When someone says "barbecue" you think of the classic meal: A hotdog, a bun, a zig of mustard and a zag of ketchup. Maybe a few onions and relish on top, depending on your preferences.
While the classic hot dog is a campsite staple, it's not your only option. A few unconventional toppings are all you need to create a whole new meal, or you can choose a different kind of dog altogether. Chew on these ideas before you shop for your next camping trip.
Chili Dog
Pair a traditional hot dog with vegetarian or beef chili for a delicious twist on the classic preparation. What's better, you can make the chili at the campsite in your Dutch oven and eat the leftovers for another meal.
Chicken Sausage
Throw out the hot dog altogether and nosh on chicken sausage instead. Applegate Farms makes a variety of gourmet flavors like organic chicken and apple sausage, organic andouille sausage and organic fire roasted red pepper sausage.
Chicken Dog
Chicken hot dogs are leaner than all-beef or beef and poultry mix dogs, making them lower in fat and often sodium, as well. Pair your chicken dog with a whole-wheat bun for a healthy hot dog dinner.
Turkey Sausage
If you want to ditch the hot dog altogether, swap it out for a turkey sausage. Cook it over the fire for the smoky, charred flavor that makes campfire cooking so delicious and unique.
Corndog
This childhood favorite is a great hot dog alternative, but don't buy the frozen version. Instead, make your own right at the campsite. Use this recipe from Life in the Lofthouse.
Vegan Dog
Many shy away from vegan and vegetarian dogs because of their unappetizing and processed ingredients. However, if you choose not to eat meat, but still want to have a dog around the campfire, check out the franks from Field Roast. While some of their ingredients are less than ideal, they pride themselves on using mostly all-natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar and paprika.
Uncured All Beef
An uncured, all-beef hot dog varies in taste and health benefits. An uncured dog has no nitrates, which come from the salts used in a traditional curing process. Check out the Applegate uncured beef hot dog, which can be found in most grocery stores.
Seafood Roll
If you don't want a hot dog or sausage at all, choose a different protein. With fresh fish and veggies you can still fill a hot dog bun, without having to skip out all together. Try this seafood roll and chunky avocado salad recipe.
Pizza Dog
Ditch the ketchup, mustard and onions for marinara, cheese and pepperoni when you opt for a pizza dog. Make sure to roast your dog on a stick so you still get the campfire flavor that's so delicious.
Bacon Dog
While this isn't the healthiest alternative, it's certainly different from the traditional option. Remember, this hot dog variation will need to be cooked in a pan over the fire so the bacon stays wrapped.
Reserve a campsite.
Jessica Sanders is the Associate Online Editor for ReserveAmerica.com. After many years of camping and hiking in the Northeast, she's exploring what the West has to offer and sharing all of her knowledge with you. She's a s'mores master, campsite connoisseur, writer, runner and lover of all things outdoors. Follow her on Google+.
FAQs
Portobello Mushroom “Hotdogs”
Portobello mushrooms are an excellent meaty substitute that adds a rich flavor to your hotdog experience. Marinate the mushrooms in your favorite grilling marinade for added flavor.
Why are there 10 hot dogs? ›
Because hot dogs are sold by the pound, and standard-sized hot dogs sold in stores weigh 1.6 ounces, 10 is the perfect number for a package. This started in 1940 and remains so today.
What is healthier than a hot dog? ›
From an overall perspective, the hamburger is a better option. A 4-ounce hamburger has about six times the amount of protein as a hot dog, with about a quarter of the sodium. Nutritionally, that's a better balance.
What meat is similar to hot dogs? ›
Hot dogs and bologna share one key similarity: they're both emulsified meat products.
What is a hot dog without a bun called? ›
Originally Answered: What do you call a hotdog without the bun? It's still a hot dog. However. if you want to be more precise, call it by the name for that type of sausage. Traditionally, a hot dog (sandwich) is made with a wiener.
Is a hot dog still a hot dog without a bun? ›
In the US, the term hot dog refers to both the sausage by itself and the combination of sausage and bun.
Why are hotdogs Glizzy? ›
With roots in the rap world, a glizzy is slang for a Glock handgun. The evolution of the word to include hotdog. comes from the extended magazine of a pistol, which is about the length of a hotdog.
What is the forbidden hot dog? ›
You just shove the wholesale chain's hot dog into one of its chicken bakes — a rolled calzone-style pocket filled with chicken breast, cheese, bacon, Caesar dressing, and onions.
What was the old name for hot dogs? ›
Hot dogs were called 'red hots' or 'dachshund sausages' before it took its current elusive name. When vendors in the New York Polo Grounds in 1901 were screaming, “They're red hot! Get your dachshund sausages while they're red hot!”, the cartoonist observed and drew barking dachshund sausages in a warm roll.
Is A hot dog a junk food? ›
Up to 80 percent of the calories in regular hot dogs come from fat, and much of it is the unhealthy saturated type. Regularly eating processed meats like hot dogs has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and colon cancer.
Processed or fatty meats
A 2020 study showed that eating just 50 g red meat or fish each day can raise diabetes risk by 11%. Also, people with diabetes should consider avoiding or limiting the intake of: breaded, fried, and high-sodium meats. processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats.
Can you make hot dogs healthier? ›
Here are some tips to a better 'dog. Choose a hot dog that is lower in fat (less than 10 g of total fat and 5 g of saturated fat) and sodium (less then 500mg). Look for light or reduced fat versions; fat-free versions usually add more sodium for flavor. Here are some brands that fit the bill.
Which hot dogs are 100% beef? ›
Nathan's Famous premium, 100% beef hot dogs feature the same original recipe cooked up by Nathan himself over 100 years ago. Explore all our varieties and keep the tradition sizzling at your next ballgame or family grill out!
What meat is Costco hot dog? ›
According to the warehouse's magazine, The Costco Connection, Kirkland hot dogs are 10% heavier and longer than the original quarter pound franks. They're also made from 100 percent beef that's exclusively USDA Choice or better.
Are hot dogs 100% meat? ›
Hot dogs are often made of combinations of different meats, including poultry. However, some of the most popular types of hot dogs in the United States are 100 percent beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. Also popular are corn dogs, hot dogs with cheese, and vegetarian hot dogs.
What is a healthy substitute for hot dog buns? ›
Tear off 2 leaves of romaine lettuce, wash them, stack them together, throw your dog in there, top it, and FEAST! This non-bun bun option also works great for hamburgers, hot dogs, pretty much anything since romaine leaves are a perfect "boat" shape!
Which is healthier, hot dog or sausage? ›
Generally because they are larger, dinner sausages will contain more calories than a standard hot dog, but they also offer higher levels of protein and nutrients such as phosphorus, selenium, zinc and Vitamin B12.
Are bratwurst healthier than hot dogs? ›
Hot Dog — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison. Bratwursts are 5 times richer in Vitamin B1 than hot dogs. They also contain less sodium. On the other hand, hot dogs contain fewer calories, more calcium, and phosphorus.
What are 3 types of meat that can be used to make hotdogs? ›
Hot dogs are made from the emulsified meat trimmings of chicken, beef, or pork. This meat mixture is blended with other ingredients (like preservatives, spices, and coloring) into a batter-like substance.
