Summer’s here, and that means it’s hot dog season. Whether you’re flipping them on the grill at a backyard party, roasting them over a campfire, or heating up a quick dinner for the family, hot dogs are the ultimate warm-weather food: easy, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable.
But let’s be honest. It's time to break up with basic mustard and ketchup. This year, we’re showing you how to dress your dogs with bold, smoky, sweet, and spicy toppings, featuring Sugar Bob’s signature maple-infused sauces. We’re talking street food flair, backyard BBQs, and flavors that go way beyond the bun.
Classic Meets Creative: The Regional Roots of the Hot Dog
Hot dogs have a rich, regional history. Across the U.S., cities have turned the humble dog into something special:
- New York Style: Simple and classic, with sauerkraut, and brown mustard.
- Chicago Dog: Fully loaded with tomato slices, pickles, relish, onions, sport peppers, mustard, and celery salt.
- Chili Dog (Coney Island): A messy masterpiece of beef chili, onions, and mustard.
- Carolina Dog: A Southern icon, featuring slaw and chili for a tangy, hearty bite.
- Sonoran Dog: Southwestern brilliance: a bacon-wrapped dog with beans, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
These styles are beloved for good reason, but they’re also great foundations for building your own gourmet creations.
Vermont-Style Hot Dogs and Sugar Bob’s Unique Take
New England Hot Dog Traditions
In New England, hot dogs are more than just a snack—they’re a regional icon. The classic Red Hot—a bright red, snappy hot dog—can be found at roadside stands and summer diners throughout Vermont and beyond, especially during the famous sugaring season.
Sugar Bob’s Sap-Boiled Hot Dogs
At Sugar Bob’s Chester location, we celebrate Vermont’s maple heritage with a truly unique twist: sap-boiled hot dogs. Yes, you read that right—hot dogs gently boiled in fresh maple sap for a subtly sweet, smoky flavor that’s perfect for spring and sugaring celebrations.
Visit for the Sap-Boiled Experience
Want to try it yourself? Stop by our Chester café to taste the sap-boiled hot dogs and discover more local flavors from our favorite Vermont makers.
📍 92 VT-11, Chester, VT
🕙 Open daily, 10 AM–5 PM
Dress Your Dogs: Flavor Combos Featuring Sugar Bob’s Sauces
Let’s get to the fun part: how to dress your dogs to impress. Each of these combos pairs beautifully with one of Sugar Bob’s handcrafted Vermont maple sauces, bringing out new dimensions of flavor you didn’t know hot dogs were missing.
Street Corn Dog (Inspired by Elote)
Love that smoky, creamy, citrusy taste of Mexican street corn? Try it on a hot dog.
Top with:
- Lime crema (mayo + sour cream + lime juice)
- Crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- A drizzle of Jalapeño Maple Sriracha for that bright, zesty heat
- Sprinkle of chipotle powder or chili-lime seasoning
This is the ultimate mashup of creamy, spicy, tangy, and savory. It’s like elote meets backyard BBQ.
Maple BBQ Crunch Dog
Top with:
- Smoked Maple BBQ Sauce
- Shredded sharp cheddar
- Crispy fried onions or shallots
- Pickle chips
That smoky-sweet BBQ sauce brings deep flavor with a kiss of heat from our Vermont Maple Sriracha. Pair it with cheese and crunch, and you’ve got a dog worth repeating.
Sweet Heat Classic
Top with:
- Caramelized onions
- Dijon mustard
- A drizzle of Maple Syrup
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles
Trust us, maple syrup on a hot dog is a game-changer. The syrup’s richness balances the tang of mustard and the savory depth of onions. For adventurous eaters, blue cheese takes it even further.
The Smoke Show
Top with:
- Smoked Maple Sriracha
- Bacon bits
- Diced jalapeños
- Monterey Jack cheese
This one’s all about bold flavor. The smoked sriracha brings heat and depth, the bacon adds crunch and salt, and the cheese ties it all together.
The Green Heat
Top with:
- Smashed avocado or guacamole
- Tortilla strips or crushed chips
- Lime juice
- Drizzle of Jalapeño Maple Sriracha
For taco night or just a hot summer day, this combo is fresh, spicy, and satisfying. Add a little sour cream for even more balance.
Pro Tip: Set Up a Hot Dog Topping Bar
Throwing a party? Skip the burgers and set up a DIY hot dog bar. Grill the dogs, toast the buns, and lay out bowls of toppings so everyone can mix and match. Include:
- Caramelized onions
- Sauerkraut
- Pickles
- Slaws (classic or carrot)
- Cheese
- Chopped herbs
- Sugar Bob’s sauces. Let guests choose their level of heat and sweetness
Your guests will love building their own, and you’ll love how easy it is to host.
Why Sugar Bob’s?
At Sugar Bob’s, we believe bold flavor starts with real ingredients. That’s why every one of our sauces features authentic Vermont maple syrup, smoked or spiced to perfection.
Whether you’re going for sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy, our sauces are made to enhance, not overpower, whatever you’re grilling. They’re small-batch, preservative-free, and endlessly versatile.
Final Bite
This summer, ditch the plain condiments and give your hot dogs the treatment they deserve. With Sugar Bob’s smoky maple sauces, you’ll transform a backyard classic into something unforgettable.
