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If you’ve ever eaten at J.Dawgs in Utah, you already know the real star of the hot dog isn’t actually the dog — it’s the special sauce.
This copycat J.Dawgs sauce recipe is sweet, tangy, smoky, and ridiculously good drizzled over grilled hot dogs. It’s the kind of sauce that somehow makes you crave another bite before you’ve even finished the first one.
The best part? You can make this famous Utah hot dog sauce at home with a handful of pantry ingredients in just a few minutes.
And yes, as a full-blown sauce lover, I can confirm this stuff absolutely lives up to the hype.
If you love sauces as much as I do, you also have to try our burger sauce and copycat Chick Fil A sauce.
Why You’ll Love J.Dawgs Sauce
- Sweet, tangy, smoky flavor
- Tastes just like the original
- Made with pantry ingredients
- Ready in 5 minutes
- Perfect for grilled hot dogs
- Great for burgers, fries, and sandwiches too
- Easy make-ahead condiment
- Family-friendly recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
This copycat J.Dawgs sauce uses simple pantry ingredients to create that signature sweet smoky flavor.
- Ketchup: Creates the sweet tomato base for the sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds smoky flavor and depth. Sweet Baby Ray’s works great if you don’t want to make homemade barbecue sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with tangy acidity.
- Garlic Salt: Adds savory flavor throughout the sauce. Garlic Powder can also be used if you want less salt.
- Black Pepper: Adds a little warmth and spice.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create that signature sticky texture.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds deep smoky flavor.
How to Make J.Dawgs Special Sauce
Making homemade J.Dawgs sauce could not be easier.
Simply whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth, glossy, and fully combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
That’s it!
The flavor gets even better after the sauce has chilled for a few hours.
What Does J.Dawgs Sauce Taste Like?
J.Dawgs sauce is sweet, tangy, smoky, and slightly savory all at the same time. It tastes like a cross between barbecue sauce and fry sauce, but thinner and more flavorful for hot dogs.
It’s especially delicious on grilled hot dogs because the smoky sauce soaks into all the crispy edges and grill marks.
Why Does J.Dawgs Criss Cross Cut Their Hotdogs?
We may not know the official answer, but after years of making them this way, we’re convinced there are three very good reasons:
- More smoky grilled flavor gets into the hot dog
- The hot dogs cook faster and more evenly
- Most importantly, all those little cuts hold onto extra sauce
And honestly? More sauce is always the right answer.
Best Toppings for J.Dawgs Hot Dogs
I am perfectly happy with a grilled hot dog, quality bun, and just this special sauce, but you can definitely go wild with the toppings if you want. If you go to J.Dawgs, the other toppings you can choose from are:
- Onions
- Pickles
- Banana Peppers
- Sauerkraut
- Jalapenos
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Spicy Brown Mustard
- Relish
- Celery Salt
We would love to hear how you load your hotdog!
Other Ways to Use J.Dawgs Sauce
Don’t stop at hot dogs! This sauce is also delicious on:
- Fries
- Bratwursts
- Grilled Chicken
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
- Onion Rings
- Dipping Sauces
J.Dawgs Sauce FAQs
What is J.Dawgs sauce made of?
J.Dawgs sauce is made with ketchup, BBQ sauce, vinegar, honey, and seasonings for a sweet smoky tangy flavor.
Can I Use White Vinegar Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Yes! White vinegar works as a substitute, though apple cider vinegar gives the sauce a slightly smoother, less sharp flavor.
Either option will still taste delicious.
Is J.Dawgs sauce spicy?
No, it’s more sweet and tangy than spicy.
Can you buy J.Dawgs sauce?
If you don’t live near a J.Dawgs location in Utah, this homemade copycat version is the next best thing.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet smoky barbecue sauces like Sweet Baby Ray’s work especially well.
How Long Does the Sauce Last?
Stored in an airtight container or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator, this sauce will keep for up to 1 month.
In fact, the flavor actually gets better after a day or two in the fridge.
This copycat J.Dawgs sauce is sweet, smoky, tangy, and completely addictive on grilled hot dogs. Whether you’re missing your favorite Utah hot dog sauce or just looking for a new sauce to level up dinner, this easy homemade sauce is always a hit. Just don’t be surprised when everyone asks for extra.
More Summer Grilling Recipes You’ll Love:
Watch How This Hot Dog Sauce is Made…
Mix all of the above ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve over grilled hot dogs.
½ Cup Ketchup, ¼ Cup BBQ Sauce, 2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar, ¾ teaspoon Garlic Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, ½ Cup Honey, ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Serving: 1Batch, Calories: 766kcal, Carbohydrates: 203g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 3577mg, Potassium: 628mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 189g, Vitamin A: 1271IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 58mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
About The Author
Carrian Cheney
Carrian Cheney is the creative force behind ‘Oh, Sweet Basil,’ a food blog she co-authors with her husband, Cade. She creates fresh, family-friendly recipes that encourage togetherness in the kitchen.
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