SEC football tailgater’s guide to hot dogs

Basic Hot dog combinations for SEC football fans

Editorial note: Under no circumstances is ketchup acceptable on a hot dog. We firmly stand with our friends in Chicago on this point, and will die on this hill! 

The Plain Dog

Usually the younger members of your crowd might request this. Hot dog, with or without a bun, and some mustard at most. Sometimes not even that.

The Cheese Dog

A simple as it gets. Hot dog on a bun with some yellow or brown mustard and cheese. Shredded cheddar is generally the cheese of choice, but really any cheese will do, even a melted cheese sauce is acceptable.

The All-American Dog

This is a tailgate favorite. Quite simply just mustard, sweet pickle relish, and chopped onions. Delish!

The Chili Cheese Dog

Here you’ll want to get a bit more stringent on the toppings. Yellow mustard is best for this combo, and this is the one and only time a no-bean chili is acceptable. The cheese should be a finely shredded sharp variety. Chopped onions optional, but recommended.

The Slaw Dog

There may be arguments as to what the overall best kind of coleslaw is (Carolina, Red, etc) but when it comes to a hot dog topping there is only one answer. Ruth’s coleslaw or a similar mock-up recipe. You don’t want a vinegar-based slaw on your hot dog. Add a little yellow mustard and you’re good to go.

The Chili Slaw Dog

Same as before, only Ruth’s or the equivalent slaw, a fine no-bean chili, chopped onions, and yellow mustard. This is a non-negotiable list of toppings.