Tropical Hawaiian Hot Dog

This Hawaiian Hot Dog recipe transforms ordinary backyard grilling into a tropical flavor adventure that balances sweet, savory, and smoky notes in every bite. The combination might sound unconventional, but trust me, these island-inspired dogs will become your new summer grilling tradition.

I first made these Hawaiian Hot Dogs for a beach-themed birthday party, and they were such a hit that they've become our signature summer cookout dish. Even my brother-in-law who initially scoffed at the pineapple topping now requests these whenever he visits.

• Hot dogs Choose all-beef franks for the best flavor and texture. The robust meaty flavor stands up well against the sweet pineapple.
• Pineapple Fresh pineapple delivers the best tropical flavor, but canned chunks work well in a pinch if drained thoroughly.
• Bacon Thick-cut bacon provides the best texture and smoky flavor. Look for applewood or hickory smoked varieties.
• BBQ sauce A slightly sweet and tangy sauce works best. I prefer a honey BBQ sauce for this recipe.
• Hot dog buns Brioche buns add a touch of richness, but standard buns work perfectly too.
• Red onion The sharp bite of red onion balances the sweetness of the pineapple. Choose firm onions with tight skin.

How To Make Hawaiian Hot Dogs

Prepare the grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. If using a gas grill, preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. For charcoal, wait until the coals develop a light gray ash coating.

Cook the meats

Place hot dogs on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they develop nice grill marks and are heated through. Cook bacon strips on a cooler part of the grill or use a cast iron skillet on the grill to prevent flare-ups from bacon fat. Cook until they reach your desired crispiness, approximately 5 minutes.

Prepare the toppings

While the meats cook, dice your pineapple into small 1/4-inch pieces for easy eating. Finely dice the red onion to distribute the flavor without overwhelming any single bite.

Assemble the hot dogs

Lightly toast the buns on the grill for about 30 seconds. Place each hot dog in a bun, then layer with the diced pineapple, crumble the crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with diced red onion, and finish with a generous drizzle of BBQ sauce from one end to the other.

The first time I served these at a family gathering, my uncle declared them "the best hot dog innovation since the Chicago dog" which is high praise from a hot dog purist! The pineapple is really the star here – its natural enzymes actually help tenderize the hot dog while adding a juicy sweetness.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare most components ahead of time for easy assembly. Dice the pineapple and red onion up to a day in advance and store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can even cook the bacon a few hours ahead and keep it at room temperature, then briefly reheat on the grill before assembly.

Variations To Try

This Hawaiian-inspired recipe is incredibly versatile. Try substituting the pineapple with mango for a different tropical flavor. For a spicy kick, add jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce. Vegetarians can enjoy this flavor combination with plant-based hot dogs. For an extra indulgence, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top and let it melt slightly before adding the other toppings.

Serving Suggestions

These Hawaiian Hot Dogs make a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with classic sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a full island-themed meal, serve alongside coconut rice or grilled pineapple slices. A cold tropical drink complements these hot dogs perfectly – try a pineapple soda, coconut water, or even a piña colada for the adults.

Recipe FAQs

→ What can I substitute for pineapple if I don't have fresh?

Canned pineapple chunks or tidbits work perfectly as a substitute. Just drain them well before using. If you don't have pineapple at all, you could use diced mango for a similar tropical sweetness.

→ Can I make Hawaiian Hot Dogs in advance?

It's best to assemble Hawaiian Hot Dogs just before serving for optimal texture and temperature. However, you can prepare all the components in advance—grill the hot dogs and bacon, and dice the toppings—then store separately in the refrigerator for quick assembly when ready to serve.

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best with Hawaiian Hot Dogs?

Sweet and smoky BBQ sauces complement the pineapple and bacon best. Hawaiian or teriyaki-style BBQ sauces work particularly well with the tropical theme, but any BBQ sauce you enjoy will work nicely.

→ Are there any variations I can try with this Hawaiian Hot Dog?

Absolutely! Try adding sliced jalapeños for heat, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of coleslaw, or some teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ. For an extra Hawaiian touch, consider adding a thin slice of grilled SPAM.

→ What sides pair well with Hawaiian Hot Dogs?

Hawaiian-style macaroni salad, potato chips, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad make excellent sides. For a complete tropical themed meal, serve with coconut rice or grilled pineapple slices.

→ Can I make Hawaiian Hot Dogs in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes! You can cook the hot dogs and bacon in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Bake hot dogs for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, and bacon on a separate tray for 10-15 minutes until crispy.