Hot dogs don't have to be the overlooked item on the grill. Sure, they may seem to be a no-brainer to grill [1], but these Food Network stars prove that you can really dress them to impress. From easy hacks to more elaborate preparations (homemade hot dog buns are worth it!), these nine tips are sure to inspire you on your next cookout.

Tyler Florence: Heat Them Up on the Stovetop, Not the Grill

Tyler's Ultimate Chili Dog [2] contains so many tricks to make it the best, including a ketchup-based chili to top the hot dogs with as well as warming the hot dogs up in a saltwater bath before throwing them on the grill at the last minute to keep them as plump as possible.

Sunny Anderson: Combine Hot Dogs and Hamburgers

Can't decide between a hot dog and a hamburger? Sunny Anderson's Bacon Burger Dogs [3] makes it so you don't have to!

Ree Drummond: Stuff With String Cheese

Fat is flavor, which is why The Pioneer Woman's Cheesy Bacon Hot Dogs [4] call for stuffing hot dogs with string cheese then wrapping it all together in bacon.

Jeff Mauro: Protect the Dogs With Bacon

Jeff Mauro is the sandwich king, but he should be considered the hot dog king too for his Sonoran-Style Hot Dog [5], dressed with refried beans, avocados, tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños. The hot dogs are wrapped in a thin slice of bacon, which protects the dogs from drying out, plus it gives them even more flavor. If you are really wanting to outdo yourself this year, consider making his world-famous homemade pretzel hot dog buns [6] too.

Aarti Sequeira: Slather With Indian Spices and Serve in a Pita

Yes, even hot dogs can be dressed with Indian flavors like ginger, turmeric, and garam masala, as demonstrated in Aarti's Hot Dogs a la Rose [7] recipe.

Marcela Valladolid: Top With Tortilla Chips

Have you ever caramelized onion with bacon, soy sauce, and lime? That's Marcela's trick for her Fireside Hot Dogs [8], which are also topped with crumbled tortilla chips.

Bobby Flay: It's All in the Relish

A syrupy, vinegary homemade pickle relish [9], cooked on the grill, is the key to a really good hot dog, according to Bobby Flay.

Scott Conant: Serve Them With Blue Cheese

Go beyond Velveeta and cheddar and try serving blue cheese crumbles on top of an all-beef hot dog, as Scott Conant does for his hot dog recipe [10].

Rachael Ray: Fold Them Into Mac and Cheese

If you're looking for a great way to use up your leftover grilled hot dogs, turn to Rachael Ray's Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole [11].

Related:

• This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Make Burgers [12]
• This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Cook Steak [13]
• How Your Favorite Chefs Make Guacamole [14]