Easy Elote Hot Dogs Recipe

What Are Elote Hot Dogs?

Elote hot dogs are a fusion of classic American hot dogs and Mexican street corn (elote). Elote is traditionally corn on the cob slathered with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, chili powder, and topped with crumbled cotija cheese. This recipe takes all those vibrant flavors and transforms them into a delicious sauce that perfectly complements a juicy grilled hot dog. The result is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for cookouts, game days, or a quick weeknight dinner.

How Do You Make the Best Elote Sauce for Hot Dogs?

Making the perfect elote sauce is all about balancing flavors. The base is a creamy mixture of mayonnaise and Mexican crema (or sour cream), providing a rich and smooth texture. Fresh lime juice and a dash of hot sauce add acidity and a little kick. Seasonings like chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder infuse the sauce with warmth and depth. Mixing in crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro enhances the authentic elote experience. Letting the sauce sit for a few minutes before serving allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

What Are Some Tips for Grilling Hot Dogs?

For the best grilled hot dogs, preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the hot dogs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. To add a bit of extra flavor, you can brush the hot dogs with a little of the elote sauce while they cook. Toasting the buns on the grill for a minute or two will give them a light crunch and keep them from getting soggy once the sauce is added.

Can You Customize Elote Hot Dogs?

Absolutely! These elote hot dogs are incredibly versatile. You can switch up the cheese by using feta or queso fresco instead of cotija. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or extra hot sauce. For a fresh crunch, top with diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, or corn kernels. You can also experiment with different types of buns, like brioche or pretzel rolls, to add another layer of flavor.

Ingredients

4 hot dog buns (brioche or your favorite type)
4 beef or chicken hot dogs
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Mexican crema (or sour cream)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp hot sauce (Valentina or Cholula recommended)
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Prepare the Elote Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Mexican crema, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Add ½ teaspoon each of chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix well to ensure all spices are fully incorporated. Gently stir in 1 tablespoon of crumbled cotija cheese, 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro, and ½ cup of grilled corn kernels. The grilled corn adds a sweet and smoky flavor that enhances the traditional elote experience. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld together while you prepare the bacon-wrapped hot dog

2. Wrap the Hot Dogs in Bacon & Grill Them

Before grilling, take each hot dog and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon. Secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling during cooking. Preheat your grill to medium heat, and lightly oil the grates to avoid sticking. Grill the bacon-wrapped hot dogs for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through. If the bacon is not crisping up enough, you can place them on a higher heat zone of the grill or quickly sear them in a skillet to finish.

3. Toast the Buns

While the hot dogs are grilling, lightly butter the insides of the hot dog buns. Place them on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat, cut side down, and toast until golden brown. Toasting the buns adds a delicious crunch and prevents them from getting soggy when you add the sauce and toppings.

4. Assemble the Elote Hot Dogs

Place a grilled hot dog into each toasted bun. Generously drizzle the elote sauce over the top of the hot dog. Sprinkle with extra crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a light dusting of chili powder for an authentic elote experience. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

These Easy Elote Hot Dogs are best enjoyed immediately while the buns are warm and the hot dogs are juicy. Serve them with a side of tortilla chips, grilled corn on the cob, or a refreshing salad. These hot dogs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Serving Size & Nutrition

Servings: 4 hot dogs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Estimated Nutrition (Per Hot Dog)

Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: ~12g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fat: ~20g

Below is a printable recipe card!

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs With an Elote Sauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For the Elote Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Mexican crema or sour cream
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp hot sauce e.g., Valentina or Cholula
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese optional
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup grilled corn kernels

For the Hot Dogs:

4 beef or chicken hot dogs
4 slices of bacon
4 hot dog buns brioche or your favorite type
Lime wedges for serving

Method

Make the Elote Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, and hot sauce until smooth. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and grilled corn kernels. Set aside.
Wrap Hot Dogs in Bacon: Tightly wrap each hot dog with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
Grill the Hot Dogs: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the bacon-wrapped hot dogs for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are cooked through.
Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the buns and toast them on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
Assemble the Elote Hot Dogs: Place the grilled hot dogs in the toasted buns. Drizzle generously with elote sauce and garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!

Conclusion

These Easy Elote Hot Dogs are a delicious way to elevate a simple meal into something special. With their creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy elote sauce, these hot dogs offer a unique twist on a classic dish. Perfect for grilling season, these hot dogs will become a favorite at your next barbecue or family gathering. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more of our creative and easy-to-make recipes below!