Colombian Hot Dogs are the rockstars that show up at every summer BBQ just in the nick of time, when everyone’s a little tired of plain old ketchup and mustard. If you’ve been scrolling through food blogs for something to shake up your next backyard grilling session, you’re in the right spot. I used to think “hot dogs are hot dogs,” but then I tasted my first Colombian Hot Dog during a neighborhood block party. Mind blown. If you’ve never tried them, you’re missing out on a whole different world of toppings and flavors, and trust me, you’ll want to read about why they’re worth making at home (check out this incredible easy hot dog recipe too, if you want even more ideas).
How to Make Colombian Hot Dogs?
Alright, real talk. You won’t need anything you can’t pronounce from a fancy market. Making Colombian Hot Dogs is all about building serious flavor with simple stuff. Start with regular hot dogs (grilled, steamed, heck—even microwaved). Pop those into a soft bun. Now here’s where it gets wild: top with shredded mozzarella, pineapple sauce (yeah, sweet on your dog, just go with it), pink sauce (mix mayo and ketchup), crushed potato chips, and a little mustard for tang. Some folks go for quail eggs, chopped bacon, or even diced onions. Can’t find pineapple sauce? Honestly, just blend up canned pineapple with a dash of sugar, and you’re good.
The fun part is that you make it your own. There’s no “official” rulebook, so pile on what sounds good. I once saw jalapeños on top, and it was a happy accident. Heads-up though: things get messy. That’s part of the experience. Grab a pile of napkins before you dig in.
Whoa. I let my teenager “build his own” with all the toppings and now he won’t eat any other kind. This recipe is the best fun our family’s ever had around the grill!
Cooking Tips
Cooking Colombian Hot Dogs is way easier than people imagine. Most of your time is just prepping stuff for the top. I always grill my hot dogs for a little bit of char flavor, but if you’re in a rush, throw them in a pan or microwave. It doesn’t make a huge difference for this recipe since the toppings are the star of this show.
The sauce matters—seriously. Don’t just dump ketchup and mayo—whip them together for your pink sauce. For pineapple sauce, try adding a squirt of lime for more zing. And please, don’t skip the crushed chips. They add the crunch that turns a soggy bun into a fun treat. Oh, and if you’re making a ton? Set everything out in bowls and let everyone build their own. It’s like a hot dog sundae bar (but zero ice cream).
One thing I always do: toast the buns lightly. They can go soggy fast with all the sauce, so a little crisp keeps things tidy, well, sort of. They’re still a glorious, messy mess.
Side Dishes to Serve with Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a meal on their own, sure, but sides help stretch things out for a crowd. Whenever we serve Colombian Hot Dogs, we put out a few easy extras. Potato salad is classic, but lately I’ve been obsessed with yucca fries—crispy and perfect for scooping up the extra sauce. Tossed salad is a good fresh contrast, if you want to trick yourself into thinking dinner is slightly healthy.
Chips are good, but if you have time, grab some fried plantains (trust me here—they’re weirdly great next to cheesy, saucy hot dogs). Honestly, you can get creative. Corn on the cob? Yes. It’s all about making the plate fun and never boring.
You know what else gets people talking? Serving different dips for the fries or chips, like spicy mayo, guacamole, or even a jalapeño ranch. Makes dinner feel like a party. If you’re curious, you can check out some other fun Colombian appetizers that pair perfectly.
| Ingredient | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Dog Sausages | Base of the dish, cooked to your liking | Grill or steam for best flavor |
| Soft Buns | Fresh, soft bread to hold all the toppings | Toast lightly to avoid sogginess |
| Pineapple Sauce | Sweet sauce adds a unique flavor | Blend canned pineapple with a bit of sugar |
| Pink Sauce | Mix of mayo and ketchup for a creamy twist | Whip together for best flavor |
| Crushed Potato Chips | Adds crunch and texture | Top generously for the best experience |
| Optional Toppings | Bacon bits, onions, jalapeños, quail eggs | Customize your hot dog to your taste! |
Colombian Hot Dogs Recipe (Perro Caliente Colombiano)
I’m not gonna keep any secrets from you. This recipe is how I usually do it at home, and it never disappoints. No need to measure everything to the tiniest sprinkle—just eyeball it.
- Hot dog sausages, cooked any way you like
- Hot dog buns, soft and fresh
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Canned pineapple (blend half a cup with sugar until smooth)
- Mayo and ketchup (mix equal parts for pink sauce)
- Mustard
- Bacon bits (optional but do it)
- Potato chips, smashed up—don’t use the thick kind
- Quail eggs (if you want to be super traditional)
- Diced onions (if you’re into that sort of thing)
To put it together:
Pop your hot dogs in the buns. Slather on the pink sauce, then the pineapple sauce. Sprinkle cheese on top (it’ll get a little melty and gooey). Follow with bacon bits, onions, and a drizzle of mustard. Finally, dump on the crushed potato chips—and if you’ve got those quail eggs, cut them in half and perch them on top. Messy, yes, but absolutely worth every napkin.
Reader Interactions
I gotta say, nothing makes me happier than hearing how people take this Colombian Hot Dogs concept and make it their own. Some folks double the cheese, others pile on three types of chips. There’s always that one person who just wants it naked, and hey, you do you. Got a cool twist? Drop it in the comments and let’s help each other out. This recipe, like any good one, just gets better with every shared tip.
You may be interested as well to read the following :
Chick Fil A Dipping Sauce Recipe
Which Deli Meat is the Healthiest? A Complete Guide
Common Questions
Do I need any special ingredients for Colombian Hot Dogs?
No fancy stuff here—whatever’s in your fridge will work for most of the toppings. Pineapple sauce is easy to whip up, too.
Are Colombian Hot Dogs really spicy?
Nope. Unless you purposely add hot sauce or jalapeños. It’s more about sweet and creamy with a little zing from mustard.
Can I make Colombian Hot Dogs ahead of time?
I wouldn’t fully assemble and let them sit—the buns go soggy. But you can prep all toppings in advance. Assembly is quick.
Are there any vegetarian options?
Definitely. Use veggie dogs, skip the bacon, and you’re set. Everything else can stay as is.
What’s the biggest mistake to avoid?
Honestly? Skipping the chips. That crunch is what separates a “just okay” dog from next-level amazing.
Why Your Next Cookout Needs Colombian Hot Dogs
You came here looking for a game-changing way to bring energy into your next BBQ, and Colombian Hot Dogs (Perro Caliente Colombiano) are the ticket. They’re easy, fun, and there’s just something about all those wild toppings that’s impossible not to love. Plus, there’s no need to overthink it—just grab what you’ve got and have fun with it. You can find more ideas in this great write-up of Colombian Hot Dogs (Perro Caliente Colombiano) and see what other folks are saying on Colombian Hot Dogs – Yea or Nea?. So go ahead, get cooking, and let your imagination run wild. Your friends will be raving about these all summer!
Colombian Hot Dogs (Perro Caliente Colombiano)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Hot dog sausages Cooked any way you like
- 4 pieces Soft buns Fresh and soft to hold all the toppings
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese Topping
Sauces and Toppings
- 0.5 cup Canned pineapple Blend with sugar until smooth for pineapple sauce
- 0.5 cup Mayo and ketchup Mix equal parts for pink sauce
- to taste Mustard Topping for tang
- 1 cup Crushed potato chips Adds crunch and texture
- to taste Bacon bits Optional but recommended
- optional Quail eggs For traditional topping
- to taste Diced onions Optional topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the hot dog sausages until they reach your preferred level of doneness—grill, steam, or microwave.
- Blend the canned pineapple with sugar until smooth to make the pineapple sauce.
- Mix mayo and ketchup in equal parts to create the pink sauce.
- Toast the soft buns lightly to help prevent sogginess.
Assembly
- Place the hot sausages into the toasted buns.
- Spread the pink sauce over the hot dogs.
- Drizzle the pineapple sauce on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauces.
- Add optional bacon bits, diced onions, and drizzle mustard if using.
- Top generously with crushed potato chips.
- If using quail eggs, slice in half and place on top.
- Serve immediately with plenty of napkins.