Good Sauce For Hot Dogs
A tangy, savory sauce with mustard, catsup, and Worcestershire that pairs perfectly with hot dogs, adding bold flavor and zest to your favorite summer grill.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute 1 stalk celery and 1 small onion until tender.
- Add the remaining ingredients: catsup, water, brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and prepared mustard.
- Add water if the sauce is too thick.
- Simmer with 6 to 10 hot dogs for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar slightly. If fresh celery is unavailable, you can substitute with celery seed or omit it entirely. Using Dijon mustard instead of prepared mustard can enhance the flavor profile. This sauce is versatile and pairs well with a variety of meats beyond hot dogs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce generously over grilled or steamed hot dogs, and consider topping them with diced onions or shredded cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw or potato salad, making it a great addition to summer barbecues. For a fun twist, use it as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This sauce can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Sauce For Hot Dogs contains roughly 73 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 815mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Simply prepare it as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when you serve it.
What if I don't like Worcestershire sauce?
If you're not a fan of Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce for a similar umami flavor. Alternatively, you can skip it altogether and add a bit more vinegar and mustard to balance the flavors.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this sauce can easily be made vegan by ensuring the Worcestershire sauce used is vegan-friendly. Most brands offer vegan options, which will keep the sauce delicious while accommodating vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).