Ingredients

For the Hot Dogs:

  • 4 all-beef hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns, split
  • 1 cup dill pickle slices
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for toasting buns)

For the Nashville Hot Chicken Spice Mix:

  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for the spice paste)

For the Creamy Drizzle:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Basting brush
  • Tongs
  • Small saucepan

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Drizzle

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: Make the Nashville Hot Spice Paste

  1. In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan over low heat until warm (about 1 minute). Remove from heat.
  3. Stir the spice mix into the warm oil to create a paste. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Grill the Hot Dogs

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
  2. Grill hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they have nice grill marks and are heated through.
  3. Remove hot dogs from the grill and brush generously with the Nashville hot spice paste, coating all sides.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

  1. Brush the insides of the hot dog buns with melted butter.
  2. Place buns cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted and golden.

Step 5: Assemble the Hot Dogs

  1. Place a grilled, spice-coated hot dog in each toasted bun.
  2. Top each hot dog with dill pickle slices.
  3. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top of each hot dog.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Serve immediately while hot, with extra pickles or sauce on the side if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with coleslaw, potato chips, or fries for a complete meal.
  • Offer extra napkins—these can get messy!
  • For extra heat, sprinkle additional cayenne pepper over the top.

Notes

  • Adjust the cayenne pepper in the spice mix to control the heat level.
  • For a milder version, reduce the cayenne to 1 tablespoon or substitute with more smoked paprika.
  • The creamy drizzle can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Prep Time

  • 10 minutes

Cook Time

  • 10 minutes

Total Time

  • 20 minutes

Servings

  • 4 hot dogs

Enjoy your spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Dogs!