Happy Hot Dog Octopus

I came up with the Happy Hot Dog Octopus. When my daughter started school, her priority was socializing at lunchtime rather than eating. Not uncommon for a kindergartner. I had to come up with a way to catch her eye and draw her in so she’d have more incentive to eat. Between cutting her watermelon into flower shapes and using cookie cutters to make PBJs into cats and horses, her lunches were looking pretty enticing. Best of all, she was eating more! It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s delicious, and it still brings a smile to my daughter’s face 3 years later.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links’. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.

INGREDIENTS

• Hot dogs

EQUIPMENT

• A cutting board (I love my solid wood cutting boards. They last forever, and look beautiful!)
• A sharp pairing knife (the one I’ve linked has a very sharp, short blade for extra precision and accuracy)
• An air-fryer (the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 has 14 amazing functions, air-frying being one of them)
• Optional bamboo skewers for poking the eye holes

Yep. Just one ingredient. You can use any hot dogs you’d like, but I always use organic, grass-fed beef hot dogs. Many store-bought hot dogs are high in fat and sodium, and some contain nitrates and preservatives that are considered carcinogens. In short, not something I want to feed my kids. A good, organic, grass-fed hot dog contains uncured grass-fed beef, salt, and seasonings. That’s it.

You can find grass-fed hot dogs at your local grocery store. Several different brands make them. Trader Joe’s also sells their own grass-fed beef hot dogs. Other brands we love to make happy hot dog octopuses with are Pederson’s Farms and Applegate.

How to Make a Happy Hot Dog Octopus?

Step 1:

Slice a hot dog in half

Step 2:

Lay one half on a flat side. About halfway up the piece, start slicing down vertically (but not all the way through. Aim for cutting to the center) to create separate tentacles. Keep slicing all around the hot dog half until you have 8 “tentacles.” When you look at the underneath, it will look like 8 little triangles.

Step 3:

Choose a side to be the front. Using a sharp knife, carve out a mouth and discard the little piece of hot dog that comes out or toss it to your dog like I do.

Step 4:

Make eyes! This can be done using a knife to carve them, or the round end of a wooden skewer to poke with.

Step 5:

Cook them.

Step 6:

Put them in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes. Place them down and carefully spread the “tentacles” outward so your octopus can balance on them and they curl up by the end of cooking.

Step 7:

Add the octopuses to a boiling pot of water and let them boil for about 5 minutes. The tentacles will begin to curl outward.

Craving something else? How about some easy and delicious air fryer tortilla pizza?

Tips

• Select hot dogs that are firm and sturdy, as they will hold their shape better when sliced and cooked.
• If you’re making Happy Hot Dog Octopus for a party or gathering, you can prepare the hot dog octopuses ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
• Have fun decorating your Happy Hot Dog Octopus! sometimes I use mustard or ketchup to add eyes to the “heads” of the octopuses or get creative with other toppings like cheese or olives.

What to Serve with this Happy Hot Dog Octopus?

Happy Hot Dog Octopus pairs perfectly with simple fresh fruit while the sweetness of the fruit complements the flavors of this Hot dog. For drinks, consider an iced tea to refresh or a cup of lemonade or milk for the kids.

FAQ

Can I use different types of hot dogs for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite type of hot dog, whether it’s beef, turkey, or even veggie dogs. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape when sliced.

Can I prepare the Happy Hot Dog Octopus in advance?

You can assemble the hot dog octopuses ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just cover them to prevent them from drying out.

How do I make the octopus “eyes” with mustard or ketchup?

To make the eyes, simply use a small amount of mustard or ketchup and dot it onto the uncut end of the hot dog slice. You can use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to create the desired size and shape.

Can I cook the Happy Hot Dog Octopus on a grill?

Yes, you can grill the hot dog octopuses for a smoky flavor. Just be sure to cook them over medium heat and rotate them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can boil them for a quick and easy preparation.

Conclusion

Get ready for a fun cooking experience with this Happy Hot Dog Octopus! these cute octopus hot dogs will make everyone smile especially the kids. Let’s share this recipe with our friends and keep exploring new recipes together.