Buffalo Blue Cheese Hot Dogs

After countless summer cookouts and family gatherings, I've finally perfected these buffalo-style hot dogs that combine the best of two worlds - classic grilled hot dogs and spicy buffalo wings. This recipe was born during a backyard barbecue when I ran out of regular condiments and got creative with what was left in the fridge. The result? A crowd-pleasing twist that's become our family's most requested summer dish.

Must-Have Ingredients

Good quality all-beef hot dogs - they're the foundation of everything.

Fresh blue cheese that you crumble yourself - none of that pre-crumbled stuff.

Your favorite buffalo sauce - I like mine with a good kick.

Crisp celery and cabbage for that perfect crunch.

The game-changer came when I started using a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt in the slaw instead of just mayo. It gives this lovely tangy richness that makes everything pop.

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Creating Hot Dog Magic

The Perfect Start:

Fire up that grill until you can hold your hand over it for just 3-4 seconds.

Get those dogs on the hot side for those perfect grill marks.

Mix up your slaw while the grill works its magic.

Toast those buns lightly - nobody likes a soggy bun.

Keep everything moving for that perfect char.

Building Flavors:

Start your slaw with the freshest, crispiest vegetables.

Mix your dressing until it's perfectly creamy.

Let those flavors meld while the dogs cook.

Layer everything just right - bun, dog, buffalo sauce, then slaw.

Give it that final sprinkle of blue cheese.

Perfect Pairings

These dogs are begging for a cold beer or crispy kettle chips on the side. When I'm feeding a crowd, I'll set up a "dog bar" with different toppings - some people like extra buffalo sauce, others pile on more blue cheese. For the spice-averse, I keep some plain slaw on hand. And don't forget those celery sticks on the side - they're perfect for cooling things down between bites.

Making It Your Own

Through countless backyard cookouts, I've discovered some amazing variations. Sometimes I'll throw some chopped pickled jalapeños into the slaw for extra kick. My heat-loving nephew taught me to mix a little cayenne into the buffalo sauce - not for the faint of heart! For those who aren't blue cheese fans, I've found that crumbled ranch-seasoned cheese curds make a fantastic substitute. And on days when I'm feeling fancy, I'll caramelize some onions to throw on top.

Kitchen Secrets

Here's something funny - I used to think grilling hot dogs was foolproof until I hosted my first cookout. Ended up with some charred on the outside, cold in the middle specimens that nobody wanted to eat. Now I know the secret is to keep them moving and use indirect heat when needed. And those buns? They go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds, so I learned to watch them like a hawk.

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Party Planning Smarts

If you're hosting a crowd, set up your toppings bar in small bowls with their own serving spoons. Keep the slaw chilled by nestling the bowl in some ice - nobody likes warm slaw! I learned this the hard way during a scorching July cookout. And always, always have extra buns - there's always someone who wants seconds.

Grillmaster's Wisdom

Get those dogs to room temperature before they hit the grill.

Keep a "cool zone" on your grill for slower cooking when needed.

Let the dogs tell you when they're ready to roll - they'll plump up just right.

Never walk away from grilling buns - trust me on this one.

You know what makes these hot dogs special? They're more than just a quick meal - they're a conversation starter. Every time I serve them, people want to know the story behind them, share their own grilling tales, or start planning their next cookout. That's what summer cooking is all about - bringing people together over something simple but special.

Remember, the best hot dogs are the ones shared with friends and family. Now excuse me while I go fire up the grill - all this talk has made me hungry!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the slaw ahead?

Yes, prepare slaw up to a day ahead and keep refrigerated.

→ What if I don't have a grill?

A stovetop griddle or grill pan works well too.

→ Can I make it less spicy?

Use less buffalo sauce or mix with ranch for milder flavor.

→ What sides go well?

Classic picnic sides like potato salad or chips work great.

→ Can I use turkey dogs?

Yes, substitute any type of hotdog you prefer.