Simplify Your Next Cookout With a Self-Serve Hot Dog Bar

Keep your guests well fed and coming back for more with a self-serve station all about hot dogs and delicious summertime toppings.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn
Related To:
Entertaining Parties

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Always a Crowd Pleaser

A mix of condiments, spicy and not-so-spicy toppings, vintage touches and a grab-and-go presentation will make it easy for your guests to help themselves to a summertime favorite.

Simplify Clean Up

Shop party or restaurant supply stores for diner-style stackable baskets you can line with decorative catering paper or gift wrap to make post-party clean-up a snap.

Stock Summery Napkins

Keep your spread colorful and fun with paper napkins featuring summer patterns like checkerboard or gingham.

Make It Easy for Guests to Grab and Go

The key to making a hot dog bar efficient is in the proper layout of the grilled hot dogs. Once grilled, lay them out side by side, placed inside of their buns. This will allow guests to simply grab their hot dogs, then top with their favorite condiments.

Get Creative With Containers

Upgrade your basic condiments by placing them in decorative vintage-look squeeze bottles rather than their standard issue containers.

Some Like It Hot

Keep spicy toppings grouped together since some guests will prefer spicy touches while others will simply pass the spices up altogether.

A Heapin' Helpin' of Chili

Keep your chili easily accessible toward the front of the table. Hot chili tastes best so consider replacing or reheating the chili every 15 to 20 minutes to avoid guests placing cold chili on their hot dogs.

Onions and Pickles: Bite-Size Is Best

Finely chop onions and pickles into small pieces so guests can easily add a little or a lot.

More Cheese, Please

Overall, cheese tends to be the first item depleted at buffets so be sure to really fill the bowl at the start of the party and check the supply frequently to see if you're running low.

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