SEC football tailgater’s guide to hot dogs

Next-level hot dogs for SEC football fans

This may sound like it belongs in the basics list, but a true bacon dog is anything but bacon. Bacon bits or precooked bacon pieces will not do. Cook your bacon whole and chop it into decent-sized portions. Add shredded cheese, bread & butter pickle slices (sweet pickle relish is an acceptable substitute), chopped onion, brown mustard (no yellow for this dog), and then finally your yummy pieces of meat candy.

This hot dog takes some preparation and some pretty specific ingredients, but boy is it good. Start by sauteeing some sliced sweet onions (Vidalia are best) and chopped green peppers in some butter and garlic. You’ll want to cook them on low until the peppers and onions have gotten softer, but not mushy. Put the sauteed deli mix on top of the tog, followed by some shredded provolone cheese. Sprinkle with a little garlic salt. Mayo is optional on this dog.

Another takeaway from the delicatessen menu, this is a fantastic hot dog to try, especially with one of the top three hot dogs on the list of brands above. Top the dog with grilled sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and some 1000 Island dressing. Some will add onions to this dog, which is fine, but you’ll never find them on a true Reuben sandwich.

If you like a little spice on your dog this is the perfect option. Chili (same as used in the chili cheese/slaw dogs above), fresh chopped jalapeno peppers (no pickled jalapenos, please), shredded cheese, and chopped onion. Take it up a notch by grilling the onions and jalapenos prior to putting them on your dog.

For you cajun lovers out there, here’s your wiener. Topped with fresh chopped tomatoes, onions, and spicy dijon mustard. Then top it with some crumbled cornbread and cajun pepper sauce (Slap Ya Mama is considered the sauce of choice here). Fire in the hole!