Hot dogs aren’t just a food tradition specific to the U.S. In fact, supposedly the Icelandic hot dog is the best in the world and could definitely give the ‘ol ballpark frank a run for its money in terms of flavor. While a ballpark frank is satisfying, it’s not the actual hot dog we’re focusing on… it’s all the toppings that can go with it, some of which are more popular than others.
Contrary to popular belief, ketchup is not the most popular condiment for hot dogs. The most popular condiment, at least in the U.S., is actually mustard. People just can’t seem to get enough of this yellow, tangy sauce that jazzes up anything it meets. We’re not just talking any type of mustard either, it’s always the plain yellow mustard that defies all the others; when it comes to Dijon, whole grain, and spicy, yellow mustard is the ultimate winner when it comes to BBQ day.
So, what other topping combinations are looking to compete with the all too popular mustard? Let’s find out.
Chili And Coleslaw
A classic Southern-style combination, chili and coleslaw go together like coleslaw and BBQ because, technically, chili also falls under that category. There’s something about this smoky and slightly spicy combination with the chill and freshness of coleslaw, complete with a vinegar bite at the end. The combination just feels like it was made to be spooned over a hot dog.
Sauerkraut And Yellow Mustard
Yellow mustard might be the most popular mustard for a hot dog but sauerkraut is the most popular topping that’s not actually a sauce. You’d think it might be relish but alas, it’s the German-inspired topping with the tangy kick at the end and a not-so-subtle fermented flavor. It’s an unbeatable flavor combination and could quite possibly be considered the most all-American when it comes to baseball game popularity.
Buffalo Sauce And Blue Cheese
Then there’s the buffalo wing crowd who can’t bear to be parted with their favorite flavor combinations even when it means spooning them both over a hot dog rather than some hot crispy wings. While buffalo sauce might do well on a hot dog, the line may need to be drawn at adding blue cheese… Nacho dogs require nacho cheese, but crumbled blue cheese? It might just be too much.
Beans
Boston’s finest baked beans might have something to say about spooning some of these sweet and smoky babies over a freshly-grilled hot dog. Baked beans are normally seen as a side to any barbecue food but what about combining two dishes to create one unique one? That’s exactly what baked beans + a hot dog says about a person – innovative, unafraid, and somewhat unwilling to give up plate space to separate the two.
Peppers, Onions, And Mushrooms
Or, you could go Philly-style with a hot dog that echoes the same toppings that can be found on everyone’s favorite cheesesteaks. We agree that these sauteed vegetables combinations are unbeatable, and when you’re ordering them for an actual cheesesteak, it’s called ‘the works.’ However, what’s it called when you’re ordering them for a hot dog? ‘Genius,’ probably.
Avocado And Pico de Gallo
A tex-mex twist never hurt anyone and avocado will usually bring a hit of freshness while pico de gallo serves up citrusy tang and flavor that brightens up a dish with no problem. So why can’t they be combined on a hot dog? It’s a new, fresh spin on a traditional American favorite and who knows… It could actually be good. And according to some people, it is.
BBQ Sauce And Crispy Fried Onions
The hot dog trio – ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce – is fairly well-known. However, some people like to bump up their hot dog flavor with crispy fried onions, and to be honest, we’re here for it. A good alternative to these would be potato chips which, for some reason, have left their place in between two slices of bread and made their way to the middle of a hot dog bun. Is it good? Who knows, we’re just in it for the calories.
Cheese Curds And Gravy
There’s nothing wrong with looking to Canada for a worthy twist on the hot dog and its toppings. Cheese curds are practically God’s gift to the world of dairy and not much can compete with those squeaky, cheesy pops of flavor. It’s only fair that a hot, steaming gravy be ladled over a freshly-grilled hot dog, as well, because you might as well go all the way, right?
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