Hot Dogs Five Favorite Ways!
Hot Dog Upgrades are here! This week, we're talking about our favorite ways to cook - and our favorite fun garnishes for - this summer grilling classic over at our blog, The Bacon Beat. Ever tried a spiral dog? How about a bacon-wrapped dog? Well, we've got info on those succulent sausage ideas plus some other winning summer meal ideas!
Spiral-Cut Hot Dogs
Ok, so spiral-cutting hot dogs *looks* pretty awesome and you might think spiral-cut dogs are gimmicky, but here’s the thing: They have a TON more surface area, meaning they hold toppings like a dream and get ultra-caramelized on the grill. You don’t have to buy the fancy device, either; simply place a skewer through each hot dog, the long way, and run a knife, at an angle, down and around the sausage and you’ll have a twisty hot dog ready to grill and enjoy!
Taco Hot Dogs
We all adore tacos. We all adore hot dogs. Honestly, this is a totally logical mash-up: a base of Hickory Smoked Hot Dog (we call 'em "wieners"), topped with crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, cheese, and whatever other taco toppings you like (we add hot sauce). If you really want to get into it, crush up some nacho cheese corn chips and throw them on top. Kids AND adults will love topping their taco hot dogs!
Baked Pizza Hot Dogs
Here in the Midwest, we sometimes bake big pans of chili dogs; already in their buns and topped with chili, cheese, and onions. Baked pizza dogs are a similar idea, but instead of topping your pan of dogs with chili dog fixings, you’ll top them, buns and all, with your favorite pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. We like pepperoni, mushrooms, and onions but go wild!
Another great thing about pizza dogs: half your pan can be topped one way and the other half can have different toppings, just like a real pizza pie. This way, the whole family can have what they love. Plus, the buns get deliciously crunchy – SO GOOD!
Wisconsin Dogs
This hot dog has more Wisconsin per inch than any other sausage…well, besides a good bratwurst, anyway. If you’re craving some real Wisconsin but don’t prefer brats or simply have hot dogs on hand, top your next dog with sauerkraut, finely diced onion, and creamy horseradish (Woeber’s, we’re talking about you). Missing something? We recommend tucking some good Swiss or Gouda cheese in there, too.
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
This is SO easy and SO tasty! We can’t think of a better way to dress your dog than wrapping it in a slice or two of bacon and grilling or baking your meaty creation before placing it in a fresh bun and topping it however you like. If you want to take it beyond mustard, ketchup, and relish, try some shredded Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar Cheese and pickled jalapeños!
Happy Hot Dogging!
- Nolechek’s Meats
