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Homemade Hot Dogs, Sourdough Buns & Refined Sugar-Free Ketchup

From-Scratch Summer Cookout or Birthday Dinner Favorite. Make everything yourself: the buns, the hot dogs, and the ketchup, all with clean, simple ingredients.

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🌭 Homemade Hot Dogs, Sourdough Buns & Refined Sugar-Free Ketchup

From-Scratch Summer Cookout or Birthday Dinner Favorite

💛 Real Food, Real Summer

There's nothing quite like making a full meal from scratch — especially when it's for your kid's birthday or a backyard summer cookout. This year, we took Calhen's birthday dinner to the next level by creating everything ourselves: the buns, the hot dogs, and the ketchup.

This 3-part recipe series is easier than you think, and the result? 📣 The best hot dogs you've ever had.

Everything is made with clean, simple ingredients. No preservatives. No refined sugar. Just real food — and a lot of love.

👉 Print the recipe card here

👉 Don't miss our Sourdough Guide on Amazon.

🫙 Optional: Canning Instructions

  1. Fill sterilized half-pint jars with hot ketchup (leave ½" headspace).
  2. Wipe rims, apply lids, and process in boiling water for 15 minutes.
  3. Cool for 12–24 hours, check seals, and store for up to 1 year.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Toast your buns and hot dogs for best texture
  • Serve with mustard, kraut, grilled onions, or pickles
  • Great with potato wedges, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad
  • Perfect for birthdays, cookouts, or a nostalgic dinner at home

🙌 Tips & FAQs

Can I freeze the buns? Yes! Slice and freeze in a zip bag for up to 1 month.

Can I bake the hot dogs? Absolutely. 400°F for 15–20 minutes works well.

Can I use beef instead of pork? Yes, but include some fat (like tallow or brisket trim).

📺 Watch the Full Tutorial

▶️ Watch on YouTube » In under 5 minutes, we show you how to make buns, dogs, and ketchup from scratch.

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Love real food from scratch? Pin this recipe, share it with a friend, and don't forget to subscribe for more rustic homestead cooking. 💛

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Watch the Video

See exactly how I make this step by step!

Homemade Hot Dogs, Sourdough Buns & Refined Sugar-Free Ketchup - Video thumbnail

Homemade Hot Dogs, Sourdough Buns & Refined Sugar-Free Ketchup

Recipe Cards

Print-friendly recipes below

Sourdough Stadium-Style Hot Dog Buns

Sourdough Stadium-Style Hot Dog Buns
Serves
8 buns
Prep
25m
Cook
20m
Total
9h

Ingredients

  • 400g bread flour
  • 150g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
  • 180g warm whole milk
  • 1 large egg (≈50g)
  • 40g butter, softened
  • 20g honey or maple syrup
  • 8g salt

Instructions

  1. 1
    Mix the Dough: Combine starter, milk, egg, honey, and butter. Add flour and salt. Knead 8–10 min until smooth and elastic.
  2. 2
    Bulk Fermentation: Cover and ferment 4–6 hours (at 75–78°F) or until nearly doubled. Stretch and fold once after 1 hour.
  3. 3
    Shape the Buns: Divide into 8 pieces (~100g each). Shape into tight 6–7" logs. Place on parchment-lined tray with 1–2" spacing.
  4. 4
    Final Proof: Proof at room temp 2–3 hours, or refrigerate overnight.
  5. 5
    Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes. Brush with egg wash if desired.
  6. 6
    Cool: Let cool 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Fresh Homemade Hot Dogs (No Casings Needed)

Fresh Homemade Hot Dogs (No Casings Needed)
Serves
8-10 hot dogs
Prep
1h
Cook
20m
Total
1h 20m

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lbs ground pork (20–30% fat)
  • ½ Tbsp sea salt
  • 1½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • ½ tsp coriander
  • ½ tsp white or black pepper
  • ¼ tsp allspice (optional)
  • ⅛ tsp clove (optional)
  • ½ tsp celery seed or celery powder
  • 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • ¼ cup ice water
  • 2 Tbsp milk or non-dairy milk (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil or beef tallow

Instructions

  1. 1
    Pre-Chill Equipment: Chill bowl, blades, and pork.
  2. 2
    Mix Seasoning: Combine spices in a small bowl.
  3. 3
    Emulsify: In a stand mixer or food processor, combine pork, spices, sweetener, liquids, and fat. Blend until smooth and sticky.
  4. 4
    Shape the Hot Dogs: Shape by hand (5–6" logs), or use a piping bag. Chill 30 min to firm.
  5. 5
    Cook: Steam for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked. Poach: Simmer gently at 160–170°F for 15 min. Bake (alternative): Bake at 400°F for 15–20 min, flipping halfway.
  6. 6
    Sear (Optional): Grill or pan-sear for a quick finish.

Homemade Ketchup (Refined Sugar Free)

Homemade Ketchup (Refined Sugar Free)
Serves
Approx. 2 cups
Prep
5m
Cook
25m
Total
30m

Ingredients

  • 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ⅛ tsp cloves
  • ⅛ tsp allspice
  • ⅛ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp celery seed (optional)
  • ¼ tsp mustard powder
  • Pinch of white or black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1
    Mix: In a saucepan, whisk tomato paste and water. Add vinegar, sweetener, and spices.
  2. 2
    Simmer: Simmer over low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. 3
    Adjust Thickness: Add water to thin or simmer longer to thicken.
  4. 4
    Store: Refrigerate up to 3 weeks.

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