With Memorial Day right around the corner, we figured it would be a fine time to put our love affair with the classic hot dog on display. Whether we’re grabbing two at the ballpark or firing up the grill on the first nice day of the year, few things go down better with a cold beer than a dog with some spicy mustard. If you’re tending the grill this weekend and looking to impress those waiting behind you with paper plates, we suggest something off this list.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Hot Dogs
Look, no one is trying to reinvent the wheel here. We all know that bacon and cheese make everything better. This hot dog serves up the two, along with a healthy helping of condiments, in a tightly wrapped package. It’s simple and sure to please your hungry party guests (*non-vegan party guests). Link
Beer-Braised Hot Dogs with Braised Sauerkraut
You could beer-braise anything and we’d give it a shot. Pick the grossest food (Okra? Liver? Grape Nuts cereal?) and braise it in a couple of pints – sold. These dogs get a double treatment with both the sauerkraut and the hot dogs themselves getting some brewski-lovin’. Link
Chimichanga Dogs
You can save the grill for some burgers while you make this artery-clogger. Just like a standard chimichanga, you basically just need a deep-fryer (plus a quick trip to the oven to melt the cheese). The crunchy shell adds a nice textural component to the Chimichanga Dog which you can appreciate before having a heart attack. Link
Chicken-Apple Hot Dogs with Blueberry Ketchup
This is the ideal hot dog to serve up at your Memorial Day BBQ. The peppers, onions and blueberry ketchup display a bit of red, white and blue patriotism atop your wiener (that sounds wrong). Besides looking the part, the big flavors will surprise and delight your fellow beer drinkers. Link
Jerk Chicken Dogs
Even if you think chicken dogs are sacrilege (you know, a disgrace to mystery meat), these Jerk Chicken Dogs will make you a believer. They look far more complex than they actually are and will make you feel like you’re kicking back on the sandy beaches of Jamaica. Link
Triple Bypass Dogs
This is what would happen if while the lid was down on your grill, the hot dogs and hamburgers got it on. The Triple Bypass is part hot dog, part hamburger and all awesome. In case you’re not getting enough meat, it also contains bacon. America. Link
Muffuletta Hot Dogs
If you live outside of New Orleans, muffuletta may sound like a funny word to you (actually it might sound like a funny word if you live in New Orleans as well, but at least you’re familiar with it). The sandwich is packed with meats, olives (or olive paste), provolone cheese and pickled onions which all result in a salty, yet delicious, experience. Since hot dogs go so well with sauerkraut and the like, the toppings just make sense. Link
Bacon-Wrapped Sonoran Hot Dogs
If your cooler is loaded with Corona for Memorial Day (odd choice, but okay) this is the frankfurter to serve up. You’re getting a nice dose of Mexican flavors thanks to the refried beans, hot sauce and salsa verde along with a bit of Americana courtesy of some bacon (we can claim bacon, right?). Link
Christmas Dog with Venison Chili
Christmas might be a ways away, but enjoying this hot dog does not require a glass of eggnog and an awful sweater. The venison chili and cranberry mustard make this a rather unique experience for your guests. Plus, this is the only hot dog on our list that requires Cherry Coke (always a plus). Link
Pepper Weenies with Smoked Bacon & Vidalia Onion Marmalade
These guys are jamming with flavor and are just as perfect on Memorial Day as they are during Mardi Gras. Just whip up the marmalade a day or two in advance and the rest of the work will be a breeze while you get a healthy buzz going. Link
