Sonoran Style Hot Dog (Best Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs)

Photos for this recipe are from Erin Hungsberg (IG: erin_hungsberg)

Marrying the flavors of Mexico with the good ol’ bacon-wrapped hot dog, Sonoran hot dogs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a unique touch to their backyard cookouts.

I get a rush of excitement whenever I make my authentic Sonoran style hot dog recipe. This Mexican-inspired treat is a grilled hot dog wrapped in a nice strip of bacon served in a soft bolillo bun. And it wouldn’t be complete without a medley of toppings like refried beans, avocado, and pickled jalapeños that make so good!

Why you need to make this recipe

• Quick and simple: It takes less than 30 minutes to make and yet it looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Cover the hot dog with bacon and toss it on the grill while you prepare the toppings!
• Unique flavor mash-up: A mix of Mexican and American flavors all in one bite. Not to mention the different textures you get from the soft bolillo bun, crispy bacon, chewy hot dogs, creamy refried beans and avocado, and crunchy onions.
• Family-friendly: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want to add a bit of flair to your dinner, these Mexican hot dogs are perfect for kids and adults alike.

What is a Sonoran hot dog?

Giving the classic American hot dog a Mexican twist, Sonoran style hot dogs are a bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled over an open flame until the hot dog is cooked to perfection and the bacon is extra crispy.

The nicely cooked hotdog is then nestled in a bolillo bun smothered with another Mexican favorite, creamy refried beans. Once everything’s in place, it is topped with an assortment of colorful and delicious toppings, including avocado, pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.

Where did the Sonoran hot dog originate?

This amazing bacon-wrapped hot dog hails from Hermosillo, the capital of the Mexican state of Sonora, where it has been a street food staple since the 1980s. Think of it as a Mexican take on an all-American favorite.

Because of its unique combination of flavors and textures from both cultures, it made its way to neighboring states and eventually became a craze south of the border of the United States, specifically in Southern Arizona. But you can find most street carts and food trucks offering this delicacy in Tucson and Phoenix.

Ingredients you will need

• Hot dogs
• Bacon (thin cut)
• Bolillo bun
• Refried beans
• Avocado
• Red onion
• Tomato
• Pickled jalapeños
• Cilantro
• Mayonnaise
• Lime juice
• Hot sauce

How to make a Sonoran style hot dog

Pulling off a bacon-wrapped hot dog like the one we’ll use in these Sonoran dogs is easier than you think. I’m using pork and beef frankfurters here, but you can use any kind you want like beef franks.

Wrap each hot dog with a strip or slice of bacon all the way around in a spiral fashion. Since the bacon will shrink during cooking, make sure to wrap it as tightly as you can so it stays in place.

Next, heat up your grill to medium heat and place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs when the grill is nice and preheated. Cook the dogs for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them once or twice to ensure even cooking on all sides. You know it’s ready when the bacon is crispy on both sides.

Prepare the toppings and sauce

I kept the toppings simple and classic, with refried beans, diced onions and tomatoes, diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. You can always use store-bought refried beans and pico de gallo (which is essentially fresh onion, tomato, and cilantro) to save some time! But feel free to make it your own by adding other toppings like queso fresco, jalapeño sauce, or salsa verde.

For the sauce, I made a quick zesty lime mayo to add a bit of tartness and creaminess that’s perfect to balance the rich flavors of the meats. Mix some mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until combined.

Assemble the ingredients

Split the top of a bolillo bun and spread refried beans to the bottom to make the bed for the hot dog. Add the grilled bacon-wrapped hot dog to the bun and top with diced avocados, pickled jalapeños, and chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Finish it off with a drizzle of zesty lime mayo.

Different bun options

The bun used for Sonoran hot dogs is what really sets them apart from other great recipes. Instead of the hot dog buns you see at your local food truck, they are usually served in bolillos, a type of Mexican soft bun that’s crusty on the outside, similar to French baguettes. It provides a nice contrast to the bacon-wrapped hot dog and allows you to stuff all the toppings and sauce inside because of its huge size.

However, if you can’t find bolillo buns in your area, you can always substitute them with regular hot dog buns or other soft, large, elongated bread, such as torpedo-shaped French rolls, lobster roll buns, and Italian breads like ciriola and ciabatta.

Variations

• Cheesy: Top your hot dogs with some bits of queso fresco or cotija cheese or even a drizzle of nacho cheese sauce!
• Creamy: If you like it extra creamy, add a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream on top!
• Chiles: Unsatisfied with the pickled jalapeños and spicy mayo? Kick things up a notch with a roasted chile güero on the side!
• Kid-friendly: Serve with anything potato like homemade potato chips, baked french fries, or even tater tots!

FAQs

Why is the Sonoran hot dog popular?

The sonoran hot dog is popular because of its unique mix of flavors and textures that makes it an absolute delight right from the first bite. The bacon-wrapped hot dog is juicy and crispy, the bolillo roll is soft yet crunchy on the outside, and the sauce and toppings create the perfect balance between savory and spicy.

What pepper is served with Sonoran hot dog?

While you can use any type of pepper, a roasted chile güero (yellow or pale pepper) is usually served with Sonoran hot dogs. It has an earthy yet fruity flavor and mild heat similar to jalapeño. When roasted, it provides a nice smoky flavor that pairs nicely with the bacon-wrapped dog.

The perfect sides for your Sonoran hot dog

Easy homemade coleslaw

Smoked mac and cheese with bacon

Creamy mashed potatoes

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