This post is sponsored by Hebrew National® All-Beef Franks.
Turn a favorite side into an unforgettable hot dog topping. Sautéed broccoli rabe makes a bold, Italian-inspired topping for hot dogs—add sharp provolone and roasted red peppers for the ultimate tailgating treat.
With fall approaching comes football season, tailgates, and plenty of crowd-pleasing food. When watching a game I usually favor comfort over restraint, and that means piling on toppings—cheese, chili, chips, and more. If you love creative hot dogs, try transforming a classic Italian side into a lively, savory topping: sautéed broccoli rabe, zesty garlic, and a touch of crushed red pepper.
Sautéed broccoli rabe is a staple at Philadelphia tailgates. Quickly blanched, then sautéed with olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes, the greens become a flavorful accompaniment for anything with Italian flavors. Traditionally served with sharp provolone in sandwiches, broccoli rabe balances salty and bitter notes and pairs beautifully with roasted red peppers for a hint of sweetness.
So I gave my hot dog an Italian makeover. The result—the Italian Style Hot Dog—features Hebrew National® All-Beef Franks topped with sautéed broccoli rabe, shredded sharp provolone, and chopped roasted red peppers. The all-beef frank adds pure beef flavor that complements the slightly bitter greens and sharp cheese, creating a satisfying, well-balanced bite perfect for tailgates and backyard grilling.
Replace the usual game-day basics with grilled Hebrew National All-Beef Franks and top them with generous piles of broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, and provolone. These Italian Style Hot Dogs are bold, comforting, and easy to assemble. For variety, consider preparing simple condiments or a hot dog bar, and serve with fresh sides like creamy cucumber salad or classic baked beans to round out the spread.
Italian Style Hot Dogs with Broccoli Rabe, Provolone and Roasted Red Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli rabe, rinsed, drained and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for blanching)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted red pepper
- 8 Hebrew National® All-Beef Franks
- 8 hot dog rolls
Instructions
- Fill a large stockpot or Dutch oven with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the salt and the broccoli rabe and blanch for 1–2 minutes, until the greens turn bright green. Transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking, then drain and pat dry.
- Transfer the cooled broccoli rabe to a cutting board and cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a medium sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli rabe and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers if desired.
- Preheat and heat the grill to high. Grill the Hebrew National All-Beef Franks 4–5 minutes until cooked through and nicely charred. Place each frank in a roll, top with shredded provolone, roasted red peppers, and a generous portion of the sautéed broccoli rabe. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 304 kcal, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 12 g, Fat: 14 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 25 mg, Sodium: 1487 mg, Potassium: 256 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 3 g, Vitamin A: 1780 IU, Vitamin C: 18.1 mg, Calcium: 208 mg, Iron: 3.8 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
What makes a Hebrew National® Kosher hot dog stand out is the quality of the meat and careful ingredient selection. These franks are made from premium cuts of 100% kosher beef, without artificial flavors, colors, fillers, or by-products. That commitment to quality delivers a full beef flavor that pairs especially well with bold toppings like broccoli rabe and provolone. For more inspiration and seasonal recipes featuring Hebrew National, look for their content on official brand channels.
