Okay, I’ll admit it—I didn’t think a Caesar salad and a hot dog could ever belong in the same sentence.
But once I grilled up these Grilled Caesar Hot Dogs, I knew I was onto something unexpected and delicious.
Picture a juicy grilled hot dog wrapped in a crispy Caesar-dressed romaine leaf, drizzled with creamy dressing, dusted with Parmesan and crushed croutons, and skewered like street food. It’s ridiculous.
It’s awesome. And yes, it totally works.
This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for gatherings or a casual meal. The addition of grated
Parmesan cheese, crushed croutons, and black pepper enhance the flavor, while lemon wedges and chopped anchovies add a zesty touch.
Recipe Highlights
This recipe is part novelty, part genius. It combines the crunch and creamy tang of Caesar salad with the savory comfort of a grilled hot dog.
Great for summer BBQs, parties, or anytime you want to serve something playful that still tastes amazing.
Why you’ll love it:
- All the flavors of a Caesar salad… wrapped around a hot dog
. - Grilled for charred, smoky goodness
. - Parmesan and croutons give a great crunch
. - Uses skewers for easy hand-held serving
. - Surprisingly delicious + a guaranteed conversation starter
Ingredient Notes
Beef Hot Dogs
Classic choice for grilling—use your favorite high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Romaine Lettuce
Large, firm leaves hold their shape and grill beautifully while staying crisp-tender.
Caesar Dressing
Use creamy store-bought or homemade—this acts as both flavor and glue.
Croutons
Crushed and sprinkled on top for classic Caesar crunch.
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Adds salty, umami flavor to balance the creamy dressing.
Olive Oil
Brushing the romaine before grilling helps achieve a nice char.
Wooden Skewers
Used to serve each grilled Caesar dog like a street skewer.
How to Make This Recipe
- Prep the Hot Dogs
Grill hot dogs on medium heat for 6–8 minutes, rotating until evenly charred. Remove and set aside.
. - Prep the Lettuce
Choose large romaine leaves. Rinse, pat dry, and brush lightly with olive oil.
. - Grill the Romaine
Place leaves on the grill for 1–2 minutes per side until slightly charred but still crisp.
. - Wrap and Assemble
Spread Caesar dressing on each leaf, place a grilled hot dog inside, and roll it up. Secure with a skewer or toothpick.
.
Finish - Sprinkle with Parmesan and crushed croutons. Drizzle with more dressing if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, arrange the grilled corn dogs on large romaine lettuce leaves, creating a fresh and crisp base.
Generously drizzle Caesar dressing over the corn dogs, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and crushed croutons for added texture.
This combination not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch.
- Serve with grilled corn, Caesar potato salad, or sweet potato fries
. - Add a small side of lemon wedges or extra dressing for dipping
. - Pair with a cold beer or sparkling lemonade
Garnishing for Appeal
For an appetizing presentation, lemon wedges and chopped anchovies can be arranged around the hot dogs.
The lemon wedges provide a zesty touch, perfect for squeezing over the dish, while the chopped anchovies add a savory depth.
This colorful arrangement makes the dish visually striking and inviting.
Tips for the Best Grilled Caesar Hot Dogs
Choose firm, large romaine leaves—they’ll hold up best on the grill and when wrapped around the hot dog.
Don’t over-grill the lettuce—just enough to char slightly. Lightly dressing the leaf before wrapping adds flavor and helps everything stick together.
For extra fun, let people customize with add-ons like bacon bits or anchovy drizzle!
Grilled Caesar Hot Dog Recipe
Course: Appetizer / Fun MainCuisine: American, Summer FusionDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes10
minutes300
kcalThese hot dogs are made by skewering beef hot dogs, dipping them in a cornmeal batter, and grilling until golden brown. They are served with fresh romaine lettuce leaves and a drizzle of Caesar dressing, making them a delightful appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
6 beef hot dogs
6 large romaine lettuce leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons Caesar dressing, divided
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1⁄2 cup crushed croutons
Optional: black pepper, lemon wedges, chopped anchovies
6 skewers or large toothpicks
Directions
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Grill hot dogs for 6–8 minutes, turning frequently, until evenly charred.
- Brush romaine leaves with olive oil and grill 1–2 minutes per side until lightly wilted and charred.
- Lay the grilled lettuce flat. Spread with about 1 tablespoon Caesar dressing.
- Place one hot dog on each leaf and roll tightly. Secure with a skewer.
- Top with grated Parmesan and crushed croutons. Drizzle extra dressing if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add bacon crumbles for an extra indulgent twist.
- For a keto-friendly version, skip the croutons and add more cheese.
- Try wrapping with grilled collard greens or cabbage for a smoky variation.
Storage and Warming of Leftovers
These are best served fresh. If needed, store unassembled components separately. Reheat hot dogs and rewrap with fresh lettuce when ready to serve.
Assembled versions will lose crispness quickly.
