Hot Dog Soup

Inspired by childhood favorites like hot dogs and creamy canned soups, this hot dog soup recipe merges the best of both worlds into one filling bowl. It’s also the perfect way to not let the leftover hot dogs from your last cookout or family gathering go to waste.

Combining hearty vegetables, tender potatoes and bite-sized pieces of hot dogs in a creamy broth, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can turn your leftovers into a new dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Hot Dog Soup

• Fresh vegetables: Carrots, potatoes and parsnips add to the bulk of this soup, providing sweetness and earthiness.
• Onion: A medium onion adds depth and a savory base to the soup.
• Butter: 1/4 cup of butter is used to saute the vegetables and add richness to the soup.
• Flour: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour helps thicken the soup to a creamy consistency.
• Hot dogs: 1 pound of hot dogs, halved lengthwise and cut into bite-size pieces, are the star protein of this soup.
• Evaporated milk: One can of evaporated milk adds creaminess to the soup without being too heavy.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Mushroom soup adds a savory, umami flavor that brings all the ingredients together.
• Basil: One teaspoon of dried basil elevates the overall flavor profile of this hot soup recipe.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the vegetables

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrots, potatoes, parsnips and onion. Saute them for about five minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2: Add the flour

Stir in the flour until it is well-blended with the vegetables.

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients

Add the hot dogs and continue to cook them for another two minutes. Pour in the evaporated milk, condensed cream of mushroom soup, water, basil and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the soup

Cover the saucepan and let the soup simmer on low for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally. Serve the hot dog soup and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Editor’s Tip: For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot while stirring.

Recipe Variations

• Add more vegetables: Incorporate chopped celery, bell peppers or frozen peas for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy flavor.
• Use different meats: Swap out the hot dogs for smoked sausage, kielbasa or even cooked bacon for a different flavor profile.
• Add cheese: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a creamy, cheesy version of this hot dog soup.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup and make this a gluten-free meal.
• Add pasta: Add cooked macaroni to hot dog soup for extra texture and heartiness. Use fun pasta shapes like wagon wheels to make this a kid-friendly meal.

How to Store Hot Dog Soup

Store any leftover hot dog soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave before serving.

Can you freeze hot dog soup?

This hot dog soup can be frozen for up to three months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Hot Dog Soup Tips

What can you serve with hot dog soup?

Hot dog soup pairs well with a slice of homemade sourdough and a simple side salad. For an added crunch, top the soup with croutons, shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches for an even heartier meal.

How do you thicken hot dog soup?

To further thicken this hot dog soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon. You can also increase the amount of flour used in the recipe or add in a cornstarch slurry. Stir it into the soup during the last five minutes of cooking.

Can I make hot dog soup in a slow cooker?

This hot dog soup recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Saute the vegetables and hot dogs in a pan before transferring them into the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients except for the evaporated milk. Cook the mixture on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. Stir in the evaporated milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking.