Fun Ways to Elevate Hot Dogs for Game Day

It is fall and football season is in full swing. Whether you are hosting a game day party, tailgating, or playing flag football in your backyard, you will want to serve up some great food. Hot dogs are the perfect food for game day. Here are some ideas for elevating the humble hot dog into something special.

Dirty Water Hot Dogs

If you haven’t ever had a NYC street cart hot dog, you haven’t lived. A dirty water hot dog is one that is boiled in seasoned water. There is nothing dirty about the water. In fact, NYC water is some of the best in the country. The water looks dirty because it is seasoned with vinegar, cumin, and nutmeg. This imparts so much flavor into a dog that would otherwise be bland. Dirty water dogs are often sprinkled with celery salt and then topped with onions, sauerkraut, or pickle relish. The beauty of this recipe is that you can keep a large crockpot going to keep the hot dogs warm for a long time.

Homemade Corn Dogs

If you have ever gone to a state fair, you have likely indulged in a corn dog. Corn dogs are hot dogs on a stick that have been dipped in a cornmeal batter and deep fried. They are crunchy and easy to eat while walking around. This recipe for homemade corn dogs is about as classic as it gets. Serve them hot with mustard and ketchup.

BLT Hot Dogs

A bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich is such comfort food for just about any time of day. The TV personality Sunny Anderson turns hot dogs into the classic sandwich by wrapping the hot dogs in bacon and topping them with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo. There is nothing not to like about BLT hot dogs.

Party Franks

If you were around in the 1970s, you for sure had mini hot dogs in a tangy sauce served at cocktail parties. Party franks are super easy to make by combining a bunch of condiments you probably already have in your pantry and fridge to make a sweet and tangy sauce that the hot dogs are heated up in. They are served simply with toothpicks.

The Walter’s Hot Dog

There is an iconic hot dog stand on the main street in Mamaroneck, NY that has been serving griddled hot dogs since 1919. The famous Walter’s hot dog is one that has been split or butterflied so that all surfaces get seared and a little crisp on the griddle. Walter’s doubles up their hot dogs on a split bun and adds spicy brown mustard and sauerkraut if desired.

Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs

The state of Hawaii has some very interesting fast food creations using basic ingredients, such as spam, ground beef, and of course hot dogs. Hawaiian style hot dogs are all about the toppings with classic local ingredients. This recipe includes sweet pineapple, red onions, and spicy sriracha mayo. Of course, you have to serve these on toasted Hawaiian buns.

Hot Dog Mac & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. What could be better than adding hot dogs to the mix? Hot dog mac & cheese is rich, creamy, comforting, and a dish that kids and adults alike can’t pass up. You can make this simple dish on your stovetop and keep it warm in a crockpot or chafing dish to enjoy all day.

Nacho Hot Dogs

Think of the nacho hot dog as a combination of 2 favorite foods at the ballpark or stadium: nachos and hot dogs. This is a grilled dog that is topped with avocado mash, salsa, jalapeno pepper slices, and cheese. Then, you add some dip-style corn chips for crunch. Fritos are perfect for the super crunchy element.

Pigs in a Blanket

You simply can’t have a game day party without pigs in a blanket. This is the easiest recipe ever. All you really need is prepared crescent roll dough from the refrigerator section of the market, hot dogs, and an egg. The hot dogs are wrapped in the pastry and baked until golden brown. You can use mini-dogs or go big with full-size. These are great dipped in mustard and ketchup.

Jersey Style Hot Dogs

Any native to New Jersey will know what a Jersey style hot dog is. This is a dog that is covered with thinly sliced and grilled potatoes with red bell peppers and onions. It might be an homage to a popular one-pot dish served at Italian family dinners in Jersey that has potatoes, peppers, onions, and Italian sausage.

Chili Dogs

Hot dogs piled high with homemade beef chili and cheese is a pretty classic pairing. These chili dogs are worth the effort because canned chili does not do hot dogs any justice. You can make the chili well ahead of time and just rewarm it when you are ready to serve. Then, top the dogs with onions and cheddar cheese. Warning: You will need plenty of napkins on hand.

Wrapping it Up

Hot dogs are all-American fare that is a staple at pretty much every ballpark and stadium. They are crisp, salty, and the perfect vehicle for toppings. There is something special about biting into a hot dog and experiencing that signature snap of the casing and juicy meat inside. Hopefully, these recipes have inspired you to go big with your game day hot dogs this season.

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