Hot Dogs with Homemade Tomato Relish: A Summertime Classic

The aroma of grilling hot dogs and the sweet tang of ripe tomatoes always takes me back to my childhood summers. We’d spend countless afternoons at my grandparents’ lakeside cabin, where simple pleasures reigned supreme. The highlight of every visit was my grandpa’s legendary hot dogs, always served with a vibrant, homemade tomato relish that he made with the freshest ingredients from his garden. To this day, that specific combination evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and pure, unadulterated summertime joy. This recipe brings that memory to life, perfectly capturing the essence of those cherished moments.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free buns)

Ingredients

• 3 cups grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup finely chopped red onion
• 6 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh oregano or 2 tablespoons parsley
• 2 tablespoons honey mustard
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon packed brown sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 hot dogs (smoked) or 8 cooked bratwursts (smoked)
• 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved or quartered
• 8 hot dog buns, split and toasted

Equipment Needed

• Medium bowl
• Heavy-duty foil (36×18 inches)
• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Grill tongs

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your foil packet. Take a piece of heavy foil measuring 36×18 inches and fold it in half to create an 18×18-inch square. This will be the vessel for your delicious tomato relish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients: 2 cups of the halved tomatoes, the finely chopped red onion, minced garlic (or garlic powder), fresh oregano (or parsley), honey mustard, water, salt, packed brown sugar, and ground black pepper.
3. Carefully transfer this mixture to the center of the foil square.
4. Now it’s time to seal the foil packet. Bring two opposite edges of the foil together and seal them with a double fold. This ensures that no steam escapes during grilling. Then, fold the remaining edges in the same manner, completely enclosing the tomato mixture. Remember to leave some space inside the packet to allow for steam to build up.
5. If you are using a charcoal grill, prepare it for medium heat. Place the foil packet directly on the grill rack over the medium coals. Grill the packet for approximately 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the packet over and grill for another 10 minutes, or until the red onion has become tender.
6. For a gas grill, preheat the grill. Once preheated, reduce the heat to medium. Place the foil packet directly on the grill rack over the heat. Cover the grill and cook as described above for the charcoal grill – about 20 minutes total, turning halfway.
7. While the tomato relish is grilling, it’s time to prepare the hot dogs (or bratwursts). Place the hot dogs on the grill rack around the foil packet. Grill them for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have those desirable grill marks.
8. Once the tomato relish is ready, carefully open the foil packet, being mindful of the escaping steam. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of tomato halves and the halved or quartered grapes into the hot relish mixture.
9. Finally, place the grilled hot dogs into the toasted hot dog buns. Generously spoon the homemade tomato relish over the hot dogs. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice it up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato relish mixture before grilling.
• Don’t have fresh oregano? Dried oregano can be used, but remember to use about half the amount as the dried herb is more concentrated.
• Prep Ahead: The relish mixture can be prepped in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wait until grilling time to assemble the foil packet.
• Bun Perfection: For extra flavor, brush the inside of the buns with melted butter or garlic butter before toasting.
• Grill Marks: To achieve perfect grill marks on your hot dogs, rotate them 45 degrees halfway through cooking.
• No Grill? No Problem!: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the foil packet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are tender. You can also cook your hot dogs in a skillet or boil them.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these hot dogs immediately after grilling for the best flavor and texture. The vibrant tomato relish adds a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the smoky taste of the hot dogs.

If you have any leftover tomato relish, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving. The relish is best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The texture may change slightly after freezing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	312.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	15.7 g	24%
Saturated Fat	5.8 g	28%
Cholesterol	23.9 mg	7%
Sodium	902.6 mg	37%
Total Carbohydrate	32.9 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	2.3 g	9%
Sugars	10.4 g	N/A
Protein	10.2 g	N/A

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Substitute vegetarian hot dogs or sausages for the meat.
• Vegan: Use vegan hot dogs or sausages and ensure your honey mustard is plant-based, or substitute with Dijon mustard.
• Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary in the tomato relish.
• Add Some Heat: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the relish for a spicy kick.
• Sweet and Tangy: Instead of red grapes, try using golden raisins or dried cranberries for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Onion Variety: If you don’t have red onion, yellow or white onion can be used as a substitute.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the tomato relish without a grill?
A: Yes, you can bake the foil packet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the onions are tender.

Q: How do I prevent the foil packet from leaking?
A: Ensure you use heavy-duty foil and create a tight, double-folded seal on all edges of the packet.

Q: Can I use different types of tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can use any variety of ripe tomatoes you prefer. Roma, heirloom, or even canned diced tomatoes (drained) will work.

Q: How long can I store leftover cooked hot dogs and relish?
A: Leftover hot dogs and relish should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze the tomato relish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the relish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be aware that the texture may change slightly after thawing.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Hot Dogs with Homemade Tomato Relish is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories. It’s a dish perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics in the park, or simply a weeknight dinner that brings a touch of summer to your table. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations and make it your own. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic summertime treat. Share your experiences and feedback, and maybe even pair it with a refreshing homemade lemonade or a crisp coleslaw for the perfect outdoor feast!