Are you ready to elevate your hot dog game? Forget the plain ketchup and mustard – we're diving into a world of flavor with this homemade Hillbilly Hot Dog Sauce! This tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy condiment is surprisingly easy to whip up and adds a unique homemade touch to your favorite frankfurters. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun backyard barbecue, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's one of those delicious dishes that's both incredibly easy and impressively flavorful – a true testament to the magic of simple homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened and the flavors have melded together. Stir frequently to avoid burning. This slow simmering process is key to developing a deep, complex flavor profile.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop and prevents a burning sensation when you enjoy your hot dogs. You can store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips and Variations:
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Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat. If you prefer a milder sauce, omit it entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Sweet and Savory Balance: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon or two of extra brown sugar. For a more tangy sauce, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar slightly. Taste and adjust as needed to find your perfect balance.
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Add Some Texture: For a chunkier sauce, consider adding finely chopped pickles, onions, or even a little bit of finely diced bacon.
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Make it a BBQ Sauce: This sauce is surprisingly versatile! You can easily use it as a barbecue sauce for grilled meats, chicken, or ribs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 60-70
- Fat: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Protein: 1-2g
Please note that this nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe is perfect for adding a homemade touch to your quick dinner ideas, transforming ordinary hot dogs into a truly memorable meal. It’s a great example of how simple ingredients can combine to create a delicious and satisfying dish, proving that healthy meals don't have to be complicated. Enjoy!