4th of July Hot Dogs

These 4th of July hot dogs are a fun and patriotic way to enjoy the summer cookout classic. Easy, delicious, and ready in 30 minutes for any crowd!

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 4th of july hot dogs

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Calories: 437kcal

Author: Louisa

Heat your gas grill for a two-level fire with one side set to medium-low and the other cranked up to high. Cook the hot dogs for about 1 1/2 minutes on the cooler side, then move them to the hotter side and turn them regularly until they're cooked to your liking. I like them with a few char spots!
Add blue food coloring one drop at a time to tint the mayonnaise blue. Transfer the blue mayonnaise into a piping bag, then snip a small opening at the tip. Transfer the ketchup into your other piping bag and snip a small opening at the tip as well.
Toast the brioche buns however you like. For the grill, toast them cut-side down on the grates for 1 minute.
To make the white stars, press a small star-shaped cookie cutter through the slice of white cheddar cheese. Repeat until you have enough stars.
Now you're ready to assemble! Line each toasted bun with a lettuce leaf, then lay a few pickled cucumber slices on top. Place the cooked hot dog in the center, then pipe clean lines of ketchup and mayonnaise down its length. Finish the 4th of July hot dogs with cheese stars on top, and you're done!

If you want perfectly cooked hot dogs without firing up the grill, and pan-frying also feels too slow for a crowd, use the air fryer! Air fry the hot dogs at 400°F for 5 minutes, turning them over halfway through. No need to cut them either, which makes prep time even faster.
For easier prep, fill piping bags with condiments the morning of your cookout and refrigerate them. You can also wash and dry the lettuce leaves and pre-cut the cheese stars about an hour before assembling the 4th of July hot dogs. Keep everything chilled until you’re ready to build. These flag hot dogs are best served right after assembly, so everything looks great and the textures stay fresh. And for leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Coleslaw, French fries, and potato salad are classic pairings for grilled hot dogs, but you can surprise your guests (without anyone realizing how easy it was) with special sides like bacon ranch pasta salad and accordion potatoes. My air fryer corn ribs and bacon mac and cheese are also often requested every summer!