Elevate your hot dog experience with this incredible Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dog recipe, featuring a delightful Reuben twist. Juicy hot dogs are expertly wrapped in savory pastrami, blanketed in melted Swiss cheese, topped with crisp sauerkraut, and drizzled with a rich, homemade Russian dressing. Get ready for a flavor sensation!
Ultimate Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dogs with Reuben Twist
In the vibrant world of food blogging, inspiration often strikes in unexpected ways. Sometimes, it’s a brilliant new concept, and other times, it’s a delightful rediscovery of a beloved classic. As a long-time culinary enthusiast and blogger, I’ve experienced both, and this particular recipe for Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dogs falls into the latter category – a delicious revisiting of a fantastic idea that truly deserves the spotlight.
Many food creators grapple with the idea of originality, constantly striving to invent something entirely new. However, the beauty of cooking often lies in reimagining and perfecting existing concepts. There are countless variations of every dish imaginable, and sometimes, revisiting a familiar theme with fresh eyes, or even simply perfecting a tried-and-true combination, can yield truly spectacular results. This hot dog recipe is a perfect example: a nod to the iconic Reuben sandwich, masterfully adapted for the humble, yet versatile, hot dog.
My journey to creating these incredible Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dogs began with a simple flick through an old issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray. The magazine featured a spread of innovative hot dog topping ideas, and one particular concept immediately caught my attention: a Reuben-inspired hot dog. It sounded like an absolute dream – the savory depth of pastrami, the creamy tang of Russian dressing, the sharp bite of Swiss cheese, and the sour crunch of sauerkraut, all married with a perfectly grilled hot dog.
As I started preparing the dish, a sense of déjà vu washed over me. The combination felt remarkably familiar. Then it clicked! I had created a similar Reuben Dog recipe years prior. A quick check of my archives confirmed it. I couldn’t help but laugh at myself – clearly, my love for a good Reuben-style hot dog knows no bounds!
Initially, I considered not sharing this recipe, thinking it too similar to past creations. But then I realized something important: while the core concept might be familiar, the execution, nuances, and the specific balance of flavors made this version distinct and absolutely worthy of its own moment in the spotlight. There’s an art to refining a great idea, and this recipe is a testament to that. It’s a slightly different take, a refined approach, and undeniably delicious.
Why These Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dogs Are a Must-Try
This isn’t just another hot dog; it’s a gourmet experience packed into a bun. The secret lies in the thoughtful combination of classic Reuben elements with a premium hot dog. Each ingredient plays a crucial role:
- The Hot Dog: A high-quality beef hot dog forms the hearty foundation, providing that satisfying snap and juicy texture.
- The Pastrami: Thinly sliced, savory pastrami, wrapped snugly around the hot dog, adds a smoky, peppery depth that transforms a simple frank into something extraordinary. Grilling the pastrami lightly crisps it, enhancing its texture and flavor.
- The Swiss Cheese: Melted Swiss cheese draped over the hot dog adds a creamy, nutty richness that perfectly complements the robust flavors of the pastrami and sauerkraut.
- The Sauerkraut: Tangy, crunchy sauerkraut provides a bright, acidic counterpoint, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing textural element.
- Homemade Russian Dressing: This homemade dressing is the crowning glory. A simple yet incredibly flavorful mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish, seasoned to perfection, it brings all the elements together with its creamy, piquant notes.
Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: the crisp pastrami, the melted cheese, the juicy hot dog, the tangy sauerkraut, and the smooth, zesty dressing. It’s a symphony for your taste buds, turning a casual meal into a culinary event.
Crafting the Perfect Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dog: Tips for Success
Achieving hot dog perfection is simpler than you might think. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dogs are nothing short of spectacular:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Start with good quality beef hot dogs. The better the hot dog, the better the final dish. Similarly, use thinly sliced, flavorful deli pastrami.
- Wrapping Technique: When wrapping the hot dogs with pastrami, ensure it’s snug but not too tight. Place them seam-side down on the grill first to help seal the pastrami in place as it cooks.
- Grilling vs. Griddle: Both a grill and a griddle work wonderfully. A grill offers a slight smokiness and char, while a griddle ensures even cooking and perfect browning of the pastrami. Aim for medium-high heat. You want the hot dog heated through and the pastrami lightly crisped, not burnt.
- Melting the Cheese: After the pastrami is crisp and the hot dog is warmed, lay the Swiss cheese slices on top. Cover the grill or griddle for a minute or two. The trapped heat will melt the cheese beautifully and evenly.
- Homemade Russian Dressing: Don’t skip the homemade dressing! It takes minutes to make and its fresh flavor far surpasses store-bought versions. For easy application, transfer the dressing to a small resealable plastic bag, snip off a tiny corner, and pipe it over the hot dogs. This ensures an even drizzle and a clean presentation.
- Toasting the Buns: For an extra layer of deliciousness, lightly toast your hot dog buns on the grill or griddle for about 30 seconds per side. This adds warmth and a slight crunch that elevates the entire experience.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dogs are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with classic picnic sides. Think crispy potato chips, a fresh green salad, creamy coleslaw, or a vibrant potato salad. For drinks, a cold beer, an iced tea, or even a classic cream soda would be perfect complements.
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your Russian dressing for a fiery twist.
- Different Cheeses: While Swiss is traditional for a Reuben, feel free to experiment with provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Caramelized Onions: Sautéed caramelized onions layered under the cheese would add a sweet, savory depth.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For an extra zing and some heat, a few slices of pickled jalapeños could be a fantastic addition.
- Rye Buns: If you can find them, mini rye bread buns would truly capture the essence of a classic Reuben sandwich.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, or looking for an exciting game day snack, these Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dogs with a Reuben twist are sure to be a winner. They are simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and satisfying in every way. Give them a try – you won’t regret it!
More Hot Dog Recipes to Explore
If you’ve loved this Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dog recipe, be sure to explore more of our creative hot dog culinary adventures:
- Taco Dogs: A vibrant fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors on a hot dog.
- Green Chile Hot Dogs: For those who love a smoky, spicy kick.
- Coney Island Hot Dogs: A classic, hearty hot dog experience with savory chili.
Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dog Recipe
Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
4 hot dogs
Main Dish, American, Lunch, Dinner
Pin
Ingredients
For the Homemade Russian Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Hot Dogs:
- 4 beef hot dogs
- 4 slices deli-sliced pastrami
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 hot dog buns
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut
Instructions
- Prepare the Russian Dressing: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish. Stir until smooth. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For easier application, transfer the dressing into a small resealable plastic bag, snip off one corner, and set aside. This will allow for a neat drizzle over your finished hot dogs.
- Cook the Hot Dogs: Preheat your grill or griddle to medium-high heat. Carefully wrap each beef hot dog in a slice of deli pastrami, ensuring the pastrami adheres well. Place the wrapped hot dogs on the preheated grill or griddle with the seam side down first to help seal the pastrami. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the hot dog is heated through and the pastrami is lightly crisped and slightly charred in places.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the hot dogs are cooked and the pastrami is crispy, place one slice of Swiss cheese on top of each hot dog. If using a grill, close the lid. If using a griddle, you can cover them with a metal bowl or lid. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese has beautifully melted and softened over the hot dogs. Transfer the cheesy hot dogs to your prepared hot dog buns.
- Assemble and Serve: Top each hot dog with a generous portion of sauerkraut. Finish by drizzling the homemade Russian dressing generously over the sauerkraut and hot dog. Serve immediately and enjoy your ultimate Pastrami Wrapped Hot Dog!
Recipe Notes:
For an enhanced experience, lightly toast your hot dog buns before assembly.
Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing and sauerkraut to your personal preference.
pastrami wrapped hot dogs, reuben hot dog, hot dog recipe, homemade Russian dressing, Swiss cheese hot dog, sauerkraut hot dog, gourmet hot dog, grilling, comfort food