Why You’ll Love This Grilled Reuben Dogs Recipe

These Grilled Reuben Dogs are more than just a meal; they’re an experience that combines comfort food with gourmet flair. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Uniquely Flavorful: It perfectly balances the tangy, savory, and creamy notes of a traditional Reuben sandwich within a convenient hot dog format. The grilled hot dogs provide a smoky depth that complements the vibrant toppings beautifully.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. Both the mock sauerkraut and Thousand Island spread come together quickly with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves hot dogs, and this creative twist is sure to be a hit with both adults and children alike. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors in a familiar and approachable package, making it perfect for BBQs, picnics, and game day parties.
• Fresh Alternative: Break free from the routine! Instead of relying on standard condiments, these Reuben Dogs offer a refreshing change that will surprise and delight your taste buds. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple meal without complicated steps.
• Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe provides a fantastic base, it’s also highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauerkraut, or add a pinch of spice to the Thousand Island dressing to suit your preferences.

Preparing these Reuben Dogs is not only about cooking a meal; it’s about creating memorable moments around delicious food. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or simply looking for an exciting new dinner idea, these hot dogs deliver on taste, convenience, and fun.

The Heart of the Flavor: Quick Mock Sauerkraut

One of the defining components of a Reuben sandwich is its signature sauerkraut. In our Grilled Reuben Dogs, we opt for a “mock” sauerkraut that’s much quicker to prepare than its fermented counterpart, yet still delivers on flavor and texture. This version is designed to be milder and slightly sweeter, ensuring it perfectly complements the grilled hot dogs without overpowering them.

Our mock sauerkraut starts with fresh cabbage, thinly sliced to achieve a delicate bite. Sautéing the cabbage in butter softens it beautifully, bringing out its natural sweetness. A touch of salt enhances its flavor, while apple cider vinegar and sugar are added to mimic the tangy-sweet profile of traditional sauerkraut. The key is to cook it until all the liquid evaporates, concentrating the flavors and leaving you with a tender, flavorful topping that’s ready in mere minutes. This quick preparation means you get all the delicious essence of sauerkraut without the long fermentation process, making it an ideal choice for this fast-paced recipe.

The Creamy Touch: Simple Thousand Island Spread

No Reuben is complete without its iconic dressing, and for our Grilled Reuben Dogs, we craft a homemade Thousand Island spread that’s incredibly easy and utterly delicious. This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect counterpoint to the savory hot dog and the mock sauerkraut, tying all the flavors together in a harmonious bite.

Our simplified Thousand Island spread combines mayonnaise as its rich base with chili sauce (such as Heinz or DelMonte for that classic touch) and dill relish. The chili sauce adds a subtle sweet and spicy depth, while the dill relish contributes a bright, briny crunch. Together, these ingredients create a vibrant, balanced dressing that’s both familiar and exciting. Preparing it takes just a few moments—simply whisk the ingredients together, cover, and chill until you’re ready to assemble your hot dogs. This homemade spread tastes far superior to store-bought versions and allows you to control the exact flavor balance, ensuring a truly personalized and delightful topping.

Ingredients

• 6 good quality hot dogs, uncured if possible
• 6 hot dog rolls, lightly buttered and toasted

For the mock sauerkraut:

• 8 to 10 ounces fresh cabbage (about 1/2 medium head)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

For the Thousand Island spread:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chili sauce (Heinz or DelMonte recommended)
• 1 tablespoon dill relish

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage by removing the core and slicing it as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer works wonderfully for achieving uniform, fine shreds.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced cabbage and season with salt. Sauté the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and soft, typically about 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and add the sugar to the cabbage mixture. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until all the liquid has completely evaporated, which should take another 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the mock sauerkraut to a bowl and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chili sauce, and dill relish. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the spread is smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you are ready to serve the hot dogs.
5. Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. While the grill heats, score the hot dogs at 1-inch intervals on two opposite sides. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from bursting, while also creating pockets for the toppings to settle.
6. Carefully oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the scored hot dogs on the preheated grill. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, turning them frequently with tongs to ensure they cook evenly and develop nice grill marks on all sides.
7. Once the hot dogs are perfectly grilled and heated through, place each one into a lightly buttered and toasted hot dog bun. Top generously with the prepared mock sauerkraut, followed by a dollop or two of the creamy Thousand Island spread.
8. Serve your Grilled Reuben Dogs immediately, perhaps alongside our Speedy Stovetop “Baked” Beans or other favorite cookout sides.

Achieving Grilling Perfection: Tips for Success

Grilling hot dogs might seem simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your Reuben Dogs from good to absolutely fantastic. Mastering the grill is key to unlocking the full potential of this recipe:

• Choose Quality Hot Dogs: The foundation of a great hot dog is a great hot dog! For the best flavor and texture, select high-quality hot dogs. Look for uncured varieties that are minimally processed and made with all-natural ingredients. These tend to have a richer flavor and better snap.
• Score for Even Cooking and Flavor Absorption: Don’t skip the scoring step! Making shallow cuts at 1-inch intervals on opposite sides of the hot dogs helps them cook more evenly and prevents the casings from splitting during grilling. More importantly, these scores create little crevices that beautifully catch and hold the delicious mock sauerkraut and Thousand Island spread, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Preheat Your Grill Properly: A medium-hot grill is ideal for hot dogs. This allows them to heat through and develop a nice char without burning the outside before the inside is ready. Give your grill enough time to reach the desired temperature before placing the hot dogs on the grates.
• Oil the Grates: Lightly oiling your grill grates (using a paper towel dipped in high-smoke-point oil like canola or grapeseed, held with tongs) prevents the hot dogs from sticking and makes for easier turning.
• Frequent Turning is Key: Hot dogs cook quickly and can burn if left unattended. Turn them frequently with tongs, every minute or two, to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks all around. This constant rotation helps achieve that perfect balance of smoky exterior and juicy interior.
• Toast Your Buns: A lightly toasted bun adds texture and structure, preventing it from getting soggy under the toppings. You can quickly toast them on the cooler part of the grill for a minute or two, or use a toaster. Lightly buttering them before toasting adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: While scoring helps, it’s still possible to overcook hot dogs. They should be plump and heated through with a nice char, not shriveled or dry.

Variations and Customizations for Your Reuben Dogs

One of the joys of cooking is personalizing a recipe, and these Grilled Reuben Dogs are wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make them uniquely yours:

• Cheese, Please! While not traditionally part of a Reuben hot dog, a slice of melted Swiss or provolone cheese draped over the hot dog after grilling would be a delicious addition. Simply place the cheese on the hot dogs during the last minute of grilling to let it melt.
• Spicier Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your Thousand Island spread. Alternatively, a finely diced jalapeño could be mixed into the mock sauerkraut for an extra zing.
• Hot Dog Alternatives: Not a fan of traditional hot dogs? This recipe works beautifully with other sausages! Try bratwurst, knackwurst, or even a good quality chicken or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based hot dogs.
• Rye Bread Buns: To lean even more into the Reuben sandwich theme, seek out rye bread hot dog buns, if available. If not, you can lightly toast slices of rye bread and serve the hot dogs open-faced.
• Different Relish: While dill relish provides a classic touch, a sweet pickle relish could offer a different sweetness and tang to your Thousand Island spread, if that’s your preference.
• Add Onions: Sautéed onions, caramelized to a golden sweetness, could be a fantastic addition to the mock sauerkraut or as a separate topping.

Perfect Pairings: Serving Your Grilled Reuben Dogs

These flavorful Grilled Reuben Dogs are hearty enough to be a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of classic American sides. Here are some suggestions to round out your feast:

• Classic Baked Beans: As mentioned in the original recipe, our Speedy Stovetop “Baked” Beans would be a perfect companion, offering a sweet and savory contrast.
• Crispy French Fries or Onion Rings: You can never go wrong with a side of golden, crispy fries or sweet, battered onion rings. They provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft bun and toppings.
• Creamy Coleslaw: A cool, refreshing coleslaw offers a nice textural and temperature contrast to the warm hot dogs. Its creamy dressing and crisp cabbage provide a palate cleanser.
• Potato Salad: Whether it’s a creamy, dill-infused potato salad or a tangy, vinegar-based one, potato salad is a timeless side for any grilled dish.
• Garden Salad: For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add freshness and a healthy balance to your meal.
• Sweet Corn on the Cob: Especially in summer, grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a fantastic seasonal pairing that’s both delicious and fun to eat.
• Beverage Pairings: Complement your meal with a refreshing iced tea, a cold lemonade, a classic root beer, or your favorite craft beer (for adults).

No matter what you choose to serve alongside them, these Grilled Reuben Dogs are sure to be the star of your table.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional content of Grilled Reuben Dogs can vary significantly based on the specific brands of hot dogs, buns, mayonnaise, and other ingredients used. For accurate nutritional information, it is recommended to calculate the values based on the specific products you choose or consult a certified nutritionist. As a general guideline, hot dogs can be a source of protein, while cabbage provides fiber and vitamins. Portion control is always key to a balanced diet.