As you know, The Fourth of July, Independence Day marks the day when American colonists adopted The Declaration of Independence, a document which, effectively, told the British monarchy to shove it. As with any holiday, Americans have certain Fourth of July traditions like drinking heavily, calling in sick the day before the actual holiday (yeah, we're on to you) and inhaling massive quantities of charred pork. While ribs and pulled pork are favorites on the old grill, there is one pork product that outshines these two mainstays--hot dogs.
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, there really is one) estimates that though July is National Hot Dog month, on the Fourth of July alone, Americans consume over 155 million hot dogs. The favored toppings? Mustard and grilled onions. People -- we can do better. This Fourth of July, try sticking these creative, toppings on your dog.
5. The Bangkok
Teriyaki sauce, crushed pineapple, crumbled bacon and chives.
If you've got a little more time, take fresh pineapple slices and grill them before chopping them up and adding them to your dog.
4. Bahn Mi Dog
Peanut sauce, cucumbers, jalapenos, thinly sliced cucumber,shredded carrots and cilantro. This recipe varies depending on who you ask and what you like. If you feel like a nut, go for the peanut sauce. If not, skip it. Want more heat? Add some Sriracha.
3. The Mexican
Grilled corn, refried beans, cotija cheese, chopped jalapenos, onion and mayo. Swap out the refried beans with black beans and add fresh, bright flavor with a little homemade pico de gallo.
2. My Big Fat Greek Hot Dog
Grape leaves, feta cheese, pitted kalamata olives or sub it with tapenade, chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion and tzatziki, a Greek yogurt sauce. Good luck layering all of these the bun but if you can pull it off, it's well worth the effort.
1. The Icelander
Remoulade, ketchup, fried onion mustard, raw onion and Bjork's tears.
This recipe comes care of Bæjarins beztu pylsur, Iceland's oldest and most famous hot dog stand who's admirers include Anthony Bourdain and Bill Clinton. I had the pleasure of eating several of these when I visited Reykjavic a few years ago. Apart from all of the toppings on this dog, the best part about eating it is that first bite. The casing of the hot dog snaps like a Slim Jim and nothing can top such a beautiful sound.
Got a favorite/creative hot dog topping? Share it in the comments section below.
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