3 minute read

Food

Tasty twists to the traditional patriotic fare

The traditional ketchup or mustard hot dog is great at the ballpark, but the options are endless when you’re at home. Have a little fun with one of these twists on the typical hot dog. These toppings also pair well with other grill fare like steaks and hamburgers.

BY ANNIE LUST

FOURTH OF JULY — Who needs a plate when you can pile all of your favorite cookout fixings on top of your hot dog? Start with a bun, add a hot dog, then pile pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and even a few potato chips.

FRENCH ONION — You cannot go wrong with this mouthwatering spin on French Onion Soup. Lightly toast the bun, grill a hotdog and caramelize onions. Then, sprinkle Gruyere over the hot dog and place it under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your bun is taking the place of the crouton, so slight crispiness is desirable. Add the caramelized onion. Bon appétit.

GREEK — Give your hot dog some Mediterranean flair. Top with cucumber, olives, onion, feta crumbles and tzatziki drizzle.

BREAKFAST — Don’t wait until lunch to enjoy a hot dog. Toast your bun and grill your hot dog. Fry an egg, a slice of bacon and some shredded potatoes. Pile everything on your hot dog, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and devour.

CAESAR — Caesar salads? Delicious. Hot dogs? Also delicious. Put them together for a tasty treat. Toast your bun and grill your hot dog. Make parmesan chips by putting small piles of parmesan under the broiler until they are golden. Let the chips cool, top the hot dog with romaine lettuce, parmesan chips and a drizzle of caesar dressing.

CHICKEN BACON RANCH — This classic combo works so well on a hot dog. Use chicken hot dogs. Toast your bun. Before grilling, wrap bacon around your hot dog. Top with lettuce, tomato and a drizzle of Ranch.

SEAFOOD — Shrimp! Lobster! Crab! You can add a sea flair to any hot dog. Butter and toast your bun and grill your hot dog. Top with crab meat, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Pretend you’re on the beach and enjoy.

VEGETARIAN — Not a meat-eater? No problem. A carrot makes a surprisingly tasty substitute. Peel a carrot and trim it to bun-size. Marinate it (it’s easy to find a recipe online). Brush with olive oil and grill. Voila! Add any toppings you like.

ENCHILADA — Add some Mexican flavors to a hot dog for an incredible treat. Select chicken hot dogs. Toast your bun and grill your hot dog. Top with your favorite enchilada toppings, including black beans, Mexican shredded cheese, onion, diced green chiles and enchilada sauce.

PHILLY CHEESE — Start with a beef hot dog. Butter and toast your bun. Saute peppers and onions. Add a slice of provolone cheese to your hot dog and place under broiler until melted and bubbly. Add peppers and onions and enjoy.