Hot dogs are inexpensive and dog gone it, just fun to eat! Here’s some of my suggestions on how to change baseball stadium food into a gourmet experience for your family and friends! Grilled outside or simmered inside, either way, this will be a surprising approach to feeding your hungry crowd.

What about the “dogs”?
Keep in mind all the choices you have and your guest list. Don’t skimp on the dogs! Purchase big, plump hot dogs made from beef or turkey…or choose brats which really amp up the gourmet approach since you can find them in all kinds of flavors like cheddar/jalapeno and smoked garlic. Consider mini-dogs or Little Smokies as well and don’t forget you have vegetarian options too!

Selecting the Buns:
Bakery-made or bagged, we’re going ‘gourmet’ so pick up the freshest buns available and think outside of the box. Go for French rolls, poor boy buns, artisan-style with cheese or herb toppings, etc. The latest Gourmet Dog trend is to cradle two dogs in one bun so make sure whatever bun you choose will stand up to the challenge.

Gourmet Toppings Galore!

Saucy BBQ beef or pork
Cole Slaw
Sauerkraut
Sautéed bell peppers, onions and garlic
Seasonings like celery salt, chili powder, herbed ground pepper
Chili with or without beans, Cincinnati chili
Mustards – Dijon, brown, horseradish, chipotle, go crazy!
Cheeses – cheddar, swiss, jalapeno jack, nacho cheese sauce
Other condiments – ketchup, salsa, creamy pesto sauce, relish, Thousand Island dressing, pizza sauce
Chopped Add-ons:
Pickles, i.e. bread and butter, dill or sweet
Tomatoes (seeded please)
Onions
Hot peppers