Grilled Sourdough Hot Dog Sliders

Grilling season is officially here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a tray of hot, melty, flavor-packed Sourdough Hot Dog Sliders. These mini sandwiches combine soft, pillowy sourdough rolls with grilled hot dogs, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings—all lightly brushed with a savory butter glaze and kissed by the grill for smoky perfection.

But this isn’t your average hot dog recipe. We’re using sourdough discard to make slider buns that are soft with a slight tang and a golden crust. They’re easy to make ahead, perfect for parties, and endlessly customizable. Think of it as the gourmet backyard upgrade to your favorite childhood cookout meal.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to make the sourdough slider buns from scratch, grill your hot dogs to juicy perfection, build the ultimate cheesy sliders, and finish them off on the grill. I’ll also share tips, topping ideas, and how to prep them ahead for game day, picnics, or patriotic holidays.

Ingredients

For the Sourdough Slider Buns:

• 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed)

• 3/4 cup warm milk (or water)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 2 1/2 – 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Sliders:

• 4–6 hot dogs, sliced in half (lengthwise or crosswise)

• 4–6 slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or American)

• Optional: ketchup, mustard, relish, pickles, onions, jalapeños

Butter Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

1. Make the Sourdough Slider Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine sourdough discard, warm milk, sugar, olive oil, salt, and yeast. Stir in flour gradually until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead for 5–8 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.

2. Shape and Bake Slider Buns
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a small ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Cover and proof another 45–60 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before slicing.

3. Prep the Hot Dogs
Preheat grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates. Slice hot dogs as desired and grill 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred and heated through.

4. Assemble the Sliders
Slice slider buns in half. Layer bottom half with grilled hot dog, slice of cheese, and toppings of choice. Add top half of bun.

5. Grill to Finish
Brush the tops of the buns with butter glaze. Place sliders back on the grill (indirect heat or in foil pan with lid) and close the lid for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are slightly toasted.

6. Serve
Serve hot off the grill with dipping sauces, chips, or a side of grilled corn. Perfect for BBQs, July 4th, or casual dinners.

Topping Ideas

• Classic: ketchup, mustard, chopped onions, pickles

• Spicy: jalapeños, pepper jack, chipotle aioli

• BBQ: coleslaw, cheddar, BBQ sauce

• Tex-Mex: salsa, shredded lettuce, queso

• Breakfast: scrambled egg, cheddar, bacon crumbles

Tips for Success

• Use discard within a week for best texture and flavor.

• Make buns ahead and freeze for up to 1 month.

• Grill over indirect heat after assembling to prevent burning.

• Brush with glaze just before finishing for buttery flavor and a golden sheen.

• Let guests customize with a toppings bar for parties.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead:
Bake buns the day before. Store in a sealed container. Reheat before serving if desired.

Storage:
Leftover sliders can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven or air fryer. Store in the fridge up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freeze assembled sliders (before grilling) in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Grill from frozen or thaw overnight.

Why Use Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard gives these buns a unique flavor and softer texture than typical white rolls. It adds depth without being sour and helps reduce waste in your baking routine. It also plays beautifully with the grilled, smoky flavor of the finished sliders.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a patriotic platter for the 4th of July

• Offer a DIY slider bar for birthday parties

• Pair with grilled corn, potato salad, or watermelon slices

• Slice in half diagonally for party appetizers

Final Thoughts

Grilled Sourdough Hot Dog Sliders are the ultimate mashup of backyard comfort food and artisan sourdough baking. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a holiday gathering or a lazy summer weekend, these sliders deliver everything you want—cheesy, smoky, tangy, and totally customizable.

So grab your sourdough jar, prep some buns, and let your grill do the rest. These sliders are small in size, but huge in flavor. One bite, and you’ll never look at a hot dog the same way again.