I enjoy this recipe because it’s fast, playful, and incredibly satisfying. I like how the mustard and BBQ sauce create a tangy, smoky base, and the caramelized onions add sweetness that balances the salty hot dogs. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, and the flavor combination works far better than you might expect.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 medium pizza crust 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing dough 2 tablespoons mustard 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce 8–9 thin slices American cheese 2–4 hot dogs, chopped 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese sauerkraut, optional, squeezed dry
Directions
I preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and place a pizza stone inside if I plan to use one.
I heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, then cook the onions for 10–15 minutes until caramelized.
I roll the pizza dough into a 13–14 inch circle on parchment dusted with flour and shape a crust edge.
I brush the dough with olive oil and par-bake it for 1 minute.
I spread mustard and BBQ sauce on the partially baked crust.
I top the pizza with the American cheese slices, chopped hot dogs, caramelized onions, and mozzarella. If I’m using sauerkraut, I sprinkle it on top.
I bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 2 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap the American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack. When I want extra tang, I drizzle a bit more mustard after baking. I also like adding chopped pickles or jalapeños for brightness and heat. For a smoky twist, I use leftover grilled sausages instead of hot dogs.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover slices in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to restore the crisp crust. The microwave works in a pinch, though the crust softens slightly.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, pre-made dough or crust works great.
Can I use different sausages?
Absolutely, any cooked sausage adds great flavor.
Can I skip par-baking the crust?
I don’t recommend skipping—it helps keep the crust crisp.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, peppers, onions, or pickles taste great.
Does sauerkraut get crispy in the oven?
Yes, it adds great texture if sprinkled on top.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?
Yes, any meltable cheese works.
Can I use a baking sheet instead of a pizza stone?
Yes, I bake directly on a sheet pan with good results.
How do I prevent soggy crust?
Par-baking and keeping toppings relatively dry helps.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, I bake two pizzas side by side or one after another.
Can I grill this pizza?
Yes, I grill the crust briefly, then add toppings and finish cooking on indirect heat.
Conclusion
I love how this hot dog pizza turns humble leftovers into a delicious, crave-worthy meal with bold flavor and satisfying texture. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for anyone who appreciates a creative twist on classic comfort food.
A fun and creative leftover hot dog pizza topped with caramelized onions, melty cheese, tangy mustard, and smoky BBQ sauce for a surprisingly delicious, cookout-meets-pizza mashup.
Total Time:22 minutes
Yield:2 servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 medium pizza crust (13–14 inches)
1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing dough
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
8–9 thin slices American cheese
2–4 hot dogs, chopped
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
sauerkraut, optional, squeezed dry
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450°F and heat a pizza stone inside, if using.
Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil, and cook the onions for 10–15 minutes until caramelized.
Roll the pizza dough into a 13–14 inch circle on parchment dusted with flour and shape a crust edge.
Brush the dough with olive oil and par-bake for 1 minute.
Spread mustard and BBQ sauce over the partially baked crust.
Top with American cheese slices, chopped hot dogs, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and optional sauerkraut.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
Swap American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack.
Add chopped pickles or jalapeños for brightness and heat.
Leftover grilled sausages work well instead of hot dogs.
