It’s time to get ready for tailgating season with the best recipes for hot dogs. But who knew there could be so many different types of hot dogs? We’re going to take a deeper dive into the country’s most delicious hot dogs around the country. As July 4th is coming up, we can’t forget about the annual hot dog eating contest on ESPN. So let’s get right into it!
The New York Dog
The all-time classic, the New York Dog, from New York, NY. New York is home to multitudes of hot dogs, but the all-time favorite classic is a Kosher all-beef dog, skinless or with a natural casing. Served with steamed onions and deli-style yellow mustard.
The Philadelphia Dog
A nice classic and interesting find is the Philadelphia Dog. Often topped with sweet vinegary slaw and spicy mustard, this hot dog features the brotherly love of all beef with fish cake inside the bun.
The Seattle Hot Dog
A definite twist for a topping, and not often found in many places, is the Seattle hot dog. It offers cream cheese. Yes, that’s right. Before being put in a toasted bun, the hot dogs are split in half and grilled. Sprinkle some grilled onions, add some sriracha sauce with jalapenos and you got yourself the Seattle Hot Dog!
Washington D.C.
The hot dog half-smoke is half pork, half beef sausage. They are like a hot dog but with more coarsely ground meat and a little extra spice. Often topped with chili, mustard, and onions. You can find them in hot dog joints around Washington, D.C. as well as at Nationals Park.
The Arizona Hot Dog
Most popular in Phoenix and Tucson, the bacon-wrapped hot dog is grilled and placed in a steamed bolillo roll. The standard dog comes with beans, chopped tomatoes and onions, mustard, mayo, and jalapenos. Guacamole, salsa verde, and a variety of cheeses are also common options.
The Detroit Coney
All-beef dogs are served in steamed buns and loaded with Coney Sauce. They are traditionally made with beef heart for some iron-y oomph. Served with a hefty serving of shredded cheddar, these dogs are popular across the Midwest. An iconic place to try this hot dog would be at American Coney Island.
The Newark-Style Italian Dog
Find yourself in Newark, NJ? Get yourself skinny all-beef hot dogs that are deep-fried, then stuffed into half-rounds of pizza bread with plenty of fried or sauteed onions, red peppers, and potato rounds. “Italian hot dogs” are associated with the Newark area at places like Dickie Dee’s and Jimmy Buff’s.
The Maine Red Snapper
They get their name from their distinct bright red colored casing (the work of food coloring), and the snap achieved using natural lamb casings and are traditionally served with a steamed bun. It can either be grilled or griddled and then nestled in a buttered roll.
Scrambled Dogs
This is one of the local favorites in Columbus, Georgia. The scrambled dog was invented by Charles Stevens over 50 years ago. It’s a chopped hot dog smothered in chili, onions, and pickles then served with oyster crackers. The dish requires the use of a fork or spoon to eat.
Pink’s Chili Dogs
Found in Los Angeles, this hot dog features an all-beef, natural casing, and is topped with onions, mustard, and a slather of meaty chili in a steamed bun. Variations include the foot-long jalapeno dog, and the Ozzy Spice Dog with spicy Polish sausage, guacamole, and grilled onions.
Wrapping Up
Who knew there could be so many different types of hot dogs? Well, we didn’t even scratch the surface. There are over 40+ types of hot dogs in the United States. So if you didn’t find your dream dog here, there’s certainly something out there for you elsewhere. Make sure to write down these recipes and start banging them out at the tailgate!