These Brazilian Hot Dogs are a beloved childhood classic from Brazil—simple to make and full of comforting flavor. The hot dogs simmer in a tomato-based sauce with sautéed vegetables, which elevates their taste, and they’re typically finished with fun toppings like grated Parmesan, crunchy batata palha (potato sticks) or crumbled potato chips, and your favorite condiments. This recipe makes 10 hot dogs and can be easily doubled for a crowd.
Why I Love Cachorro Quente (Classic Brazilian Hot Dogs)
Oi gente! I grew up eating cachorro quente in Brazil, and to me these hot dogs taste like home. Unlike the grilled American version, Brazilian hot dogs are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with sautéed onions and bell peppers. The sauce keeps them juicy and adds a savory base for toppings—Parmesan, potato sticks, extra sauce and the condiments you like most.
They’re perfect for parties and everyday celebrations: birthdays, festas juninas, sleepovers, study groups, after-school snacks and any kid-friendly gathering. They’re quick, inexpensive, and always a crowd-pleaser. For very young children, slice the franks into smaller pieces and skip the onion and bell pepper so they’re easier to eat.
Serve these hot dogs straight in a bun or pile on the toppings—extra simmered sauce, grated Parmesan, batata palha or crushed chips, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. Paired with easy, fun drinks like Brazilian lemonade or a creamy milkshake, they make any occasion feel special.
Bom apetite!
Brazilian Hot Dog Ingredients
- Hot dogs – use your preferred brand.
- Hot dog buns
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (or 1/2 a large onion)
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1 teaspoon Brazilian sofrito or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (jarred is fine)
- 1/2 cup water
Topping suggestions:
- Parmesan cheese
- Extra sauce
- Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
- Batata palha (potato sticks) or crumbled potato chips for crunch
How to Make Brazilian Hot Dogs
1. Make a shallow slit down the middle of each hot dog—this helps them “bloom” and signals when they’re cooked through.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the sofrito or minced garlic and cook until fragrant, another minute or two.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce and the water, stir to combine, then nestle the hot dogs into the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the hot dogs for 5–10 minutes, until they heat through and the slits open slightly.
6. Transfer the hot dogs to buns, spoon on extra sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan and top with batata palha or crumbled chips. Add mayo, ketchup and mustard if you like. Serve immediately.
Complete Your Party with These Brazilian Drinks
- Brazilian lemonade
- Guaraná soda
- Refresco de guaraná or other fruity Brazilian sodas
Don’t Forget Dessert
- Brigadeiro Cake – a show-stopping birthday dessert
- Nega Maluca – a simple Brazilian chocolate sheet cake
- Brigadeiro (Brazilian fudge balls) – classic bite-size treats
Other Brazilian Kid Favorites
- Pão de Queijo – Brazilian cheese bread
- Hot dog pasta
- Arroz Maluco – Brazilian fried rice with ham and egg
For more Brazilian food inspiration, follow the food community you enjoy and try other recipes that bring a taste of Brazil home.
Cachorro Quente – Brazilian Hot Dogs
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 10 hot dogs
- 10 hot dog buns
- 1 small onion, sliced (or 1/2 large)
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1 teaspoon Brazilian sofrito or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Toppings
- Batata palha (potato sticks) or crumbled potato chips, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, to taste
- Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, to taste
Instructions
- Using a paring knife, make a shallow slit down the middle of each hot dog; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the sliced onion and bell pepper; sauté until the onion is translucent (about 2 minutes).
- Add the sofrito or minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and water; stir to combine. Submerge the hot dogs in the sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes, until hot dogs are heated through and slightly opened at the slit.
- Place hot dogs in buns, spoon on extra sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan and top with batata palha or crumbled chips. Add condiments as desired and serve immediately.