If you ever find yourself staring at a few leftover hot dogs in the fridge wondering what to do, I’ve got you covered with this absolutely delicious Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe. It’s a delightful way to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast that’s crispy, cheesy, tangy, and just packed with flavor. The secret star here is those sweet, deeply caramelized onions that add a rich contrast to the savory hot dogs and melty cheeses. Trust me, this is comfort food elevated to a level you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right for the Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe is easy, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the rich olive oil to the punchy BBQ sauce and tangy mustard, you’ll see how these simple items come together to make a pizza that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and brushing on the dough to give that golden crust and rich flavor.
- Onion (chopped): Essential for caramelizing to sticky, sweet perfection, adding depth to the entire pizza.
- Medium pizza crust: Your base, crisp on the outside and soft inside, ready to hold all those delicious toppings.
- Mustard: Adds a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese and hot dogs.
- BBQ sauce: Sweet, smoky, and sticky, balancing out the savory notes wonderfully.
- American cheese slices: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy blanket over the crust.
- Hot dogs (chopped): The star of the show, bringing a meaty, flavorful bite that’s familiar and fun.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds that stretchy, gooey goodness that pizza lovers crave.
- Sauerkraut (optional): Adds a crispy tang and contrasts the richness, especially crispy when baked.
How to Make Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
First, crank your oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a pizza stone, pop that in now to get it heating up—it makes all the difference in getting a crisp, golden crust that can’t be beat.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add your chopped onions and start stirring occasionally. This is where patience pays off—let them slowly caramelize for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and sweet, even if a few edges get a little charred, that adds so much flavor!
Step 3: Shape the Pizza Dough
While the onions are working their magic, lay a parchment paper square on your counter and dust it with flour. Roll your pizza crust into a 13-14 inch circle, then use your fingers to pinch up a slight edge to form a crust that will hold all those toppings beautifully.
Step 4: Brush the Dough with Olive Oil
To get a golden, crispy crust, brush about a tablespoon of olive oil all over the dough, making sure you cover every inch, especially the edges. This step seals in moisture and helps everything brown beautifully.
Step 5: Par-Bake the Crust
Transfer your prepared dough onto a pizza pan or baking sheet and slide it into your preheated oven. If you’re using a pizza stone, use a flat baking sheet or a pizza peel to carefully slide the parchment paper and dough onto the stone. Bake for just one minute—this quick par-bake firms the dough enough so it won’t get soggy later.
Step 6: Add the Saucy Layer
Remove the par-baked crust from the oven and immediately spread a generous mix of mustard and BBQ sauce over it. Use the back of a spoon to evenly coat the surface, giving your pizza a perfect tangy and sweet base layer that will make every bite exciting.
Step 7: Layer the Cheese and Toppings
Now comes the fun part. Arrange slices of American cheese evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle chopped hot dogs on top. Add the luscious caramelized onions next, then pour on the mozzarella cheese. If you’re a sauerkraut fan, add some now—it crisps up nicely and adds a fantastic zing.
Step 8: Final Bake
Slide the pizza back into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for those golden brown spots to appear on the cheese—that’s your cue that this Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe is ready to take you to flavor town. The cheese will be bubbly, and the crust perfectly crispy.
How to Serve Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or some cracked black pepper can brighten the flavors beautifully. For a touch of heat, add some red chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. These garnishes add a fresh pop that contrasts the richness of the pizza.
Side Dishes
This pizza is a hearty star all on its own but pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette or even some crunchy coleslaw adds refreshing texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your pizza into squares for easy sharing at casual gatherings or slice it like a traditional pie and serve individual slices on wooden boards to impress guests. Pairing it with some craft beer or a sparkling soda adds a fun, casual vibe that matches the playful nature of this pizza.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of this irresistible Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the crust from getting soggy and maintains the flavor integrity remarkably well.
Freezing
To freeze leftovers, wrap the pizza tightly in aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer bag. It freezes best if consumed within two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for a better texture on reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that wonderful pizza crust texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor dimension. Just keep a good melting cheese like mozzarella for stretch and creaminess.
Is the sauerkraut necessary?
Not at all. The sauerkraut is optional and adds a nice tang and crunch if you enjoy its flavor. If you’re not a fan, the pizza tastes incredible without it, too!
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular pizza crust for your favorite gluten-free crust. The toppings and preparation stay the same, so you won’t lose any of the deliciousness.
How long can I caramelize the onions?
Caramelizing onions properly takes about 10-15 minutes over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and don’t rush the process; the slower they cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they become.
What’s the best way to chop the hot dogs for this pizza?
Cut the hot dogs into thin rounds or small bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly across the pizza and provide a nice meaty bite without overpowering the other toppings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a wonderfully creative way to turn simple leftovers into a satisfying meal, this Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe is a total winner. It’s fun, flavorful, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. So, grab those leftover hot dogs, caramelize some onions, and make this pizza your new go-to comfort food. You’re going to love it as much as I do!
Print
Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Leftover Hot Dog Pizza with Caramelized Onions is a quick and delicious way to transform simple leftovers into a flavorful homemade pizza. Featuring a combination of tangy mustard, smoky BBQ sauce, melted American and mozzarella cheeses, caramelized onions, and optional crispy sauerkraut, this recipe creates a unique and satisfying meal perfect for two.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 medium pizza crust (13–14 inch round)
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat up as well.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onions. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until the onions are nicely browned and caramelized, with a slightly smoky edge if desired.
- Prepare Dough: On a floured parchment paper square, roll out the pizza dough into a 13-14 inch circle. Use your fingers to push up the edges, forming a crust around the pizza.
- Brush Dough with Olive Oil: Drizzle about 1 tablespoon olive oil over the dough. Use a brush or your fingers to spread the oil evenly, especially focusing on the crust edges.
- Par-bake the Crust: Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza pan if not using a pizza stone. If using a stone, slide the parchment paper and dough onto the preheated stone using a flat baking sheet or pizza peel. Bake at 450°F for about 1 minute, then remove from the oven.
- Add Sauces: Spread 2 tablespoons each of mustard and BBQ sauce evenly across the partially baked crust using the back of a spoon.
- Top the Pizza: Layer the pizza with the slices of American cheese, chopped hot dogs, caramelized onions, and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. If using, add the squeezed dry sauerkraut for a crispy bite.
- Bake to Finish: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to develop brown spots.
Notes
- For best results, have all ingredients prepped before starting the caramelizing process.
- Squeezing the sauerkraut dry helps it crisp up in the oven instead of releasing moisture and making the crust soggy.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, a baking sheet or pizza pan works well for baking the pizza.
- Adjust the number of hot dogs to your preference—two will give a lighter topping, while four will be more generous.
- Caramelizing onions can take time; don’t rush this step as the flavor adds depth to the pizza.
