My grandfather survived the thirties on this crispy savory skillet dinner. It only takes 3 cheap pantry items to feed a hungry crowd with incredible satisfying flavor.

This 3-ingredient hot dog hash is my spin on the kind of crispy skillet dinner my grandfather talked about from growing up in the thirties. It’s the definition of pantry cooking: just potatoes, hot dogs, and onions, all browned together until the edges are crackly and the middle is soft and savory. It feeds a crowd on a budget, uses things you probably already have on hand, and comes together in one pan—perfect for busy weeknights when you want real comfort food without a lot of fuss.

I like to scoop the hot dog hash straight onto a foil-lined platter and bring it to the table family-style with a few simple toppings on the side—ketchup, mustard, and maybe some pickle relish or hot sauce. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, but it also pairs really well with a simple green salad, steamed frozen veggies, or even canned green beans if you’re keeping the pantry theme going. If you want to stretch it further, serve it with toast, buttered bread, or a fried egg on top for a diner-style plate.

Servings: 4–6

2 tablespoons neutral oil or bacon drippings (for frying)

Prep the ingredients: Scrub the potatoes well and pat them dry, then dice into 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly and get crispy. Slice the hot dogs into 1/4-inch rounds (or half-moons if you prefer smaller pieces). Dice the onion into small, even pieces so they soften and turn translucent without burning.

Heat the skillet: Place a large, heavy skillet (cast iron if you have it) over medium-high heat. Add the oil or bacon drippings and let it heat until it shimmers. A hot pan is key to getting those crispy, golden-brown potato edges.

Start the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the hot skillet in an even layer. Sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and some black pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes so they can develop a good crust on the bottom before you start stirring.

Brown and crisp the potatoes: After the first few minutes, use a sturdy spatula to flip and stir the potatoes. Continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, for another 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender inside and deep golden and crispy on many sides. If the pan looks dry or the potatoes start to stick, add another splash of oil.

Add the onions: Once the potatoes are mostly cooked and nicely browned, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion to the empty side with a small drizzle of oil if needed. Cook the onion for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent with a few golden edges.

Cook the hot dogs: When the onion has softened, add the sliced hot dogs to the same side of the pan. Let them cook, stirring with the onions, for 4–5 minutes, until the hot dogs are browned in spots and a little charred on the edges. This light charring gives the hash that extra smoky, savory flavor.

Combine and finish: Stir the potatoes, onions, and hot dogs together so everything is evenly mixed. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and more black pepper to taste. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, pressing the hash down gently with your spatula so it can crisp up in places. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve on a foil-lined platter: Line a serving platter or sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spoon the hot dog hash onto the foil in an even layer. Serve hot, straight from the platter, with your favorite condiments on the side.

To stay close to the spirit of a three-ingredient pantry meal, keep any extras minimal and optional. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle the finished hash with a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like thyme or parsley—these are all shelf-stable pantry spices that go a long way. You can also stretch the dish by cracking a few eggs into small wells in the hash during the last few minutes of cooking, covering the pan until the eggs set. If you need it to cook even faster, par-cook the diced potatoes in the microwave with a splash of water for 3–4 minutes before crisping them in the skillet. For a slightly lighter version, use turkey or chicken hot dogs and a nonstick pan with less oil. Food safety tips: Keep hot dogs refrigerated and use them by the date on the package. Once opened, store them tightly sealed and use within a week. Make sure the hash is heated thoroughly; hot dogs should be steaming hot and the potatoes fully tender before serving. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in a shallow container and reheat in a hot skillet until sizzling and warmed through.