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    Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes

    Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse) – How to Make a Classic Danish Street Food

    Published: Jul 3, 2020 · Modified: Feb 27, 2025 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you’ve ever strolled the streets of Copenhagen, you know that Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse) are an absolute must-try. Served from colorful pølsevogn (hot dog stands), these bright red sausages are snappy, savory, and topped sky-high with a mix of creamy sauces, tangy pickles, and crispy fried onions.

    Three Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse) topped with cucumbers, dill and onions on a white marble plate.

    What makes Danish hot dogs so unique? It’s all about the toppings! Think remoulade, slathered on a soft bun, finished with crispy fried onions and thinly sliced pickled cucumbers. Maybe a squeeze of ketchup and mustard if you like. It’s the ultimate blend of creamy, tangy, and crispy, creating a perfect bite every time.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Danish Hot Dogs
    • Expert Tip
    • Recipe FAQs
    • What to Serve with Danish Hot Dogs
    • More Scandinavian Summer Recipes
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    • Hot dogs
    • Hot dog buns
    • Danish remoulade (see recipe below)
    • Thinly sliced pickled cucumbers (store bought or homemade)
    • Crispy fried onions or shallots (store bought or homemade)
    • Ketchup and/or mustard (optional)

    How to Make Danish Hot Dogs

    Step 1: Combine all ingredients for the Danish Remoulade in a small bowl and stir until fully combined. Set aside.

    Step 2: Cook your hot dogs however you like (grill, boil, pan fry, etc.)

    Step 3: Place each hot dog inside a bun. Top with the remoulade, pickles, and crispy onions, maybe with a squeeze of ketchup and/or mustard if you like. Serve!

    Three Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse) on a white plate.

    Expert Tip

    While you can certainly use store bought pickles, I highly recommend making a batch of these really easy Quick Pickled Cucumbers to go on top of your Danish Hot Dogs. They will take your hot dogs to the next level and are no trouble to make.

    Recipe FAQs

    How are Danish hot dogs unique?

    The most iconic Danish hot dogs are the Rød Pølse, known for their bright red color. They are made with a natural casing, giving them a distinct "snap" when you bite into them and are subtly spiced. They can be difficult to find in the United States so feel free to use a high quality American-style hot dog or European-style frankfurters or wieners with natural casings when making this recipe.

    Can I make any part of this recipe in advance?

    Yes! You can make the remoulade up to two days ahead. Simply store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. If you are making the pickles, those can made up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator as well.

    What to Serve with Danish Hot Dogs

    I like to serve these in the summer when it is grilling season. A cool and creamy potato salad like this Buttermilk Potato Salad would be a perfect side dish. For something a little more unique but just as delicious, take a look at this Herbed Potato Salad with Capers. Always a crowd pleaser! You could also serve some potato chips or french fries alongside and dip them in the Danish remoulade. Yum!

    You might also consider this Nordic Red Cabbage Slaw or this Lemon Cucumber Salad with Dill for something on the lighter side.

    Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse) on a bun covered with pickles and onions.

    More Scandinavian Summer Recipes

    Looking for more ways to bring a little Nordic flair to your summer menus? Give these tasty options a try:

    • Salmon filets on a cedar plank with a creamy sauce
      Easy Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
    • A hamburger, pickled beets and lentil salad on a plate next to a fork, knife, napkin and glass of beer
      Danish Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Lentil Salad (Hakkebøf)
    • A close up of a rustic tomato tart topped with basil
      Rustic Tomato Tart with Rye Crust
    • Salmon skewers on a plate with lemon and fresh herbs
      Spiced Salmon Skewers with Lemon

    If you tried this Danish Hot Dog (Rød Pølse) recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

    Recipe

    Featured image for Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse).

    Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse)

    Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse) are loaded with creamy remoulade, crispy fried onions, and pickled cucumbers—the perfect mix of flavors and textures!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner, lunch, summer
    Cuisine: Danish, Nordic, Scandinavian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 -6 hotdogs
    Calories: 438kcal
    Author: Kristi

    Ingredients

    • 4-6 best quality hot dogs
    • Crispy Fried Shallots or store-bought crispy fried onions
    • Fresh Pickled Cucumbers or store-bought dill pickle slices
    • Danish Remoulade Sauce recipe follows
    • 4-6 hot dog buns for serving

    For the Danish Remoulade Sauce:

    • ½ cup prepared mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons skyr Icelandic yogurt, Greek yogurt or sour cream
    • 1 heaping teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon capers coarsely chopped
    • 2 tablespoons Fresh Pickled Cucumbers or store-bought dill pickles finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon minced shallot
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
    • 1 teaspoon curry powder

    Instructions

    • Make the Danish Remoulade:  Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until fully combined
    • Heat grill.  Grill hot dogs over medium heat until heated through and nicely browned, about 7-10 minutes
    • Place one hot dog inside of each bun.  Spoon Danish Remoulade over the length of the hot dog, followed by pickled cucumbers and a sprinkle of crispy shallots.  Serve immediately.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 898mg | Potassium: 141mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 213IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen!

    More Nordic/Scandinavian Dinner Recipes

    • Featured image for Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse).
      Scandinavian Hot Dogs 3 Ways: Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish Recipes
    • Hot dog on top of a tortilla topped with potato salad, onions, mustard and ketchup.
      Norwegian Hot Dogs (Pølse med Lompe)
    • Close up of Soft Rye Dinner Rolls.
      Soft Rye Dinner Rolls
    • Close up of a spoonful of Mushroom Gratin.
      Creamy Mushroom Gratin

    Comments

    1. AM says

      February 11, 2025 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      I grew up on these in Denmark. More of a gormet hotdog that everyone should experience. I go straight to the stand at the CPH airport!

      Reply
      • Kristi says

        February 12, 2025 at 10:22 am

        Those airport hotdogs are amazing!

        Reply
    2. Kristi says

      November 11, 2024 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      This is hands down a summertime favorite for family and friends alike! We often serve these when entertaining and they are always met with loads of compliments and requests for the recipe.

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes

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