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Hawaiian Hot Dogs with Fresh Relish bring a little sunshine to any gathering thanks to juicy grilled pineapple, sweet-salty bacon, and a crunchy tropical relish that sets them apart from every other cookout dog. The first time I brought these to a family picnic, they disappeared so fast that even the picky eaters went back for seconds.
When I make these, the colorful relish always gets people talking. It is such a mood-lifter and tastes even better after chilling awhile in the fridge.
Ingredients
- English cucumber: diced for crunch and refreshing texture look for one with few seeds
- Red onion: minced gives tangy zip and a splash of color choose one that feels heavy and firm
- Red bell pepper: minced for natural sweetness and added brightness try to pick one with glossy skin and deep color
- Salt: helps draw out moisture from veggies so the relish stays crisp use kosher or sea salt for best taste
- Sugar: balances out the tangy and spicy notes opt for white granulated for clean flavor
- Pineapple juice: infuses a fresh tropical sweetness use juice from a ripe pineapple for full flavor
- Vinegar: adds a vinegar bite and acts as a natural preservative apple cider vinegar works beautifully
- Mustard: for a subtle sharpness yellow or Dijon both work
- Celery seed: gives an herby background that pops pick seeds that look whole and aromatic
- Red pepper flakes: tiny pinch brings gentle heat
- Fresh pineapple: finely chopped adds big flavor and juicy bursts go for one with golden flesh and sweet smell
- Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base for sauce use a rich full-fat version for best results
- Teriyaki sauce: brings classic savory-sweet umami a splash of low sodium soy-based teriyaki is lovely
- Hot dogs: snappy and well-seasoned classics work or try all-beef
- Hot dog buns: soft but sturdy enough to hold all the goodies toast for a little structure
- Beef bacon: crispy and smoky an irresistible topping look for thick-cut and cook till deeply browned
- Pineapple slices: for grilling and topping the dog thick rings will hold up best on the grill
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Relish:
- Dice the cucumber red onion and red bell pepper as uniformly as possible for the best texture
Toss with salt and let them rest in a colander for one hour to draw out excess water and keep the relish crisp - Rinse and Drain:
- After the hour has passed rinse the vegetable mixture under cold water to remove excess salt
Let them drain well so the relish is not watery - Mix the Relish Dressing:
- In a large bowl combine sugar pineapple juice vinegar mustard celery seed red pepper flakes and chopped pineapple
Stir until everything is well mixed and sugar is dissolved - Combine and Chill:
- Add the rinsed and drained vegetables to the dressing mixture
Mix thoroughly then cover and refrigerate for one to three hours which lets flavors meld and keeps everything refreshing - Make the Teriyaki Mayo:
- Blend mayonnaise and teriyaki sauce in a small bowl until fully combined
Refrigerate until ready to assemble - Cook Bacon and Prep Toppings:
- Fry beef bacon until crisp and crumble it into bite-sized bits
Set aside together with your pineapple slices and keep ready for grilling - Grill Pineapple and Hot Dogs:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high
Grill pineapple slices just until grill marks show which caramelizes the sugars and amplifies flavor
At the same time grill hot dogs until heated through and slightly blistered - Toast Buns:
- Place buns cut side down on the grill just long enough to get a gentle toast so they hold up under the toppings
- Assemble the Hawaiian Hot Dogs:
- Split the hot dogs down the center lengthwise but do not cut all the way through
Nestle each into a toasted bun
Layer on half-moon pieces of grilled pineapple a generous smearing of teriyaki mayo crisp beef bacon crumbles and a scoop of the Hawaiian relish
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My favorite part is always the grilled pineapple with its caramelized edges. Whenever my niece helps in the kitchen she insists on sneaking some extra pineapple for herself before we finish assembling.
Storage Tips
The Hawaiian relish holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container. Pop any remaining teriyaki mayo into a jar and use within a week. If you have leftover grilled pineapple store it in a tightly sealed bowl to keep it from drying out. Only assemble hot dogs right before serving for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in turkey bacon or skip bacon entirely if you want to keep it lighter. If you cannot find beef bacon regular bacon will work well or try a soy-based vegan bacon for plant-based guests. For the relish you can substitute white vinegar if apple cider vinegar is not on hand and yellow onions can replace red in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian hot dogs are the ultimate cookout centerpiece. I love serving them with crispy kettle chips fresh watermelon and sweet iced tea. If you want something extra add grilled sweet corn or a simple slaw on the side for more crunch and color.
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Hawaiian Hot Dog Traditions
Hawaiian-inspired hot dogs are all about big bold flavors that echo the islands rich food heritage. Combining pineapple bacon and a bright relish gives a taste of aloha wherever you are. I always think of relaxed backyard nights family laughter and lots of messy hands whenever we make a batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long should I chill the relish before using?
The relish benefits from chilling for 1 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop and meld together. This can be done ahead of time.
- → Can I substitute regular bacon for beef bacon?
Yes, regular bacon works just fine. Cook until crisp, then crumble and use as a topping just as you would with beef bacon.
- → Are there alternatives to pineapple juice in the relish?
If fresh pineapple juice is unavailable, bottled juice or orange juice can be used, but the flavor will slightly change.
- → How do I grill pineapple for topping?
Slice pineapple into rings or wedges, then grill over medium heat until charred marks appear and it softens slightly, enhancing sweetness.
- → Is the teriyaki mayo spicy?
No, the teriyaki mayo is sweet and savory, not spicy. For heat, add a touch of sriracha or chili flakes according to your taste.