32 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Hot Dog Buns

We’ve all been there. You plan the perfect cookout or barbecue, buy all the hot dogs and buns you need, and fire up the grill. The day goes off without a hitch, everyone has a great time, and you’re left with a pile of leftover hot dog buns.

What do you do with them? Throwing them away seems wasteful, but they’re not quite fresh enough to use for another cookout. Well, fear not! There are plenty of delicious ways to repurpose those leftover buns.

What can I do with old hot dog buns? (or hoagie rolls)

Here is our super creative list of ways to use up hot dog buns that will not only taste great but will keep you from wasting those buns.

Sure, I’d be happy to describe each use for the leftover hot dog buns from my previous list. Here you go:

1. Mini Pizzas

Slice the hot dog bun in half and layer on your favorite pizza sauce, toppings, and cheese. Pop them in the oven until the cheese is melted for your own personal pizza.

2. Breadcrumbs

Process the leftover buns in a food processor to make breadcrumbs. They’re great for coating fish or chicken or thickening sauces.

3. French Toast

Slice the buns lengthwise and soak in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Cook on a hot skillet until golden brown.

4. Garlic Bread

Split the buns, spread with a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley, then toast in the oven until golden and crispy.

5. Lobster Roll

Heap a generous portion of your favorite lobster salad onto a hot dog bun for a New England-style treat.

6. Croutons

Cut the buns into cubes, toss in olive oil and seasonings, and bake until crispy for salad or soup topping.

7. Bread Pudding

Cube the buns, soak in a mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar, then bake until set for a comforting dessert.

8. Panini

Use the buns in place of regular bread and press with your favorite fillings in a panini press or on a hot griddle.

9. Stuffed Buns

Slice an opening on the top of the buns and fill with savory ingredients like cooked sausage and cheese or sweet fillings like cream cheese and fruit preserves.

10. Breadsticks

Cut the buns into strips, brush with olive oil and garlic, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake until crisp and these work great with lasagna or spaghetti!

11. Meatball Subs

Fill the buns with meatballs and marinara sauce, top with mozzarella cheese and broil until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

12. Tuna Melts

Pile on some tuna salad and a slice of your favorite cheese. Broil until the cheese is melty and slightly browned.

13. Egg in a Hole

Split the hot dog buns in half, and then cut out a circle from each side of the bun. Then fry it on a griddle, cracking an egg into the hole and allowing it cook until done.

14. Breakfast Sandwiches

Toast the bun and fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage for a quick breakfast on-the-go.

15. Bread Bowl for Soup

Hollow out the center of each half of the bun with your fingers and then pour in your favorite thick soup, chili, or stew.

16. Cinnamon Sugar Toast

Brush the inside of each half of the bun with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, then toast until crispy.

17. Cheese and Tomato Toast

Layer slices of tomato and cheese into the bun, sprinkle with oregano and toast until the cheese is melted.

18. Bruschetta

Toast the bun halves, rub with a clove of garlic, then top with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

19. Chicken Parmesan Sub

Place breaded chicken cutlets or nuggets, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese onto the bun and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

20. Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread

Make several diagonal cuts across the back of the bun without cutting all the way through. Stuff with pieces of cheese and garlic butter, then bake until melty and golden.

21. French Dip Sandwich

Fill the bun with thinly sliced roast beef and serve with a bowl of warm au jus for dipping.

22. Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato (BLT) Sandwich

Pile on crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato slices for a classic sandwich.

23. Toasted Strata

Layer cubes of hot dog bun, cheese, and cooked bacon in a dish, pour over beaten eggs and milk, then bake until set.

24. Cinnamon Sugar Twists

Cut the bun into strips, twist, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake until crisp and golden.

25. Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Sub

Sauté sausage, peppers, and onions and pile onto the bun for a hearty sandwich.

26. Garlic Knots

Cut your leftover buns into pieces, brush them with garlic butter, and bake until they’re golden brown. These knots make for a great snack or appetizer.

27. S’mores Dip

Mix together marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs in an oven-safe dish and bake until melted. Serve your gooey S’mores dip with hot dog bun dippers for a fun and unique dessert. (Even better if you toast the hot dog buns first and slice them diagonally for perfect sized dippers!)

28. Mini Quiches

Cut the hot dog buns into rounds and press them into a muffin tin. Fill each one with a mixture of beaten egg, cheese, and your preferred additions such as spinach or bacon. Bake until the egg is set.

29. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Use your leftover hot dog buns for delicious pulled pork sandwiches. Fill the buns with shredded slow-cooked pork or store-bought pulled pork and your favorite BBQ sauce. Top it with coleslaw or lettuce for a complete meal.

30. Grilled Veggie Sandwich

Roast bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant in olive oil until tender, and place them on your toasted hot dog buns along with some fresh basil leaves for a satisfying vegetarian option.

31. Honey Butter Buns

Slice your leftover buns lengthwise, toast them until crispy, and then spread softened butter on each half. Drizzle honey generously over each piece for a simple sweet treat.

32. Casserole Topping

If you need a crispy topping for your casserole but don’t have breadcrumbs, use crushed hot dog buns instead. Tear them into small pieces and sprinkle them over your casserole before baking for a flavorful and crispy topping.

What can I do with lots of hot dog buns?

Leftover hot dog buns present a fantastic opportunity to explore creativity in the kitchen. They can play an integral role in a variety of dishes, ranging from breakfast to dessert and everything in between.

Whether you’re transforming them into a fancy bruschetta appetizer, a satisfying pulled pork sandwich, a unique s’mores dip, or a comforting bread pudding dessert, there are numerous delicious ways to use up your extra buns.

Don’t let them go to waste—let them elevate your meals instead! Remember, it’s not just about repurposing leftovers, but also about enjoying the process of creating something new and delicious.

So next time you find yourself with spare hot dog buns, refer back to these 33 versatile ways and get cooking!