Rating: 3.44
(94)

Carrot Hot Dogs

September 20, 2024

Carrot Hot Dogs are a creative, plant-based alternative to traditional hot dogs, offering all the satisfying flavors and textures without any meat. Made with hearty, seasoned carrots, these “hot dogs” are perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier, cruelty-free version of a classic American favorite. The carrots are marinated in a savory blend of spices, then grilled or roasted to achieve a smoky, tender texture that mimics the satisfying bite of a traditional hot dog. Topped with your favorite condiments and served in a bun, carrot hot dogs are sure to become a fun and flavorful addition to your next cookout or casual meal.

The process of making carrot hot dogs begins with selecting firm, medium-sized carrots. After peeling and trimming them to fit in a hot dog bun, the carrots are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, liquid smoke, garlic, onion powder, and other spices. The marinating process helps infuse the carrots with rich, savory flavors that give them a meaty taste and a deeper color. After marinating for a few hours, the carrots are either grilled or roasted, which softens them while also caramelizing the marinade, enhancing the flavors and adding a bit of char for that “grilled hot dog” taste.

What makes carrot hot dogs so appealing is their versatility. Once grilled or roasted, they can be topped with anything you’d put on a regular hot dog—ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, or sauerkraut. You can also get creative with your toppings by adding avocado, pickled vegetables, or a drizzle of vegan mayo or spicy mustard for extra flavor. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a bit of hot sauce for an added kick.

Carrot hot dogs are perfect for a summer BBQ, a fun dinner idea, or even as a healthier alternative for kids. They’re easy to prepare and serve, making them a great option for meal prep or a quick weeknight meal. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, offering a healthy, satisfying alternative to traditional hot dogs without sacrificing taste or texture.

Whether you’re looking to reduce your meat consumption or just trying something new, carrot hot dogs are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish in a fresh, plant-based way.

Carrot Hot Dogs
Carrot Hot Dogs
3.44 from 94 votes
A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional hot dogs, made with tender marinated carrots.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 carrots peeled and trimmed, large
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 4 hot dog buns to serve
  • additional toppings such as mustard, ketchup, relish, etc.

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the carrots for about 6-8 minutes until they are fork-tender but not too soft.
  • While carrots are cooking, mix soy sauce, vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish.
  • After draining the carrots, add them to the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
  • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated carrots, turning occasionally, until they are slightly charred and heated through, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Serve each carrot in a hot dog bun with your choice of toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSodium: 700mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 12000IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.7mg
Calories: 100kcal
Meal Type: Brunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: healthy eating, vegan, Vegetarian Recipes
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar jefferey.larson says:

    5 stars
    These carrot hot dogs are surprisingly delish! I was really skeptical at first, but boy, they turned out great with some mustard. 5 stars!

    1. 3 stars
      I’m not sure if carrots can taste like hot dogs. Sounds weird to me, but glad it worked for you! Maybe I’ll try it if I find some good toppings.

  2. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    4 stars
    Y’all, this recipe is a game changer! Perfect for my vegetarian friends, and I feel less guilty after eating them. 🥕🌭

  3. User avatar Vroomfondel says:

    5 stars
    Wow, this is a game changer! I never knew carrots could taste like hot dogs! Five stars!

    1. 5 stars
      I can’t believe carrots can mimic hot dogs! This sounds too good to be true. Gonna try this soon!

    2. 3 stars
      Umm, carrots tasting like hot dogs? Really? Sounds kinda weird, but I’m willing to give it a shot. Maybe?

  4. User avatar Spider Soldier says:

    2 stars
    Just tried this recipe, and it was a total flop for me. The carrots were too soft and didn’t taste right. 2/5

    1. User avatar abraham.ratke says:

      4 stars
      I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe they were overcooked? I like mine a bit crunchy. Give it another try! 😊

  5. User avatar vito.hodkiewicz says:

    5 stars
    So yummy!! I added some jalapeños for a kick, and it was fire! Definitely making it again!

  6. 1 star
    Carrots can’t be hot dogs! That’s just wrong.

  7. User avatar son.wilkinson38 says:

    4 stars
    I’m confused. Why not just eat a carrot? Why turn it into a hot dog? LOL.

    1. 4 stars
      But where’s the fun in that? Sometimes it’s cool to switch things up! 😄

  8. User avatar ruben.wolff says:

    5 stars
    Hahaha, I can’t believe it, but I liked it! Who knew? I’ll make these again for sure!

    1. User avatar katy.spencer46 says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you liked it! It’s amazing how simple veggies can surprise us. What toppings did you use?

    2. User avatar basementDweller says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know, carrots as hot dogs? Sounds kinda weird. Wouldn’t regular hot dogs be better?

  9. User avatar Max Quordlepleen says:

    5 stars
    Tried making these for a veggie cookout and everyone went crazy over them! I didn’t tell them they were carrots at first. Ha! 5 stars!

    1. 5 stars
      That sounds delicious! I can’t believe they’re made from carrots. I’m definitely trying this at my next barbecue! 😋

  10. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    2 stars
    My nephew said they tasted like cardboard… kids can be brutal! Maybe more seasoning next time?

  11. 4 stars
    Carrot hot dogs? Sounds weird but I gave it a shot. They’re actually pretty good! Didn’t expect to like them that much. 4 stars!

  12. 5 stars
    Tried these tonight—so good! The liquid smoke + maple combo is surprisingly “hot dog” tasting. I marinated overnight and it really paid off.

  13. User avatar marilynn.turcotte says:

    4 stars
    Great recipe! Simple and healthy! I think I’ll use zucchini next time instead of carrots to mix it up.

  14. User avatar Draugr Scourge says:

    1 star
    More like carrot not-dogs. My kids won’t eat this stuff, so I’m out. 😒

  15. User avatar basementDweller says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, this seems kinda weird. Carrots instead of hot dogs? Not sure I can wrap my head around it.

  16. 4 stars
    So easy to make! I used the leftovers in a salad. Will definitely make again!

    1. User avatar Skye Price says:

      5 stars
      Sounds great! I love using leftovers creatively, I might try that too!

  17. User avatar les.skiles3 says:

    3 stars
    I messed up and boiled them too long 😩 but still edible.

  18. User avatar boris.windler says:

    2 stars
    meh. They’re okay. not as good as real hot dogs tho.

    1. User avatar Daedric Prince says:

      2 stars
      Nah, not feeling it. Carrots just ain’t hot dogs, you know?

    2. 4 stars
      I think they’re really good! Give them a try with some mustard, they might surprise you! 🥕

  19. User avatar Frost Atronach says:

    4 stars
    The marinade smell while it’s cooking is kinda intense (in a good way). Also, I used regular soy sauce by accident and it was saltier—just watch that.

  20. User avatar weston.schowalter1995 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t think this can beat a real hot dog… carrots?? Seriously?

  21. User avatar ryan.wuckert says:

    4 stars
    Yum! I added some spicy mustard and it was delish. Perfect for my summer BBQ.

  22. User avatar johnathan.schaden27 says:

    3 stars
    I messed up the marinade, oops. Still kinda tasty I guess.

  23. 1 star
    Ugh, I thought these would taste like real hot dogs. They didn’t. Wasn’t a fan.

  24. User avatar everett.lesch60 says:

    5 stars
    I’ve been looking for a good veggie hot dog recipe, and this one did not disappoint! Tasted fantastic!

  25. User avatar rosa.halvorson77 says:

    2 stars
    1/2 a tsp of liquid smoke? That’s too much for carrots! Next time I’ll stick to real hot dogs.

    1. User avatar Katarina says:

      4 stars
      I get your point, but you might be surprised how good they turn out! Liquid smoke can add a nice flavor if used right.

    2. User avatar gavin.braun1982 says:

      2 stars
      Nah, man! Just stick to the real deal, hot dogs for life! Carrots can’t replace that taste.

  26. User avatar angie.robel2001 says:

    3 stars
    Uh what’s liquid smoke? Can I use actual smoke? LOL 😂 Just kidding!

  27. 1 star
    This is just plain weird. Carrots in a hot dog bun? Not for me. 1 star.

  28. User avatar woodrow.cronin says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t have broth so I used water, and it came out kinda bland… might try again and do different seasonings.

  29. User avatar cameron.wolf says:

    5 stars
    This is an interesting take on hot dogs! I never thought about using carrots. My kids loved them!

  30. 2 stars
    Is it really a hot dog if it’s just a carrot? I still don’t know about this one.

3.44 from 94 votes
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