Hot Dogs with Beer-Caramelized Onions and Crushed Doritos
This elevated hot dog is proof that with the right ingredients, even a simple sausage can steal the show. Caramelized onions slowly cooked with a splash of Miller Lite add rich, savory depth, while a creamy maple-Dijon mayo brings the perfect sweet and tangy kick. Nestled in a grilled brioche bun and topped with crisp lettuce, a juicy grilled sausage, and a handful of crushed Doritos for that unexpected crunch — this is no ordinary hot dog. It’s the kind of backyard treat made for sunny days, casual lunches on the patio, or impressing your guests at the next BBQ. Serve it up with an ice-cold Miller Lite and you’ve got summer in a bun.
Samuel Joubert is a passionate photographer with a down-to-earth personality and a legendary sense of humor. In addition to being a photographer, he is also a talented chef who excels in culinary creation. His friends love his decadent dishes and infectious (but sometimes questionable) sense of humor, which makes every moment spent with him an unforgettable one. For Samuel, it’s important to have balance in life. Some people deal with healthy recipes, others with weekday recipes, but for him, his specialty is in hearty and decadent recipes. As he always says, “Tchin mon gars!”
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
For the caramelized onions:
- 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup Miller Lite beer
- Olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Other ingredients:
- 6 good-quality hot dog sausages
- 6 brioche hot dog buns
- Green leaf lettuce, shredded
- Plain Doritos, lightly crushed
Preparation
Step 1. Make the sauce
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Chill in the fridge while you prep the rest.
Step 2. Caramelize the onions
In a skillet over medium heat, add a generous drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly for about 15 minutes, stirring often. You’re aiming for soft, jammy onions — not browned. Lower the heat and add more oil if needed. Pour in the beer and let it reduce until nearly dry (about 2–3 minutes). Keep warm.
Step 3. Grill the sausages
Preheat your BBQ to high heat and oil the grates. Grill the sausages for 8 to 10 minutes, turning regularly, until golden and cooked through.
Step 4. Toast the buns
Butter the hot dog buns lightly and toast them on the BBQ until golden and lightly crispy.
Step 5. Assemble the hot dogs
Spread the sauce on the inside of each bun. Add a sausage, top with caramelized onions, a handful of shredded lettuce, and finish with a sprinkle of crushed Doritos for that perfect crunchy finish.
