on one tray, pairing these Buffalo Hot Dogs with different flavor combinations. Or just put out all the condiments and toppings and let your guest choose!
Keto-friendly option: Skip the bun and serve the hot dog with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce or coleslaw.
Equipment Needed
It's a good idea to get everything ready before you begin cooking any recipe, and these dogs are no exception. Here's a short list of what you'll need:
- Grill or grill pan: for cooking the hot dogs until they're charred to your liking.
- Tongs: to easily turn and remove the hot dogs from the grill.
- Small saucepan (optional): if you'd like to gently warm the buffalo sauce before drizzling.
- Pastry brush or spoon: to coat the hot dogs with the sauce. You can brush a little sauce toward the end of cooking if you like.
- Cutting board & knife: for chopping the fresh chives or any extra toppings.
- Serving platter: handy if you're making a big batch for a party or cookout.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover hot dogs (without the buns) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked hot dogs for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in foil or place them in a freezer bag (freeze them flat with a bit of space between so they don't stick together). Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating in the microwave: Heat a hot dog on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, or until it's warmed through.
- Reheating on the stovetop or grill: Add the hot dogs to a hot skillet or back on the grill for a few minutes until they're hot.
- Buns and toppings: Always store these separately. Toast the buns fresh before serving, and add buffalo sauce, cheese, and chives right before eating.
Tip: For the best flavor, drizzle fresh buffalo sauce over reheated hot dogs rather than storing them already sauced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Buffalo Hot Dogs ahead of time?
You can grill the hot dogs in advance and store them in the fridge, then reheat them on the grill or stovetop before adding the sauce and toppings.
Are they very spicy?
It depends on the buffalo sauce you use. Milder sauces are available, or you can mix the sauce with ranch or blue cheese dressing to tone down the heat.
What kind of hot dogs work best?
All-beef hot dogs have the most flavor (we love the Kirkland brand from Costco), but chicken, turkey, or even plant-based veggie dogs work great too.
Can I bake or air fry the hot dogs instead of grilling?
You can bake the dogs at 400°F for about 10 minutes or air fry them at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through, until they're hot and lightly browned.
What toppings go well with Buffalo Hot Dogs?
In addition to the blue cheese crumbles and chives, you can also add a drizzle of ranch dressing, minced celery, or even crispy fried onions.
Can I make Buffalo Hot Dogs kid-friendly?
Use a mild buffalo sauce or swap it out for barbecue sauce, then add cheese or ranch for flavor without the heat.
Related
Looking for more recipes like this? Try these:
Pairings
These are our favorite dishes to serve with buffalo hot dogs:
Buffalo Hot Dogs with Blue Cheese & Chives
These buffalo hot dogs are so easy and really elevate the common hot dog. Add more or less of any of the ingredients to your liking.
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- ¼ cup butter, melted (optional)
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- ¼ cup chopped chives
Instructions
- Grill the hot dogs over a medium heat until they're nicely charred on the outside, turning a few times (about 5-7 minutes).
- Brush the inside of the buns with the melted butter (optional but recommended) and place them on the grill until they're lightly browned (just a few minutes; watch them closely).
- Place the hot dogs into the buns, then top them with the crumbled blue cheese, buffalo wing sauce and chives.
- Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 313Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 1261mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 15g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
- Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake (A Make-Ahead Holiday Favorite) - September 29, 2025
- Cucumber and Pineapple Salad with Hot Honey - July 23, 2025
- The Best Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon & Chipotle - July 9, 2025
Leave a Reply