Hot dogs are an American tradition. Summer wouldn’t be summer without hot dogs on the grill or roasted over an open fire. But traditional hot dogs are high in calories and fat and don’t provide a ton of protein or other nutritional value.

I love a good hot dog and will always enjoy a dog out at the ballpark from time to time, but if I wanted to eat them more consistently, I knew I needed to find a more macro-balanced version- so that’s just what I did!

If you want to stay on track with your nutrition goals without giving up the foods you love, then you’re going to love our macro-friendly hot dog recipe. It’s so easy I’m almost hesitant to call it a recipe! But if you’ve been searching for a macro-friendly alternative to regular hot dogs, this one has you covered.

3 Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

ketchup and mustard on hot dog
  1. Our macro-friendly hot dog packs 15g of protein in with only 125 calories, including the bun! To compare, a regular hot dog with a regular bun comes in at 10g of protein for 320 calories.
  2. It’s so easy that it’s really not a recipe, but more of a “here’s what to buy” recipe. 
  3. These are 100% family-friendly. Sure, the kids might gripe a tad about the subtle taste difference, but layer on their favorite condiments, and they won’t know the difference!

Ingredients

  • White Meat Turkey Hot Dogs – I used Ball Park
  • Low-calorie hot dog buns – I used Arnold’s Keto Buns
  • Sugar-free relish – I used Kroger brand
  • Sugar-free ketchup – I used G.Hughes
  • Sugar-free mustard – I used G.Hughes
ingredients for macro friendly hot dog

How to Make

  1. Grill, microwave, boil, or saute your hot dog to your desired doneness.
  2. Place hot dog on top of your bun.
  3. Add relish, mustard, and ketchup on top and enjoy!
preparing the hot dogs
preparing the hot dog buns
adding hot dogs in buns

Swaps or Alternatives

Here are some swaps and alternatives you can consider for this hot dog recipe:

Hot dogs: I used white meat turkey hot dogs as they are leaner and higher in protein than a regular frank, however, you can swap in whatever hot dog variety you prefer. There are lower calorie beef hot dogs and tofu hot dogs for those who follow a vegan diet. 

Hot dog buns: I chose a lower calorie, keto bun that keeps carbs on the lower end, however, any hot dog bun will do. There are plenty of whole-grain hot dog bun options available that maintain that healthier twist we’re going for.

Condiments: I chose to use sugar-free condiments to keep the calories and sugar on the lower end, however, you can use whatever variety you prefer. Additionally, you can feel free to swap any condiments for your preferred toppings or omit them altogether.

Macros & Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 Hot Dog
  • Calories: 125
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbs: 21g
  • Fat: 3g
macro friendly hot dog - final

Macro-Friendly Hot Dogs

Tami Smith, CPT, Nutritionist
A ballpark and summertime staple, hot dogs are an American tradition. We decided to put together a hot dog that’s a bit more macro-balanced so that you can enjoy the flavors while still staying on track. This better-for-you hot dog will quickly become a favorite!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 125 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill, fire pit, or stove
  • 1 Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 1 all-white meat turkey hot dog
  • 1 low-carb or “keto” bun
  • 1 tsp Sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tsp Sugar-free mustard
  • 1 tbsp Sugar-free relish

Instructions
 

  • Grill, microwave, boil, or sauté your hot dog to your desired doneness.
  • Place hot dog on top of your bun.
  • Add relish, mustard, and ketchup on top and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition information can vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 15gFat: 3g
Keyword high protein, macro friendly
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
About the Author
Tami Smith, CPT, Nutritionist

Tami Smith is a certified Macro Coach, Nutritionist and an ACE certified fitness trainer, specializing in pre and post-natal fitness. She studied business and earned her bachelor's degree in Business Economics. Tami is a mom of two and women's health advocate. Her passion is to help people live a fit, healthy life through proper nutrition and exercise!

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