Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse) – How to Make a Classic Danish Street Food
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.
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.
Looking for more Scandianvian hot dog recipes? Check out the Swedish Hot Dog (Tunnbrödrulle) and the Norwegian Hot Dog (Pølse med Lompe) next! If you want a full Nordic hot dog tutorial complete with how to host your own Scandinavian hot dog bar, check out this handy guide: Scandinavian Hot Dogs 3 Ways.
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Ingredients
For the Hot Dogs:
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Danish remoulade - this creamy, bold-flavored sauce is a critical and delicious component of the Danish Hot Dog. While remoulade is readily available in grocery stores in Denmark, it isn't so easy to find elsewhere. Luckily it's easy to make your own (see ingredients and recipe card below).
- Thinly sliced pickled cucumbers (store bought or homemade)
- Crispy fried onions or shallots (store bought or homemade)
- Ketchup and/or mustard (optional)
For the Danish Remoulade Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt, skyr (Icelandic yogurt) or sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Parsley
- Capers
- Pickles
- Shallot
- Curry powder
See recipe card for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
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!
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
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.
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.
More Scandinavian Summer Recipes
Looking for more ways to bring a little Nordic flair to your summer menus? Give these tasty options a try:
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
Danish Hot Dogs (Rød Pølse)
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.
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!
Those airport hotdogs are amazing!
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.