Hot dog soup is an incredibly comforting and warming soup that you can easily throw together with just a handful of simple ingredients. The kids might ask for seconds!
Picture this: It's a chilly night, and all you want is something warm and comforting. Hot dogs always hit the spot, but have you ever tried hot dog soup?
It's like all the flavors you love turned into a cozy, satisfying bowl of goodness. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or lazy weekends!
Honestly, this recipe couldn't be simpler. You basically throw a bunch of ingredients into a pot and let it do its thing. While it simmers, you can kick back and relax - or tackle that pile of laundry, if you must. And the best part? This soup is even more delicious the next day!
So, if you're ready for a fun twist on a classic favorite, this hot dog soup recipe is a must-try. I promise, you won't be disappointed!
Why you'll love this hot dog soup
- Who doesn't love a good hot dog? This soup takes all that cozy goodness and turns it into a warm, filling meal.
- The combination of familiar flavors and comforting textures makes this soup a winner for both kids and adults. It's a great way to sneak in extra vegetables and a fun meal the whole family can enjoy.
- This recipe uses simple ingredients and minimal prep and comes together quickly.
What you'll need
Olive oil - Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. If you don't have olive oil, a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil will work.
Onion, carrot and celery - This classic combo makes a fantastic flavor foundation for the soup. You can use fresh or frozen chopped veggies here if you want to skip all that chopping.
Garlic - Freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful aromatic element. You can substitute with pre-minced garlic from a jar if that's what you have on hand.
Hot dogs - Use your favorite type of hot dog! Beef, pork, turkey, or even vegetarian hot dogs will be delicious in this soup.
Potatoes - Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds hold their shape best in soup.
Crushed tomatoes - For a smooth texture, use pure crushed tomatoes. Alternatively, choose diced tomatoes for a chunkier soup. You can also add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
Chicken broth - Look for low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the saltiness of your soup.
How to make soup with hot dogs
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the hot dogs and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the potatoes, crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if you like.
Helpful tips
- Brown the hot dogs in the pot with the vegetables for a couple of minutes. This will add an extra layer of savory, caramelized flavor.
- For the best texture and flavor, keep the soup at a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil. This helps the potatoes cook evenly without falling apart.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or easy leftovers. Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick and satisfying meal on a busy night.
Substitutions and variations
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Get creative by adding other vegetables like corn, green beans, or bell peppers. A can of drained and rinsed beans (kidney, black beans, or cannellini) could also add extra protein and bulk.
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
What to serve with hot dog and potato soup
- Set out a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl.
- Serve the soup with crusty bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last flavorful drop.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches dipped in the soup are pure comfort food heaven!
Leftovers and storage
- Storing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For another satisfying tomato-based bowl, check out this tomato potato soup next!
Hot Dog Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 large carrot diced
- 3-4 celery stalks diced
- 2 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 pound hot dogs cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- A handful fresh parsley roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.1 tablespoon olive oil1 large onion1 large carrot3-4 celery stalks
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.2 large garlic cloves
- Next, add the hot dogs and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.1 pound hot dogs
- Add the potatoes, crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.1 pound potatoes1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes2 cups chicken broth
- Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if needed.A handful fresh parsley
- Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if you like.
Video
Nutrition
If you liked this hot dog soup recipe, you might also like some of my other easy comfort food recipes:
- Barbie Pasta Recipe
- Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
- Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Grandma's Ground Beef Casserole
- Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Looking for more cozy comfort food recipes? Follow Mighty Spatula on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!
J B Parkhouse says
I loved this soup but to be honest I don’t think its name does it any favors. It’s very much an Italian type soup to me with similarities to Minestrone.
karen says
Great recipe for a great old fashioned soup
Linda says
In 1969 I used to make the poor man's version with hot dogs, potatoes, carrots ketchup and water and it was a memory I will never forget. Believe it or not it was really good.