SEC football tailgater’s guide to hot dogs
SEC football tailgaters love some hot dogs, and here’s the guide you need
SEC football, tailgating, music, beer, wings, bourbon, burgers, sodas … what’s missing …
Oh yeah, hot dogs!
Hot dogs, grills, and football are a holy trinity for the high-level SEC football fan, but for the novice out there you may need a road map to help you make the perfect hot dog, regardless of how the season ends up being played (or not) this year.
No worries, we’re here to help! Here’s a handy guide to help navigate your way through the hot dog myths and truths. Just remember, hot dogs are like SEC football. Even when it’s bad, it’s still better than the ACC’s version.
Hot basics for SEC football fans
Starting with the wiener itself, this is a crucial part of any hot dog creation. You can’t build a good dog with a substandard wiener.
(Ok, stop with the giggling already)
Here is a handy hot dog ranking for you. For this list, we’ll stick to the brands you’re more likely to find at your local Publix, Piggly Wiggly, Kroger, Ingles, or Winn Dixie store.
10. Ball Park Beef Franks: At one time these were considered a better brand of wiener, but they’ve reduced themselves to an indiscriminate brand over the years. Last resort hot dog only.
9. Oscar Meyer All-Beef Franks: Not a terrible choice, but lacking in any real flavor. Great if you’re buying in bulk to feed an army of fans (not applicable in Nashville).
8. Bryan Hickory Smoked Wieners: A slight step above OM, with a little smoky flavor. Good value, so-so taste.
7. Sahlen’s Smokehouse hot dogs: Not a bad hot dog, maybe slightly overpriced. A bit squishy with no real snap, but decent flavor.
6. Hofman Natural Casing Beef Franks: Now we’re getting into the upper echelon of hot dogs. These have a nice flavor, some decent snap (maybe a little too much) thanks to the casing. Harder to find than most brands, which drop the ranking a little.
5. Boar’s Head Beef Frankfurters: If you’ve ever enjoyed a sandwich with Boar’s Head ham, turkey or other deli meat you know they have quality products. Their hot dogs are no exception. Excellent taste, good snap, and grill up perfectly. Only downfall is the price, which is relatively high.
4. Sabrett Natural Casing Beef Frankfurters: This is the go-to hot dog for any New Yorker, and can be just as welcomed at a southern tailgate. Probably more snap than any dog you’ll eat, so if you don’t like that in your hot dog, this isn’t the one for you. Taste is loaded with delicious spices.
3. Nathan’s Skinless Beef Franks: On the opposite end of the snap spectrum comes Nathan’s – the official hot dog of the annual 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island. If it’s good enough for Joey Chestnut to eat 74 in 10 minutes, it’ll be great for your grill. An extremely flavorful, easy-to-eat hot dog.
2. Vienna Beef Franks: Delicious all-beef franks that stay juicy no matter how you cook them. There is a slight amount of shriveling when grilled, but still a very tasty dog. Can be harder to find, but grab them if you see them.
1. Hebrew National Kosher Beef Franks: Take the best of Sabrett, and the best of Nathan’s and combine them to get the Hebrew National dog. This is an exquisite tasting dog, with just enough snap. It won’t shrink up on your grill and even tastes good when boiled (an actual rarity for a hot dog, despite some beliefs). You serve these dogs and you’ll make friends.
Now that you have your hot dogs picked out, how do you top them? There’s no right or wrong answer, but there are a few basic recipes to follow. Some ingredients are must-have, while others can be optional or substituted.