Making Better Hot Dogs

by

Rachael Lynndover

Hot dogs are without question one of the most popular summer cookout foods. These convenient foods pack up easily, can be prepared quickly, and satisfy any hungry crowd. Even though hot dogs are a simple dish that can be enjoyed without a lot of fuss, there are a few ways that you make this traditional tailgating food into a meal everyone will remember.

The Basics of Hot Dog Preparation In many ways, the heat source you use to cook your hot dogs is the factor that determines how well the finished product will taste. A charcoal grill is the traditional way to cook meat during a cookout, though there are some disadvantages to this method when it comes to cooking hot dogs. Hot dogs cook best with an even application of heat, which isn\’t always possible to achieve on a charcoal grill. Instead, consider a using a panini press, sandwich grill, or electric skillet to ensure that all hot dogs are cooked thoroughly and evenly. If you like the distinctive taste and texture that a grill brings to food, place the hot dog on the grill for a brief time after it has been cooked on another heat source. A good hot dog bun is another fundamental part of the cookout experience. Your hot dog bun should be soft, but not so soft it becomes soggy; shop for hot dog buns that are firm enough to be easy to hold. Once you find a brand of hot dog bun you like, you won\’t need to look any further. Dressing the Dog Everyone likes to prepare their hot dog differently; there is no single way to make the perfect hot dog. To accommodate everyone\’s pleasure, make sure that you stock your cookout or tailgating party with plenty of condiments and hot dog fixings. Ketchup, mustard, and sweet pickle relish are the most important condiments, though this is just the beginning. Onions – fresh chopped or pickled – are popular, as is sauerkraut, mayonnaise, jalapeno peppers, pepperoncinis, chili, shredded cheese, dill pickle relish, and even ranch dressing. One of the great pleasures of eating hot dogs is never having to eat exactly the same dish twice. To keep your condiments fresh and ready to use, keep them on ice and in an insulated container. Even condiments like ketchup should be treated as a potential site of food borne illness (\”food poisoning\”). Some condiments are more likely to cause food borne illnesses than others, so take precautions with everything you\’re serving. Alternative Hot Dogs If hot dogs served in buns is too traditional for your cookout, you can still enjoy this food in alternative ways. Hot dog franks can be chopped and mixed into salads served as a side dish. The beans-and-franks dish you might remember from your childhood is just the beginning. Cook or grill a hot dog as you normally would, chop it into bite sized pieces, and sprinkle it over a tossed salad made with spicy greens, tomatoes, peppers, and black olives. A splash of Italian dressing brings it all together. Hot dogs have long been a favorite of outdoor grill masters, tailgate enthusiasts, and summer partiers and there\’s a good reason. They are delicious, easy to make, and can be prepared in countless ways. To ensure hot dog success at your next cookout, make sure that you put these suggestions to work.

Rachael Lynndover is a writer and a lover of good food. Visit

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