Carrot Hot Dogs with Japanese Yam “Buns”

Carrot Hot Dogs with Japanese Yam “Buns”! This veg-centric take on the classic hot dog is totally vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free!

Before I was vegan, I was vegetarian for a few months in college, trying on the veg-life for size.

It felt good.

I remember I sheepishly broke my veg-tastic streak on a night-out at the ballpark with friends.

Peer pressure persuaded me to order a ballpark hot dog because, hey, I didn’t want to be the oddball snacking on peanuts until the 9th inning.

My, how times have changed.

These days, I’ll gladly flaunt my veg while watching home runs.

And I’ve got just the quirky veg alternative that is sure to get noticed.

These Carrot Hot Dogs with Japanese Yam Buns might be the cutest and healthiest “hot dog” you’ve ever seen!

A smoky marinaded carrot “dog” placed between a perfectly baked japanese yam “bun” piled with my favorite ballpark toppings!

Hot diggity dog, let’s get to it.

In line at the ballpark recently I happened to see the words “veggie” and “dog” together on the menu.

They were probably a variation of “Smart Dogs”– the veggie hot dogs we ate growing up that my dad fondly described as “cardboard” whenever mom fixed them.

I’ve never been a huge fan of meat-alternatives, so, yeah, Smart Dogs aren’t my favorite.

But I’ve got a smarter dog for ya.

Have you ever tried carrot dogs?

They’ve got the shape, color, and texture to trick you!

I’m not the first to make them but I might be the first to smash them inside of a japanese yam and call it a hot dog sandwich.

This recipe has been a long time in the making.

In fact, its origins date back to two summers ago!

I had recently been feeling good on a gluten-free diet, and couldn’t find a hot dog bun that made me feel as equally amazing.

Let’s do a little carb swap, I thought, quizzing myself on any white carbs that faintly resembled a bun.

When in doubt…sweet potato it out.

Any sweet potato are yam will do here, but I love using Japanese yams for their starchy interior, sweet flavoring, and yellow flesh!

All you have to do is chop off the ends, bake ’em, and slice them open for the easiest 1-ingredient bun, hun.

Now, I’m not going to lie to you and say that this dish tastes like a hot dog.

It doesn’t.

But if you love sweet potatoes and smoky roasted carrots topped with your favorite condiments, you’re going to love it.

The carrots are marinaded in a blend of vegetable broth, paprika, Eden Foods Organic Brown Mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Tamari lite to achieve their smoky flavor and burnt sienna coloring.

Sweet japanese yams pair wonderfully with the smoky carrots in this unexpected pairing.

I love mimicking the visual elements of your classic hot dog with vegetable elements that take on new flavor and taste profiles!

If you’re looking to add protein to this dish, try serving it with legumes or over grains.

Serious Q:  What are your favorite hot dog toppings?

I’ve always been a simple mustard and relish kind of a gal.

Ketchup? Ugh.

Onions? Nah.

Chili cheese? …Why?

So I kept the toppings simple and authentic here.

I love the mix of Eden Foods Organic Yellow Mustard, dill relish, and fresh herbs to top mine.

Some other ideas that I think would be yum are: sauer kraut, avocado, or hot sauce.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings to top this creative dish!

These Carrot Hot Dogs with Japanese Yam Buns are the perfect eclectic plant-based main!

Try serving them as a plant-based option to entertain at a cookout or barbecue.

Kids will love their novelty and shape and adults will love all of the veggies packed inside!

If you’re pondering how to eat them, you’ve got options.

For particularly messy “dogs”, feel free to resort to a knife and fork.

If you’re feeling brave and have a sturdier yam “bun”, devour it in hand to mouthfuls and know you look like a total babe while doing it.

If you make these Carrot Hot Dogs with Japanese Yam Buns, let me know!

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review so I can use your feedback to create more yums.

Give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show me your creations.

Check out my Pinterest page to pin more recipes like this one to make later.

Want more stuffed sweet potato? Check out my BBQ Jackfruit Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, Stuffed Purple Sweet Potatoes with Tandoori Chickpeas & Turmeric Tahini, and Sweet Potato Boats with Sweet Potato Cream.

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This post is brought to you by Eden Foods, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!