Cuban Style Hot Dogs

Yesterday marked the official first day of fall, but I am still trying to squeeze in every last grilling opportunity before the weather gets too cool. For one more easy cookout meal, I grilled up some all-beef hot dogs and turned them into these delicious Cuban Style Hot Dogs.

A traditional Cuban sandwich is usually made with Cuban bread, ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. For these hot dogs, the beef frank takes the place of the roasted pork, and instead of Cuban bread, everything is served in a classic hot dog bun.

To give them even more of that Cuban sandwich flavor, the buns are topped with ham and Swiss cheese and then broiled until the cheese is melted and the bread is lightly toasted. That warm, melty layer makes these hot dogs feel a little more special than your everyday grilled frank.

I am not a big fan of traditional yellow mustard because the flavor is a little too strong for me, so I like to use honey mustard instead. It adds a nice balance of sweetness and tang without overpowering the rest of the toppings.

To finish things off, add a dill pickle spear and some thinly sliced red onion. The combination of grilled hot dog, smoky ham, melted Swiss, tangy pickles, onion, and honey mustard gives you a fun twist on the flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich.

These Cuban Style Hot Dogs are an easy way to change up your usual hot dog night and are perfect for late-summer cookouts, game day, or any time you want something a little different.

Ingredients for Cuban Style Hot Dogs

• HOT DOGS (I USE ALL BEEF FRANKS) – All-beef franks make a flavorful base for these Cuban Style Hot Dogs. Grilling them adds a lightly charred exterior and gives the finished hot dogs even more savory flavor.
• HOT DOGS BUNS – Classic hot dog buns replace the Cuban bread traditionally used for a Cuban sandwich. Lightly broiling the buns with the ham and cheese gives them a warm, slightly toasted texture.
• THIN SLICES OF HAM – Ham adds the smoky, salty flavor you expect in a traditional Cuban sandwich. Thin slices work best because they warm quickly and are easy to layer inside the bun.
• THIN SLICES SWISS CHEESE – Swiss cheese is a classic component of a Cuban sandwich. It melts beautifully over the ham and adds a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with the beef hot dog.
• RED ONION – Thinly sliced red onion adds freshness, crunch, and a slightly sharp flavor. A little goes a long way, so slice it as thinly as possible.
• DILL PICKLE SPEARS – Dill pickles provide the tangy, crunchy element that helps give these hot dogs their Cuban-inspired flavor. A spear fits perfectly alongside the hot dog and gives you pickle in every bite.
• YELLOW MUSTARD (I USE HONEY MUSTARD) – Yellow mustard is the traditional choice and adds a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. If you prefer something a little sweeter and milder, honey mustard is a delicious alternative.

Instructions for Cuban Style Hot Dogs

Grill the hot dogs until heated through and lightly charred. Keep them warm while you prepare the buns.

Place 2 slices of ham inside each hot dog bun, then top with 2 slices of Swiss cheese.

Arrange the prepared buns on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted. Watch them closely so they do not burn.

Place a grilled hot dog into each bun, then add a dill pickle spear alongside the hot dog.

Top with thinly sliced red onion and drizzle with yellow mustard or honey mustard, if desired. Serve immediately. Makes 4 hot dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to grill the hot dogs?
No. You can cook them on the stovetop, in the air fryer, or however you normally prepare hot dogs. Grilling just adds a little extra smoky flavor.

What kind of ham works best?
Thinly sliced deli ham works best because it heats quickly and is easy to layer in the buns. Smoked or honey ham both work well.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Swiss is traditional for Cuban-inspired flavors, but provolone or Muenster would also melt nicely.

Can I use yellow mustard instead of honey mustard?
Absolutely. Yellow mustard is the more traditional choice, but honey mustard gives the hot dogs a slightly sweeter flavor.

Can I leave off the red onion?
Yes. The onion is optional. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less onion or skip it entirely.

What kind of pickles should I use?
Dill pickle spears work best because they add the classic tangy flavor associated with a Cuban sandwich. You can also use sliced dill pickles.

How do I keep the buns from burning under the broiler?
Watch them closely and keep the baking sheet a little farther from the heating element. The cheese usually melts in just a minute or two.

What can I serve with Cuban Style Hot Dogs?
French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad all pair well with them.

Tips and Tricks

• Use thinly sliced ham and cheese. Thin slices warm and melt quickly under the broiler without over-toasting the buns.
• Watch the broiler closely. Buns can go from lightly toasted to burned very quickly. Stay nearby and remove them as soon as the Swiss cheese is melted.
• Slice the onion extra thin. Very thin red onion gives you plenty of flavor and crunch without overpowering the hot dog.
• Add the pickle after broiling. Wait until the bun and cheese are hot before adding the dill pickle spear. This keeps the pickle cool and crisp.
• Assemble just before serving. Add the hot dog, pickle, onion, and mustard right before eating so the bun stays toasted and does not become soggy.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Grilled Turkey Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Barbecue Ham Sandwiches
• Ham Pineapple and Swiss Sandwiches
• Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches

Recipe is adapted from 4 Sons R Us.