The best hot dog toppings -- Discuss!

[JungMann]

August is taking its last furtive gasps on the East Coast, and as soon as it expires, so does the summer. That means there's only a couple more weeks where hot dogs will still be "in season," before its status will be relegated to the much maligned, "convenience food." So while there's still time, I ask you, how do YOU like to top your hot dogs?

I love a good Jersey ripper, deep fried and topped with onions and mustard. Though I have to admit Southern dogs, grilled and topped with cole slaw, chili and/or bacon are also pretty unbelievable in their deliciosity! Even a cheap Thai hot dog, cut into florets, fried and dipped in sweet chili sauce is a satisfying treat. There's just too many options -- help me choose how to prepare summer's perfect food!

[MonMauler]

I will readily enjoy a hot dog topped with any number of different toppings. I just love hot dogs. But, for my money, the consistent best hot dog topping is: kraut & spicy brown mustard.

[cavandre]

Has anyone tried a dog with this....

http://www.slawsa.com/

[SweetHomeBama]

Holy crap this stuff is good. I grew up with Chow Chow but I have to say, the first time I tried Slawsa, my mouth experienced a flavor profile that just blew me away. My Publix just got it in but the web site says some of my AL Piggly Wiggly's are coming soon. If you haven't tried Slawsa, I HIGHLY recommend. I don't know that I'll ever go back to relish or chow chow ever again. it's good on beans and in stuff like potato salad and egg salad too. YUM!

[Ken H]

Never had Slawsa, but it sounds a lot like the recipe I posted above. Here's a description from a newspaper: "Mostly cabbage-based, mustard, vinegar, sugar, bell peppers and carrots".

Also, the web site says it will be available at Meijer's (Midwest super food store chain) in August 2012.

[SweetHomeBama]

Ken H, I looked at the recipe and while some of the ingredients are the same, looks like Rutt's Hutt is completely raw, right? Slawsa is jarred and not refrigerated so its had some sort of cooking process I imagine...yet still crunchy. Honestly, I can't imagine anything better than Slawsa so if you are getting it near you, perhaps give it a shot. You'll probably be just as impressed as I was.

I'll try the recipe above and let you know how close it is to Slawsa perfection!

[John Francis]

Nothing at all, just a naked dog in a bun. If the hot dog is really good, piling other flavors and textures onto it is self-defeating. And if it isn't really good, why eat it at all? Also, don't boil it, broil or grill it.

Trader Joe's uncured all beef hot dogs are really good. (Their chicken and turkey dogs need all the extras you can pile on, their flavor is that poor.) TJ's whole wheat hot dog buns, sliced from the top, are pretty good too, and they now come 8 to a package, just like TJ's dogs.

[Ken H]

Although I'm from the Detroit area where a 'coney island' is the hot dog de Jour, my favorite hot dog topping is the relish at Rutt's Hut in Clifton, NJ.

This isn't the actual Rutt's relish recipe, but it's as close as I've ever had homemade.

From THE GREAT AMERICAN HOT DOG BOOK by Becky Mercuri

Cabbage and Carrot Mustard Slaw
1 pound cabbage, finely grated
1/3 cup finely grated green bell pepper
1/2 cup finely grated onion
1/4 cup finely grated carrot
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup plain yellow mustard, such as French’s
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Frank’s Red Hot Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Rutt's Hut Hot Dog Ingredients
Canola oil for deep-frying
Thumann (in Michigan Koegel or Kowalski) natural casing beef and pork hot dog
Hot dog buns, steamed or toasted
Cabbage and Carrot Mustard Slaw and / or Spicy Brown Mustard

Heat the canola oil to 350 degrees. Cook the hot dogs to desired doneness, see below. Place hot dogs in the buns, top with Cabbage and Carrot Mustard Slaw, and serve immediately.

Rutt’s offers four types of dogs that vary in degree of doneness: the “in-and-outer,” which is briefly cooked and retains its pink plumpness; the popular “ripper,” which is deep-fried until the skin rips open up the side; the “weller,” which is well done; and the “cremator,” which is deep-fried until black and crispy.

[cantbeatgoodfood]

My homemade Chili w/beans,chopped raw onions,mustard,and a drop of daves insanity sauce mixed in,love it !! 1 drop is all you need for enough heat.

[cantbeatgoodfood]

For me anyway,i Love hot dogs & burgers...I try to not stick to one brand too long,switch to another favorite so i dont get sick of them,Sabrett- w/casings,skinless,footlong beef& pork,Thumanns -all beef skinless,pork & beef,footlong beef & pork w/ casing,Nathans- w/casing,skinless,Hebrew National- beef hot dogs,mood strikes me its either brown mustard,mustard & kraut.mustard & green relish,mustard,chili & onions,cheddar & potatos,Italian hot dogs,mustard w either mild onion,or hot onion sauce,baked beans & mustard,or just boiled or char broiled on grill,big fan of hot dog cart sabrett dirty water dogs when out.LOL Ate alot of hot dogs over the years!!

[venushakti]

Not one mention of the beauty of a Chilean style hot dog?

Mayo
Mashed avocado
Sauerkraut
chopped tomato
onion
little mustard
aji-hot pepper sauce

All crammed in a hearty bun meant to hold it all together. Two of those with a beer is heaven.

[Passadumkeg]

We had them in Bolivia too. Silpancho, French fries deep fried w/ chunks of hot dogs w/ mayo & ketchup poured on top. Grease on grease, yum!

[EWSflash]

The cafeteria at the hospital where I work has really good hot dogs. Their chili is also oddly delicious, and a chili cheese dog is a really great lunch there.
Sauerkraut alone
Ketchup, mustard and relish
Mustard and relish
BBQ sauce

I'd like Sonoran hot dogs better if there wasn't so much stuff on them. I'd just have a bacon-wrapped dog with beans, green chile, and some onion.

Some of the suggestions here sound really, really good. 'm going to have to go buy some corn relish to try on a hot dog, and try kimchee on it, too.

[joeyjoejoe1]

Best dog ive ever had was a bacon wrapped deep fried dog, topped with a fried egg, melted american cheese and ketchup. from a place here in NJ called "The Amazing Hotdog" sadly they are out of business.

[Passadumkeg]

It was the ketchup served in Nj that bankrupted them, he types w/ a smirk.

[rizzo0904]

ketchup! feel free to bash away, but that's how i like mine!

[FoodFuser]

The FoodFuser Dog begins with a frypan.

The buns are unfolded, sprayed with some oil,
then splayed to their browning upon their white faces.

While buns are a'toasting, I bring knife to the dogs and score them
upon upon longitude and latitude to prevent any curl in the pan.

Buns are removed at the peak of their brown-ness
Replaced in the pan by scored dogs
to receive their slow browning by rolling,

Buns now receive a wee bit of cheese and some mustard
and then the insertion of dog.
Straight to the microwave to give melt to the cheeses
and also give steam to the bun.

Upon removal, this warm soft stiff package
is slathered with mayo
jammed full of diced onions
then topped with some kraut or some relish.

The final panache is some grinding of pepper.

[Passadumkeg]

Oh, them hot dogs
Ain't they sweet!\
A little piece of cheese and
A little tube of meat!

[FoodFuser]

Perhaps you've forgotten
this thread's about toppin's.

Alas to the bun and the extruded sausage....

It's mayo, diced onions, mustard, and cheese,
with good pickled relish, or sauerkraut, please.

This may be a case where green chiles have little play.
Your desired toppings?

[Passadumkeg]

Poetic license! Cheese is a toppimng, ask any Green Bay fan.

If in Norway the rekker salat on a polser. A mayo shrimp, carrot and peas salad on top of a steamed doggy w/ a potato flour bun.

[theculinaryquest]

This may have already been said, but the Food Network magazine had a delicious recipe that I tried that is just seared diced pineapple, hoison sauce, and scallions cut on the bias. They were AMAZING and I'll never go back to normal dogs again.

Patrick
www.theculinaryquest.blogspot.com

[FoodFuser]

Okay now, it's not just the toppings that determine the dog,

Gotta give credence to the treatment of sausage
and also the way to treat buns.

The dog is the fundament
the bun the enwrapment.

Speak of the 'furter, and speak of the bun.

[GraydonCarter]

I went through another hot dog phase at home last week and had two toppings-related problems maybe you can help me with:

1) When opening the bun to insert the dog, the thin bun remainder breaks in two pieces. I have bought unsliced buns and cut the bun down the center from the top with the same result. Is there a secret to keeping the bun intact?

2) I don't really have too many toppings (chili and onions) but there seems to be not enough room... everything spills out. How do you load a bun with ingredients? Is there a certain amount of pressing in, shoving down that takes place? I'm serious.

[acgold7]

Steaming the bun makes it more flexible and stretchy and will help with both problems.

[GraydonCarter]

I've steamed buns while boiling the dogs - placing the buns atop a cheese grater that allows the steam to penetrate. But when grilling dogs, then only choice is to put some water on to boil.

I really don't want to steam a bun in the microwave (as fuser implies below).... the microwave toughens the bread too much.

[FoodFuser]

I was remiss in not describing the fairy sprinkle....
a few fingertips of flicked water scattered into the microwave
that moves quick to steam.

[lilmsmuffin]

I like a lot of combinations of the more usual stuff, but when I am home alone I do this... being a lover of all sweet/salty combos, I like honey on my hot dog. This is especially great to do with a corn dog - just dip into a bit of honey. Yum yum! But... don't tell anyone I do this.. ;)

[Tripeler]

In some parts of Japan, people will take corn dogs right out of the fryer and roll them in white sugar.

[FoodFuser]

...and I'm sure there are those of similar taste
who smear their corndogs with good sweet bean paste.

Me? I'm a yabanjin,
so I roll mine in mustard.

[Tripeler]

Haven't heard of sweet bean paste ...yet!
Could be someone out there doing it, for all I know.

[FoodFuser]

I was thinking of koshian....sweetened adzukis
in full range of potential viscosities
that would give the best grip to the dog.

Once that substrate is established
it could make for one hell of a roll
in confectioners sugar.

[Aabacus]

I hope this isn't rude to share. I don't know what our typical "picture" etiquette is here.

This is the first half of my hot dog experiments a few weeks ago...

Okay, Nathan's Famous dogs and Arnold potato buns. Top left: mayo, red onion, tomato and cucumber. Top middle: Banana peppers, mustard relish and asiago cheese, Top right: Jalapeño, red onion and sour cream; Bottom left: hand grated cheddar and colby with hormel hot dog chill, ketchup and mustard (kind of like a baseline). Oh, and a smattering of home made fries. Yumz.

[helmut fig newton]

Nice Aabacus! about a month ago, I gathered ideas for 9 different unique hot dogs (toppings) from this thread. The combinations I chose turned out to be pretty amazing (the chocolate/peanut butter/ marshmallow was difficult) and I devoured all of them--over a period of two days I had about 12 dogs. Heres the photos:
http://www.chow.com/food-news/89355/c...

Chris at Chow

[Aabacus]

Thanks! I loved the pics which is why I posted mine. I ended up doing four more the next day but the toppings weren't too much different (other than simple pimento cheese). I'd love to see more pics like these. Wonderful.

[helmut fig newton]

Man those fries look good! How did you make those? I think I might try your banana pepper, mustard relish, asiago toppings this weekend. Anyone tasted Fork In The Road brand Hot Dogs?

[Aabacus]

The fries are russets cut on a mandolin then washed until the water ran clear. I then soaked them in salted water for an hour or so and tossed them in a fairly cool fryer with peanut oil. The cooler fryer performs the morally ambiguous task of allowing more grease to get in to the fries than normal. Oh...yes...food based moral ambiguity for the win. I called that hot dog the "Rumbler" because it's a lot of flavors fighting for dominance. Kind of like in the "Warriors"

[EWSflash]

"food based moral ambiguity"
I just love it. I'm going to memorize it and say it out loud whenever presented with one.

[sadiefox]

Ok, at Cosmic Dogs just north of Charleston, SC I had a tasty dog topped with creamy blue cheese slaw and sweet potato mustard. YUM!

[GraydonCarter]

Jack sells his sweet potato mustard online:
http://www.jackscosmicdogs.com/cool.asp

[taurus30]

Sauerkraut and sauteed spicy hot onions. I have a new favorite since the other day. We had black bean and corn salsa in the fridge. I decided to try this over kraut. Delicious!!!!

[Passadumkeg]

Roasted green chiles and guacamole.

[LorenM]

That's cheating. Green chiles and guac are good on everything! I bet it would be extra delicious on a chorizo dog. I may need to make some of these.

[joonjoon]

Ok, I'm pretty sure I just read through all 165 messages and NO ONE has mentioned onions in sauce! This is one of the greatest hot dog toppings ever made: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sabrett-In-...

My two favorite dogs are as follows:

Kraut & Onion Sauce
Chilli & Cheese.

Honorable mention: Kimchi.

[Hue]

Local Long Time Shop in Baltimore

THE WORKS

http://www.polockjohnnys.com/product/...

[laststandchili]

Haven't been to PJs since the 80s when they had a spot in the Jumpers Hole mall in Pasadena. Great dogs.

I did revisit my childhood at Ann's a couple weeks ago. Nothing has changed, and it's a good thing.

http://www.hollyeats.com/AnnsDariCrem...

[GraydonCarter]

Here's a beautiful tribute to the maker of red onion sauce, from several years ago:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/200...

'Half a century ago, hot dog vendors went through the time-consuming process of making their own onion sauce, but Mr. Geisler’s version — made at the behest of a hot dog and bun supplier who later became his partner — superseded all of those. If you are slurping up the red onion sauce in New York (and likely elsewhere), chances are the sauce was made by Sabrett, the supplier behind Katz’s Delicatessen, Gray’s Papaya, Papaya King, the legendary Dominick’s truck in Queens and the “dirty water dog” carts.'

[joonjoon]

I love that stuff! On hot dogs, over rice, on a burger...fantastic condiment.

[laststandchili]

I go through hot dog topping phases. Not long ago I was on a heavy kick adding sambal, or sambal w/ slaw.

There may have been a tapeworm involved, but those were some good dogs.

[Jellyjj]

- diced baby dill pickles

- yellow mustard

- Sriracha sauce

- a layer of sweet green relish

- a sqirt of ketchup

- rooster's chilli garlic sauce (SUPER hot, yo)

- a few shakes of Frank's red hot sauce

- diced onions on top

- hot pickle peppers in vinegar

- finish off with a dollop of Hellman's mayo to balance the tangy spicey-ness of the other ingrediants

*all on a soft white hot dog bun =)

- I love this...super fun to layer everything--not exactly gourmet--but yummy!!

[Lella64]

All these postings sound delicious; I think I'll experiment with the different toppings.
I've heard a lot of people mention different hot dog places around the country, but out here in L.A. we have Pinks. If anyone's ever heard of Pinks .... I absolutely love the "Martha Stewart" dog.

[aynrandgirl]

I wanted to like Pink's, but I found their dogs to unworthy of their fame. They're also quite expensive.

[gypsyboy]

My favort hot dog boiled then grilled with Mr mustard sour caggage I pickle my self with sebrett red onions with tons of tabasco sauce . Served earth home made knish style potato balls fried yumm

[jjackiex33]

place in winchendon with all different kinds of topping immaginable. skunk dawg = hot dog, melted marshmellow, hot fudge, and melted peanut butter... amazing. thanksgiving dawg = hot dog with a bunch of random thanksgiving eats on it yumm and plasma dawg = hottest (spicy wise) hot dog ever with chili on top.... have to be 18 to buy and if you finish without milk or anything get a small prize and get to sign your name on the flag... plus so many other crazyy concoctions that are delicious!

[thew]

mustard - absolutely

saurkraut - usually

ketchup - never

[Perilagu Khan]

I like my dogs relatively unadorned: finely minced hot, yellow Mazetta chilis, brown mustard and celery salt on a steamed Oscar Meyer bun-length beef frank.

[reesedawg01]

I like to put bbq beef on top and melted cheese on top of mine such an excellent contrast of flavors.

[sadiefox]

I love coleslaw, mustard and raw onions on a hot dog.

[jgg13]

The other night I made some hot dogs and put random things on each one. The one that I *really* liked, I had used gochujang as a topping, it was very tasty.

[emilief]

Flo's hot sauce from Flo's hot dogs in York Maine. Can be bought online. So delicious.

[krisrishere]

Gotta have it all the way..Flo's Special :)

[laliz]

1. A week ago yesterday (sigh) I had my last Dodger Dog (grilled) of the season. W/ketchup, mustard, and relish
2. A good chili (no beans ever) cheese dog with mustard
3. An open face polish dog. Rye bread spread with mustard, a polish sausage (grilled) topped with a slice of swiss cheese and melted slightly. Served with a dill pickle spear.
4. A grilled dog swabbed with BBQ sauce (KC Masterpiece) and topped with crushed Fritos.
5. A coney dog from Greeks on Buffalo Rd. in Wesleyville PA.

[swsidejim]

#4 sounds pretty good.

[al b. darned]

Actually I prefer my hot dogs "upside down."

First of all, the *only* way to enjoy a hot dog is a grilled dog in a grilled/toasted New England style bun. Tho most any good quality dog will do, my current favorite dog is a locally made natural casing German Frank made by Hofmann's in Syracuse. (But not those nasty white ones!!) I sometimes cheat and pre-cook the dogs in the microwave for 30 seconds before putting them in the grill pan.

Any "toppings" go into the bottom of the roll and the hot dog goes on last. The toppings stay put when they are on the bottom. Toppings are usually jalapeno mustard and raw onions or sauerkraut. Dehydrated toasted onions are a good (crunchy) substitute for raw ones. Never yellow mustard or ketchup!

Too many topping tend to drown out the dog.

[Red5558]

I make a sauce that consist of miracle whip,mustard,relish,onions and celery seed.Try it you will love it ! My finacee and I have a hot dog stand at a flea market and our customers love it they keep coming back for more.

[johnb]

Sounds bizarre, but OK. But, what sort of relish (sweet or dill??), and what sort of mustard?

[Solstice444]

Mustard, onions, and relish, or mustard, sauerkraut, and relish. I think onions and sauerkraut would be overkill. I went through a phase where I liked ketchup on them, but now I like mustard again. Anything spicy I'd put on it as well if available, once there was a hot dog vendor on the commons in Ithaca, NY that had some sort of hot sauce or hot pepper mixture, I forget...but it was delicious on the dog. There's a place that I pass on the way home from work every day called "The Dog House"...a little trailer that sells hot dogs and hamburgers. Even on rainy days people are stopped there. A few of the standard toppings are offered (what I mentioned above, as well as chili, cheese, etc.), and you just tell the guy what you want on your dog. I think I had a chili cheese dog only once before, at Sonic, but I'll have to try one at this place b/c I'm sure it will be better!

[REFFI]

Back in my hometown of New Castle, PA, when I was growing up (and for decades before my birth) there were numerous purveyors of hot dogs. They all seemed to be run by immigrant Greeks and the dog of choice, which I now call a New Castle Hot Dog, was a hot dog with "everything.' Everything is, and was, defined as mustard, onions (diced) and chili. It's all about the chili. The chili is a sauce (a pale reflection of which you get at Der Weinerschnitzel) that is meat based (no beans, please) and hot enough to make your hair sweat. When I was in high school, they wer two for a quarter all over town and after Wednesday night band practice and Friday night football games, the destination was the restaurant of choice where a buck, or so, would get you six hot dogs with everything, an order of fries and a soda pop. (A trumpter friend would just get eight hot dogs for a buck.) On my last visit, my favorite restaurant was gone and only one hot dog restaurant (two locations) remains, though it is one of the originals from pre-WWII days.

Happily, I don't have to jones for New Castle Hot Dogs, because I have a chili recipe (from a restaurant employee), and can grill (never boiled) my own hot dogs. I've cut down from twice a week to about twice a month, but I gotta have my fix.

[someyoungguyy]

west coaster here, I like shredded cheese, mustard, and tomatoes!!! To die for. :) I think I'm having withdrawl's just thinkin about it. oh.. and I like hebrew national dogs also. they rock and they are kosher.. so god likes them too.:)

[jd of de]

Cleveland Stadium Mustard http://www.stadiummustard.com/, only lime green Chicago style relish http://www.viennabeef.com/products/item.asp?PRODUCT_ID=5, celery salt and sports peppers http://www.viennabeef.com/products/it.... Save the ketchup for your fries.

[Kelli2006]

Is Bertmans the same as Stadium mustard?

I never liked relish until I made it myself from Tony Packo's pickles in a food processor. It has the right amount of heat to cut through the bun and onions. YUM!

[pmurf06]

no Bertmans is the original stadium mustard then Authentic Stadium Mustard is the newer of the two and is the mustard in over 150 US stadiums and arenas. both are located in Cleveland.

the best part about stadium mustard is when you bite into your dog and it gets in between you lips and you upper gums and you get that almost burning feeling but more of a hot sweet tingle. nothing better than a dog plain with stadium mustard. im drooling right now

[deborah24]

Cheese (Ez-cheese from the can), chili then potato sticks. Best hot dog ever, Cheers to Ozzie and his mom up in the Bronx. Their chili is so great. I can't duplicate it, not matter how much I try. Only get them during baseball season!!!

[madgreek]

Wow! There are so many combinations that I love. A classic for me is "Stadium Mustard" brand mustard and onions. Recently, I've taken to eating my dogs with bbq sauce, bacon, onion, and sometimes chili.

Oh, and it has to be a Nathan's natural casing beef frank.

[Smileelisa]

How about this one? My daughter would only eat her hot dogs with ketchup, mustard and peanut butter. She would eat them almost every day. I like mine charred with just ketchup and mustard.

[KevinB]

This is a bit of a digression, but when in Vienna a few years back, I bought a street hot dog - a sausage really. Mustard is the only condiment available. What makes it interesting is the way it's served. The bun is not split; instead, it's impaled on a thin vertical cone, pulled off, inverted, filled with mustard, and then the sausage is slid in. You eat it vertically, and there's no chance of spilling condiments on your shirt. Unique idea!

[Passadumkeg]

At the Helsinki train station, a lija pirrakka y kahksi nakkia. A ground beef and rice filled pastry, cut w/ scissors on the end, slide in 2 hot dogs, raw onion, ketchup and relish. Yum.
Hyvaa, hyvaa

1

[Passadumkeg]

A Maine neon red steamed "red snappah" on a soft stemed roll w/ diced onion and Raye's stone ground mustard. "Wicked good!"

[jenniegirl]

Brats are a huge thing in Wisconsin-the big thing is to boil them in beer and onions, grill, and put kraut and mustard on top. Sounds like Spring!

[Passadumkeg]

Norwegian style: with mayo shrimp salad w/ peas and small diced boiled potatoes mixed in.
Holy guacamole!

[agoia]

It's probably quite strange but the other night I was looking for an alternative to the standard ketchup/ mustard dog at home and pulled out some "greek style" hummus (with garlic, lemon, and oregano) Put that on one side of the top of the dog and a bit of spicy mustard on the other side dwon in the bun and it made delicious dogs. Though of course, chili, onions, and a mustard Relish like they served at the T Room http://lynchburgvirginia.blogspot.com... when I lived there is the definite favorite.

[coconutgoddess]

I was in CT this summer and found a little hotdog stand called Chez Jaque, and they had fondue dogs. A basic hotdog with a thick fondue spread upon it. IT WAS AWESOME.

Usually I like..
a little mayo, a lot of cheese, and some sliced raw onion. mmmmm

coconutgoddess
http://www.coconutgoddess.typepad.com...

[ccferg]

OK, I guess I'm alone on this. Like Mario (and most Italians) I don't think cheese belongs on fish. I don't think it belongs on hot dogs either. (Ketchup and cheese for burgers; mustard and onions for dogs.)

[PDeveaux]

Nathan's dinner size, broiled until almost completely black
regular white bun
Gulden's spicy brown mustard
chopped onion
cheddar cheese strips
cole slaw
And I agree - hot dogs are year-round food in Florida!

[cimui]

JungMann, I've been meaning to ask: where does one come across the famed Jersey ripper? I've never seen one. I'd like to.

[Kelli2006]

Rutts Hut in Clifton NJ is famous for rippers/deep fried hotdogs

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overv...

[Miamicooks]

MIami here....and we have all the latin american ways in which to serve hot dogs. My favorite is the Venesuelan way with a ketchup mayo mix, crushed potato chips it is delicious

[JungMann]

Nedick's also serves a decent approximation, I think.

[cimui]

Thanks, Kelli and JungMann. =)

[capetowngirlie]

Popped in to a little town called Eden in South Carolina memorable mostly because of this hot dog topped with chilli, yellow mustard, melted cheese slice and coleslaw! My all time favourite!

[swsidejim]

now thats a combination I have to try. Sounds great.

[aynrandgirl]

Chili and cheese, or mustard and onions. In no case should a hot dog have mayo or ketchup. It's just plain immoral.

My secret shame is that I like Wienerschnitzel's double-cheese chili dogs. I probably wouldn't eat their chili straight, but on hot dogs it is sublime.

[jword2001]

Chicago dog, or Texas style chili, mustard, onions ,and extra sharp cheddar cheese, oh and i had a killer dog once with chili, sauerkraut ,mustard, and onions...love those dogs

[Anita Drink]

Slightly melted American cheese, a few strips of avocado and tomato.

[gaylenwaydelich]

When I'm in NYC it's all about Gray's Papaya - kraut and brown mustard, light onions
In LA it Chili cheese with onions baby!
Costoco poilsh dog with brown mustard, onions and kraut.
My favorite all time dog was the "Marylander" from Al's Hot Dogs on PCH in Redondo Beach. Vienna dog, topped with all of the following: home made "Cincinatti" style chili - no beans, cole slaw with celery seeds, freshly grated cheese and onions. I remember Mrs. "Al" would hand grate the cheese for each order. Al would have everything prepped and your dog would sit and while she was grating the cheese. It was so aggravating when you were hungry, but you knew it was worth the wait. They also made hand cut steak fries. I would never dare try that combo anywhere else. Trust me it was sublime. Sadly Al and Mrs. Al retired and as far as I know, their recipes were not passed down.

[Feed Me]

Sriracha, avocado, mayo, sweet onion

[JungMann]

That combo sounds like it would be delicious on anything!

[Feed Me]

Yup -- on ANYTHING

[kcijones001]

dry canned tuna and tomoato sauce

[CHEFBUCK]

I have heard it all. Is that good kcjones001?

[kcijones001]

Bush's baked beans, saurkraut and spicy mustard!

[CHEFBUCK]

The other day I took a sliced kosher dill pickle which fit well in the hot dog bun, with regular mustard. This was a great and fresher alternative to relish.

[JK Grence the Cosmic Jester]

One that is unique to my corner of the world is the Sonoran style hot dog. As far as I know, they're not really found outside of Phoenix, Tucson, or Sonora Mexico. The bun is a bolillo roll, a bit more substantial than a regular hot dog bun, with a little bit of egginess to it. The hot dog is wrapped in bacon before cooking, then topped with mayo, chopped tomato, chopped onion, pinto beans, salsa verde, mushrooms, yellow and cotija cheese, and jalapeños. It makes the Chicago style dog look like an exercise in polite restraint. And oh, are they good! If I ever moved out of the area I'd have to make them at least once a month or I'd find myself back in the Valley asking the nice lady at the street cart for "Dos con todos, por favor" before I knew it

[JungMann]

That sounds amazing. Are they common in Arizona? I may have to fly out to Scottsdale and eat a few on the golf course!

[JK Grence the Cosmic Jester]

You won't find them in Scottsdale, it's too white there. They're found on carts at night in predominantly Hispanic parts of town.

[foodperv]

every summer here in massachsetts we have a charity event called the hod dog safari many vendors bring there signature hot dogs to this all you can eat hot dog orgy

[jbyoga]

check out www.the sneeze.com and look for 'freaky franks' for some unusual topping ideas~

[jbyoga]

I love hot dogs (vegi dogs these days) !

I like to make Indian Chili Dogs - If you can find Jyoti brand Chhole (spiced garbanzos)...I cook it up and top my dogs with that - a strip of Sriacha instead of ketchup ! And of course...a bit of chopped white onion and mustard for sake of tradition.

[tatertotsrock]

I'm pretty simple.

Ketchup. Mustard. Relish. ALWAYS
Then if I like the chili taht a place offers, I've gotta throw that on too, and if there's chili, I must put cheese.YUM

Then

[otps]

The toppings they use in Iceland are very good. Their cocktail sauce is like ketchup and mayo mixed, along with a type of sweet mustard, raw onions and those freeze dried onions in the can. The smoked lamb wiener is very tasty also.

[steakman55]

Vidalia onion mustard relish

[SuzyInChains]

Yellow mustard, sweet relish, and Kraft Cheddar Easy Cheese (spray cheese).

[bullygirl]

This may sound strange but, hummus makes an excellent hot dog topping.

[winkchow]

A light spreading of mayonaise on the bun, lightly sprinkle finely shredded chedar cheese on the mayo, put the grilled/steamed/broiled hotdog in the bun, it will start to melt the cheese, squirt on a line of spicy brown mustard, on one side of the mustard line spread sweet relish, on the other side spoon on diced white onions mixed with chopped cilantro. Serve 2 of these with Lays or Ruffles plain potato chips and an ice cold beer. Hot Dog!

[jnk]

There used to be a deli in Queens NY called Pastrami King that served great dogs from the griddle (they always had a supply that were well done). I went in one day and someone ordered a dog w/potato salad on top! It was outrageous. The good thing was that I was young then and worked at a dry cleaner for the summer so there wasn't too much damage done to my heart.

[MeffaBabe]

I am a true fan of the mustard, sweet relish, onions and kraut school. If I can't get all those ingredients it will be onions, relish... they have to be put on the top sliced buttered/toasted hot dog rolls only made for new england...

[ccferg]

I think the roll is really important. I don't like a hot dog that isn't in what is often called a "New England roll." It's slit on the top. You can grill both sides of it (I prefer to do it in a frying pan with butter rather than on the outdoor grill), it's a better ratio of bread to dog, and it makes a great platform for condiments.

[al b. darned]

I agree about the bun. Any hot dog tastes better on a grilled/toasted New England bun. Imagine my surprise when I started going with my wife and found she never heard of one! (but then to her, a hot dog was boiled and served on a cold bun.)

[Das Ubergeek]

I was at Angel Stadium today and got a hot dog and a little tub of what I thought was sauerkraut -- imagine my horror when I found out it was onions!

[OldDog]

Split dogs part way, fill split with hot mashed potatoes (instant -gasp!- or leftover) and top with a generous line of yellow mustard. Into broiler on medium 'til taters start to brown around the edges.

[jessicheese]

In my perfect world I would have three hot dogs on my plate, all grilled well done

1. Topped with spicy mustard & sauerkraut on a toasted bun (preferably potato)
2. Placed atop melted american cheese (on a toasted bun) with yellow mustard and relish
3. Topped with cheese sauce and fake chili (WaWa style)

I also grew up cutting up hot dog pieces and mixing them into my Kraft mac & cheese. Never realized until I got older that not too many people did it (and many found it repulsive. Nothing like those cheesy hot dog bits, though.... mmmmm....

[KevinB]

I got through university on KD and hot dogs, KD and tuna, or just plain KD! And I had four roommates who ate the same, and we all loved it.

[joboy23]

Marconi Hot or Mild Giardiniera

[ccferg]

I have to admit, I have a soft spot for that yellow "hot dog relish." How do they make it yellow -- is it just mixed with yellow mustard or is it some kind of food dye?

[Karl S]

tumeric.

[ccferg]

That's nice to know. Makes it a little easier to justify.

[hotteacher1976]

grilled onions, mustard, and sauerkraut. I'll take relish on a rare day, though.

Chili or ketchup on a hot dog is repugnant.

[Chew on That]

I just like mine charred to a crisp and then topped with a good helping of ketchup and mustard - plain Jane but it's the way to go! Mmmm...summer should never leave.

[Chew on That]

I take this back...sport peppers and relish on hot dogs are delicious!

[Karl S]

Hot, well prepared sauerkraut.(Sauerkraut should be from a bag or jar, never a can, should be rinsed, braised in onions sauteed in a suitable fat, dashed with a little beer or white wine, and seasoned as you prefer; I like black pepper and caraway seeds in mine, even on a dog).

[Kelli2006]

The ultimate hot dog would be a all beef dog in a natural casing with Bertmans ballpark mustard, onions and a lot of sauerkraut.

Ive never had a Chicago style dog, but it does sound good.

Wonders what a Super-dog would taste like with ketchup,..............( just kidding, swsidejim)

[JWh]

Japanese mayo, seaweed, dikon (radish).

[swsidejim]

good one,

sometimes when no one is looking, and I am in the "safety" of my own home, I do the unthinkable and have a hotdog with ketchup, american cheese, onion, and jalapenos.

having the ketchup on the hotdog is perhaps a flashback to when I was 8 and it was "acceptable" to do so. ; )

[jungleboy]

kelli...couldn't agree more...kraut (should be warm), onions and a nice spicy mustard are all a good dog could ask for

[Jennalynn]

Perfect question for this week... as I am hosting my annual WienerFest.

It's WienerFest 6... All tubular meats: All day. (okay my Fest also includes sausages and wursts)

I've got an assortment of mustards... I'm making a batch of classic Sabretts Onions. And classic Italian Peppers & Onions. Sauerkraut. No chili however.

Usually does well with the crowd.

[jpschust]

doesn't matter as long as there's no ketchup on it. Ketchup belongs on the lowly hamburger, not on the supreme hot dog.

[monkeyrotica]

I think ketchup is one of those "gateway" condiments. I have fond memories of ketchup on the dogs of my youth, but at a certain point, a child's mind matures and a little switch goes off in their heads that flips from "ketchup" to "mustard." There's no going back after that.

There's a little greasy spoon in Pennsylvania where they split their dogs down the middle, put a wad of cheddar in the split, wrap the dog back up with a strip of bacon pinned with toothpicks, and deep fry the whole mess. Delicious, but you feel like you need to take a shower afterwards. It's like you've done something obscene.

[Kate is always hungry]

I have never put ketchup on a hot dog, and I LOVE ketchup. When I was a kid (in Chicago), about 4 1/2 or 5 years old, I ate mustard on my hot dogs for about a week, then I decided it was superfluous on a hot dog. I guess my mustard switch went on and then off, forever. Even now, I eat my red hots plain. A hot dog is such a personal experience--I don't really care how others dress their dogs. I prefer to savor the snappy spiciness free of condiments.
Regarding mayonaise: I saw a woman ahead of me at a chuck wagon buffet order a hot dog. I couldn't believe what I saw. She didn't put just a shmear of mayo on the poor dog, she inundated it with multiple dollops of mayo.

[revsharkie]

I'm not a big fan of just regular hot dogs. On the rare occasion when I eat one I put ketchup, mustard, relish and onion on it. I much prefer a brat or Polish sausage on a fat bun with brown mustard, onion and sauerkraut.

I also like "Fanestil's Dinner Franks," which are fat stubby little dogs with casings that come out of Emporia, Kansas. We cook them on the grill and then cut them in two lengthwise and eat them on hamburger buns with hamburger toppings--cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, ketchup, mustard, mayo. I've enjoyed them since I was a kid. You can't buy them up here so whenever I'm at my folks house in Kansas I pick up a few packages to bring home with me and stick in the freezer.

[soypower]

not sure if this is a seattle thing..but at 2 in the morning when all the bars and clubs are closing, nothing hits the spot like a grilled polish topped with cream cheese and carmelized onions. sounds weird, but tastes ridiculously good.

[ccferg]

In Rhode Island we have small independently owned places that sell "New York System" hot dogs. I don't know how they got that name, because I've never seen anything like them in NY. They're about the size of your ring finger. When you order them "all the way," they come with a thin chili sauce, mustard and onions. Rhode Islanders affectionately refer to them as "gaggers." I can easily eat three of them -- and most men have four or five. Every once in a while I have a tremendous craving for them. And if I bring them into my car, I can smell those glorious onions for days.

[sheiladeedee]

When my husband was growing up in Cumberland - late 50s and early 60s - there was a weiner shop on every corner, 3 for 25 cents. He'd ride his bike to bookstores in Providence and Pawtucket, stopping every few miles for another threesome. Funny, I don't think he's had one in years...

[al b. darned]

When I lived in Middletown I used to love a joint in Newport called Ben's Chili Dogs. Actually any of the "Hot Wiener Joints" were good for 3 or 4 "Gut busters." Talk about addicting...especially with onions, the sauce they passed off as "chili" and cheese sauce. I wonder if Ben's delivers to Syracuse.

[chrisinroch]

The best hot dog toppings are the ones that you grew up with.

[Passadumkeg]

I dunno. My hot dog horizons have expanded widely since childhood with travel and age. I look forward to further new transcendental hot dog toppings in life.

[taryn]

Growing up in Allentown, Pa I have to mention Yocco's, the hot dog king. A well done dog with brown mustard, raw onions (extra please) and chili sauce. Best when paired with a side of pireogies (deep fried) of course. Oh I have such a craving now.

[hotdoglover]

I was never a fan of the Chicago dog, a/k/a the salad dog. But after having them frequently from a guy who opened up and served them near me, I aquired a taste for them. The milder Vienna Beef frank goes well with the other ingredients and doesn't overpower them. A more well seasoned frank like Best's (New Jersey, not Chicago) Nathan's, Sabrett, Boars Head, or Hebrew National would overpower the ingredients and throw everything out of balance. For these franks, which I prefer to Vienna, all you need is a good brown deli mustard. This is how I enjoy a spicy, kosher style all beef dog 90% of the time.

A milder, German style beef and pork dog is more conducive to condiments. I love the relish at Rutt's Hut or the chili at the Hot Grill, Libby's, Father & Son, Manny's and other fine Jersey hot dog joints.

[tuxedo]

Hotdoglover - Until I got to your post my hotdog craving was in check - How I miss the "north jersey" hotdog locations - Need to make a road trip to Rutt's Hutt soon!
OR maybe Libby's for a hot dog "all the way"

[hotdoglover]

Was just at Libby's. Great dogs and a great view of the Falls.

[tuxedo]

very jealous - mouth is watering - come on summer hurry up and end so the roads will clear up!

[KevinB]

You have to visit Quebec and try a "Hot Dog Michigan" - this is a hot dog with a chili-like (but not chili!) sauce; it's more like a cross between chili and a very thick spaghetti sauce.

[byrd]

arnold's steamed (not toasted) bun
nathan's natural casing beef
hebrew national deli mustard
sabrett's onions
b & g dill (not sweet) relish, optional

[Vexorg]

I've never cared much for Chicago style hot dogs (just too many toppings at once.) At home, I'll do hot dogs one of two ways:

-Grilled, with onion, relish, ketchup and mustard;
-Boiled with chili, cheese and onion.

[JungMann]

I thought I didn't like Chicago-style hot dogs either until I took it a little easier on the toppings. When you put so much tomato and onion that the whole thing is falling apart, you can't taste the hot dog and everything is a mess. But if you put just enough to compliment, it is a perfect hot dog that I could eat for lunch any day.

[MeAndroo]

Maybe that was why I didn't like them as much as I thought I would either. There's just stuff everywhere, and any given bite might have a ton of peppers and mustard with little bun, depending on how crazy the toppings are. This is the one I got from Wiener's Circle in Chicago.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/...

[JungMann]

That doesn't even look edible. The tomatoes should be wedged, there's way too much pepper, not enough onion and I didn't see any celery salt. I like a dog with two tomato wedges, a thin slice of pickle, 3-4 peppers, some onion, relish, mustard and celery salt. Each bite is perfectly balanced and delicious.

[MeAndroo]

This was some kind of specialty of theirs, and the place that my Chicago based buddy took me. Maybe they had an off day, or were busy, but whatever the reason, it's a good thing I have a big mouth. I managed to eat it without spilling all over the place. I'll give them another shot if I'm ever back there, but I'd rather just eat deep dish.

[Panini Guy]

Those tomatoes don't even look like they'd pass muster at Burger King. No matter how you slice them, I'd toss 'em. Way too pink and mealy looking.

[danionavenue]

your grilled picks are my "dog" topping selections as well. Who would have thought 2 people could like the same exact thing! Lol!

[Beach Chick]

I only eat turkey hot dogs but I top mine with cheese, mayo, dijon mustard, splash of ketchup and onions..yummy!
I grill my dog along with my bun..

[macca]

Great thread! Will have to try some of these. I am a bit of a purist- I like my dogs grilled well done, served on a toasted NE style roll with mustard. Sometimes I add Howards piccalilli or Howards red pepper relish. So good.
I like Pearl hot dogs ( local) on the grill. If not grilling, I l ike a natural casing steamed in beer- love the snap!

[dalaimama]

With chili con carne and pimento cheese. Sounds wierd, but it's divine.

[tartiflette]

There's a hot dog season? :) Here in Toronto, "street meat" (aka a grilled hot dog on yellow bun bought from a street vendor) is a year-round treat. The vendors just bundle up and keep on grilling even when the weather is well below freezing.

I always top mine with hot mustard, hot peppers, green olives, sliced pickles and a few dribbles of Sriracha sauce. Mmmmm. The Boy swears by bacon bits, but I disagree.

[Infomaniac]

I agree....hot dog season is all year round for me. As far as toppings go, it all depends on the type of hot dog and time of year. I prefer an all beef dog (Pearl) with spicy brown mustard and onions. For a regular hot dog it's yellow mustard, relish and celery salt. In the fall and winter it's chilli dog topped with shredded cheese.

[wanderluster]

A fried egg. Delciously unhealthy. Of course I think a fried or poached egg improves everything.

[Infomaniac]

I like to cut up hot dogs and pan fry them and then mix with my scrambled eggs.

[ipsedixit]

I actually used to do that with mac 'n cheese.

[Infomaniac]

With a good quality dog, I bet that would taste good. I'm going to give it a try.

Thanks

[tartiflette]

Fried egg on burger is pure heaven (esp if you add bacon and cheese to the equation)... I'll have to give it a try on a 'dog to see if it's equally good.

[Blueicus]

I've always liked my street meat with a bit of ketchup and mayo, plain. However, I also like my chili dogs and a bit of lettuce doesn't hurt.

[ArikaDawn]

Either with yellow mustard on a potato bun or grilled with BBQ sauce, again, on a potato bun.

[hipquest]

What a great topic! I love hot dogs but my favorite is a Nathan's, boiled then grilled, served on a soft, top slice bun with chili(no beans), slaw and ketchup. BTW, a hot dog with chili and slaw is Carolina style, it can be hard to find slaw out of the Carolinas. I will not eat a hot dog without slaw! If I get a craving when traveling I have to find a KFC for my slaw fix.

[bob192]

The "Carolina Style" dog as served at Dick's Dogs in Wilson and Snoopy's in Raleigh still rules - but I've been making my own lately, and as Hotdoglover recommends Best Products dogs, I'll be picking up a package of those from my Morton Williams market soon. (Boiled first to take the chill off, then gently pan-sauteed to get color all over, and fully bring out the flavor.) As well, the newest find is that slaw made from the recipe on the back of the Dole's pre-pack bag comes out tasting just right, and when you add your mustard, fine-chopped onions, and heated chili from the House of Hormel, well, no need to head south!

[breadbox]

My preference is for the signature southern dog - mustard, slaw, chili, and onion, on either a steamed or toasted hot dog roll.

[ipsedixit]

diced kimchi

bbq sauce (but only for deep-fried hot dogs)

ketchup and horseradish sauce

Carmelized onions with wasabi

[jhuston]

The Korean Way:
Steamed white rice on the side, with piles of kimchi on top. I grew up in the Midwest thinking this was a weird combo I'd invented, and hid it from my friends because I was embarrassed. Imagine my delight when I went to Hawaii and discovered that every corner convenience store/gas station sells little take-out containers of this exact combo!

[Will Owen]

Makes perfect sense to me. Kimchi = fancy sauerkraut. I haven't tried that yet, but I'm gonna. Thanks for the tip!

[jhuston]

Don't overlook the rice, either. Its midly mellow sweetness complements the salty hot dog flavor perfectly! Oh yum.

[KaimukiMan]

even if you don't eat it as a bento (err...sorry... toshira) a hot dog with kimchee on it (in a bun) is hard to beat

[Panini Guy]

Steamed bun > steamed white rice, IMO. But kimchi on an dog rules. Cabbage or daikon.

[monkeyrotica]

I just tried kimchi on a split halfsmoke. I don't think I can ever go back to sauerkraut.

[andlulu]

My perfect dog is grilled, topped with chili,white onion,relish,ketchup,mustard & a few sprinkles of sharp cheddar.

Mmmmmm...

[jackattack]

The Flo's Special ! (google it!)

[krisrishere]

I would kill to have one of those right now...ugh.

[othervoice]

As long as it's a good quality dog, I like them various ways. Whichever strikes my fancy at the moment. I especially like them with grilled onions and peppers, They must either be fried in margarine or butter or else grilled. I like to slice them into good baked beans. Raw onions, sweet pickle relish, mustard, and ketchup. Hot pepper relish, ketchup; I also like a good bun. Sometimes the old fashioned New England buns.(The kind that everyone eats lobster in) but I really prefer a nice soft sub roll. Another favorite is with tomatos, lettuce, onions, cheese and mayo. So, the sky's the limit on dogs. They're just such an all American food.

[amanda3571]

There's a place in CT called Super Duper Weenie which serves my most favorite dog...the Chicagoan Dog. Similar to swidejim's response...the dog comes with L,T, mustard, celery salt, hot relish, and a pickle....OMG it is soooo good.

[rayrayray]

the toronto way...
grilled on a bbq. served on one of those yellow buns with poppyseeds. condiments: bbq sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayo, hot sauce, relish, pickled peppers, and onions.
....and yes...i like all of them.

[Will Owen]

Cheddar or pepper Jack, mayonnaise, mustard and kraut for me (and onions if I'm in the mood). Mrs. O wants cheese, sweet relish and ketchup. We both like them cooked any way you can - grilled is best, but if it ain't grilling weather, I'll just split the dogs, insert slices of cheese, and nuke'em. Years ago we ran an every-weekend crafts-fair/flea market thingy, and our first and best vendor was an old guy who sold weenies out of a crock pot - $1.50 for regular dogs, $2 for Polish. All he had was mustard, ketchup and relish, but we lived on those dogs most weekends.

[JungMann]

I never realized how ubiquitous mayo is as a topping for hot dogs. Especially on an LA dog! I may have to try it tonight. I didn't realize, either, that Toronto had poppyseed buns. They're an absolute rarity in New York; I can only have them when I go to Chicago.

Mayo and hotdogs...I just can't get over it!

[Candy]

I cannot imagine a hot dog without mayo unless it is the version of chili dog known as, to denizens of Clinton County, NY and Burlington, VT as a Michigan. Other than that mayo is a must.

[feelinpeckish]

On the way to Fort Ticonderoga to expose a grand child to early American history, I came upon the Michigan and was converted. It is the tastiest ever but not known or understood in most areas.

[MickyC]

This must be a regional thing because I have never even HEARD of people putting mayo on hotdogs before I read this page today... I grew up in the age of Der Weinerschnitzel and Dodger Dogs, chili-cheese-kraut was considered the Holy Trinity of hotdog toppings.

But I have been to Amsterdam, where I learned that the Dutch love putting mayo on fries... something it would have never even occurred to me to try.

It's interesting how we form these little boxes in our heads... I often have toast with jam and/or honey, peanut butter, or cream cheese depending on how I feel... various toppings but the bread is always just whole wheat. My German friend likes the same thing, but with dark rye bread... something that in my world only goes with mustard and kraut.

[Passadumkeg]

In Europe and South America, mayo on a doggie is common, French fries too. They know enough to stay away from cat-soup.

[John Manzo]

rayrayray, how dare you mention TO street meat without specifying CORN relish!

[moh]

I agree completely! I love the corn relish, Toronto is one of my favorite places to buy a hot dog from a street vendor! They have great toppings. My choice of dog toppings are: ketchup (just never get sick of ketchup on a hot dog, don't care of there are Chowhounds out there who will never accept me for what I like on a dog....), mustard, olives, lots of corn relish, and the hot banana peppers (again, lots). oohh, this close to hopping in the car and returning to TO!

[02putt]

This is a close rendition of what I call the ultimate hot dog. Although, I do not eat hotdogs on a regular basis. (they kind scare me!) I do have my cravings. Slightly toasted sour dough bun with mayo, little ketchup, corn relish, hot pepper relish, and carmalized onions. A little tid bit about "street food" in Toronto and surrounding area. The health department won't allow other types of food such as hamburgs, pulled pork etc. This is due to overaction that someone might get sick as a result of lack of refrideration etc. So the vendors have gotten very creative with their toppings because there is a hotdog stand on every corner. A lady tried set up a stand at the edge of HER property and sell some ethnic street food. People loved it but she was soon shut down by "Silly Hall".

[sheiladeedee]

In summer, a good Saugy (Rhode Island's own hot dog, natural casing, divine, DH and I buy them by the 5# package) grilled, with brown mustard only.

Rest of the year, split, broiled with sharp cheddar and bacon.

[Das Ubergeek]

Brown mustard and sauerkraut. Honourable mention goes to a Chicago dog "dragged through the garden"... though the pickle gets eaten separately.

I live in LA. People here eat onions on their dogs. I think it's absolutely disgusting, but to each his own, as long as I can get my kraut.

[Hue]

Grilled all beef kosher dog wrapped in fried bologna with onions and deli mustard

Sounds like lunch today for me!!!

[ESNY]

Unless I ever find myself in Cincinnati again, the only thing that will go on my dogs is mustard (or maybe hot sauce).

If i'm back in Cincinnati, give me mustard, chili, diced onions and about a cup of finely shredded cheese (aka a cheese coney).

[mrszondo]

My Mexican family way is with grilled onions & jalapenos, mayo and cotija cheese.

[MeAndroo]

Tough to beat an LA bacon-wrapped dog with grilled onions and peppers, mustard, mayo and a bit of hot sauce. Great after a ballgame or a night on the town. Definitely like them better than what I got in Chicago, but I think it's just a regional comfort food thing.

At home, I'm simple, but a little weird. Diced white onion, a mixture of ketchup and tapatio, and maybe a little guacamole.

[phant0omx]

those hot dogs are great! me and my friends call them ghetto dogs. my friend made some at home one time, what was funny is that she bought all the stuff at whole foods. so it turned out to the an all natural ghetto dog. tasted fantastic. better quality ingredients i guess. gourmet ghetto dog i suppose.

how i usually eat them. and i usual eat them at dodger baseball games. deli mustard and white onion. i hardly ever get relish or ketchup. mayo is a good choice too.

[JungMann]

I just still can't wrap my mind around these mayo dogs. Do you put anything else on the bun besides mayo? And how much mayo do you use? I'm eager to attempt this.

[striker7330]

G-Dogs! man i thought i was the only one that called them that, i just shortened the name. they are the best though. i also like putting rough chopped dill pickles tomatoes and onions

[garthcooks73]

Mayo over a grilled hotdog and toasted bun

[pacz]

Bacon wrapped hot dog with avocados & sour cream (sometimes with salsa)

Hot dog with diced cucumbers, melted cheddar and a bit of cream cheese

Both on a lightly toasted bun!

[cimui]

Yummy. That sounds great.

[looloopoo]

Ooh that first one is making my mouth water.

[swsidejim]

In Chicago hot dogs are always in season.

My favorite toppings:

#1 mustard, white onions, pickle relish, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt and a dill pickle spear. aka a "Chicago Style Dog"

#2 chili, cheddar cheese, white onions

#3 american cheese, jalapenos, white onion, sriracha

All of the above preferably made with a grilled kosher hotdog. Best Kosher is my favorite brand.

[Megiac]

Although I am not a fan of Chicago's version of pizza, a Chicago style dog is hot dog perfection.

[swsidejim]

I am in complete agreement regarding "Chicago Style" pizza, give me a thin crust pizza anyday.

[Kate is always hungry]

Ditto

[gfr1111]

I think it is highly appropriate that the Chicago dog is mentioned in the fourth comment down out of a lengthy thread. It is the epitome of "hot-dogginess" to me. As a traditionalist, I will always accept it with the neon-green relish without complaint, but I must confess that I think traditional dark green relish has more flavor. My favorite place to have it is from the bookstore/luncheonette (probably long gone by now) or a roving hotdog truck at the University of Chicago. (I know the trucks are still roving, even after all these years.)

As for the negative aspersions cast on the Chicago pizza, if you don't think of it as a pizza, but rather as a hot sausage (as opposed to mild sausage), tomato, and mozzarella pie, you will like it better. Made well, it is delicious, just not really a pizza.

[vvvindaloo]

Well, here in NY, sauerkraut and spicy mustard are the classic hot dog condiments. I like to add a good pickle relish. Then again, my brother swears by chili cheese dogs... I've never tried 'em.

[lilyalli]

Oh my.. never had a chili cheese dog? It's great fall and winter food! I'll make a simple dinner w/them: open faced with a hot dog on a slice of bread with some good chili, and then put some cheddar cheese and chopped onions on top! Yum! As for other hot dogs, I'm more of a cheeseburger person myself... but I really like a good hot dog at the movies or a ball game. I can't stand pickles or ketchup, but for some reason, at those places, all I want on my dog is ketchup, mustard and relish. At home, if I'm in the mood for a hot dog, I'll put mayo, mustard, american cheese and sliced onions on them. Have eaten them that way since I was a child.

[vvvindaloo]

I know, I know. I just can't see myself putting cheese on a hot dog. BTW- I should have mentioned my obsessive love of Yankee Stadium Jumbo dogs with mustard, ketchup and relish... it must be a baseball thing!