Things are definitely starting to warm up, and that means BBQ’s! I absolutely love me some barbeque. Whether it’s steak, hamburgers, or just simple hot dogs, there’s something about the taste of something hot off the grill. And let’s be honest- BBQ’s are just way more fun. It usually means you’re celebrating a holiday like Memorial Day or 4th of July; or maybe you’re just enjoying the warm weather with friends and family.

But if there is one thing that I don’t like about BBQ’s, it’s all the extra hot dog buns! Seriously, one of the most over-looked frustrations of the universe. Even if you buy enough packages and hot dogs so that you have an even amount, there is always someone who just wants a hot dog with no bun, or someone else that dropped their hot dog on the ground, or that one hot dog that burns easier than my shoulders in the middle of July- basically I don’t think I have ever left a BBQ or weenie roast with the same amount of buns as hot dog leftovers.

This requires a little creativity. What do you do with all those extra buns?

Make more deliciousness of course! Who says a hot dog bun can only be served with a hot dog?

Random fun fact: did you know that the hot dog bun was created because a guy named Anton Feuchtwanger asked his brother for some help? Anton would serve hot dogs to his customers along with a pair of white gloves, because the hot dogs were too hot to hold in your hand. But most people didn’t bring the gloves back! So his brother (who happened to be a baker) created a special roll that would perfectly fit a hot dog- and thus the hot dog bun was born!

Here a few ways to be creative with all those extra hot dog holders you’ll have this summer:

Probably the easiest thing you could do is make garlic bread. Just stick them in the oven with some butter and minced garlic- and voila, you have a side for your spaghetti dinner.

Satisfy your sweet tooth by using cinnamon sugar and butter instead of garlic!

Make perfect little sandwiches! Hot dog buns are the perfect size and shape to have your own Subway night at home (meatball marinara, hoagie, BLT… this one thing alone could provide you with endless options).

Homemade croutons are amazing, and there is no rule anywhere that says you can’t use a hot dog bun. Just use your favorite recipe and substitute the bread with the buns!

Make mini-pizzas. Everyone likes pizza, right? (Well, except me, but that is a story for another day).

I found this cool recipe for Overnight French Toast-using hot dog buns! French toast is pretty much amazing, so you know this can’t be bad. (I included the recipe for you guys at the bottom of the article).

Make a chili dog casserole- break hot dog buns and hot dogs into pieces, add one can of chili, one chopped onion and shredded cheese and bake in the oven. Simple and hearty!

Make this delicious version of bread pudding. If I don’t have any leftover buns I might have to buy them just so I can try this recipe!

Remember that you could use these with hamburger buns too! What are some creative ways you guys use up your leftover buns? I would love to hear your ideas!