What’s Your Go-to Hot Dog Topping For Summer Cookouts?

One of my favorite things about summertime is the cookouts with family and friends. We don't get together as much as we should, but when we do, it's always a good time, and a time to reconnect with those whom you don't see often.

At these cookouts, we have fun and we love to pick on each other. One of these friendly back-and-forths includes the hot dog. What is the only acceptable brand, and what should and should not be put on a hot dog?

Everyone has their opinion, and, well, each person is correct, because that's simply how they enjoy this summertime cookout staple. My opinion? Well, my favorite is Boar's Head or Nathan's Famous, covered with cheese, chili, and onions. Sometimes, I'll add a bit of spicy mustard as well.

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I wondered what others in the Southern Tier like in a hot dog brand and what, if any, toppings they prefer. It appears that Hoffman's and Nathan's Famous are very popular, and there are a couple of brands I have not heard of, but must try.

Here are a few responses I received from a recent social media inquiry. Feel free to add in your favorites.

Some Of The Southern Tier's Favorite Hot Dog Brands/Toppings

Kathy K. - Hoffman's natural casing German franks. Grilled so the skin is crisp and cracks. Ketchup and Dill Relish on a grilled New England-style bun.

Julia S. & David M. - Sahlen's is the best brand.

Cheryl G. - Hoffman’s, reg & I like the white snappies too, cooked with Sweet Baby Ray’s honey bbq sauce!

Sue W. - Hoffman's natural casing...grilled till it splits... gotta have a toasted New England style bun. No condiments needed.

Kandie B. - Nathan's. Put 'em on a stick over a fire, when they start dripping, stick 'em on a bun and call it a day. Maybe a bit of mustard, but not always necessary. Perfection.

JoAnne S. - Hoffman’s German brand natural casing cooked on grill or in air fryer and topped with sauerkraut and mustard or topped with chili and sharp shredded cheese!

Chris C. - Sabrett's, chili, cheese, ketchup, mustard, raw sweet onion, and last but not least, mayo.

Theresa K. - Zwiegles! at Wegmans and Aldi's.

Dave K. - Berks. Made in PA.

Jones W. - I don't remember the name of them, but they are the beef ones Sam's Club sells, they are fantastic, great tasting, and big ones. They sell them in the deli and the cooler

Scott T. - Hoffman, Hebrew National.

Coralie D. - Sahlen's hands down. Made in Buffalo, they're the best. Only available in our area at Walmart.

Mike S. - Mustard, onions, and kraut.

Kerry B. - Ballpark only right answer with ketchup & mustard or chili cheese and onions.

Mel S. - Hoffmann’s hot dogs gluten gluten-free and don’t make me feel sick.

Peg T. - Nathan's with onions, dill relish, stone ground mustard, sauerkraut and sometimes chili and cheese. The bun must be top slit and toasted.

Mary W. - Zelwigers.

Phyllis K. - Members Mark Beef Hotdogs with chili, cheese, sauerkraut, caramelized onion on a potato roll.

Sandy M. - Hebrew National with Nance's mustard and sauerkraut.

Annette S.,  Crissy M. & Maria Z. - Nathan’s!

Sheri R. - Ballpark hot dogs and ketchup, and mustard.

Susan S. - Hoffman’s saurkraut/mustard or chili, cheese, and mustard could be almost any hot dog, but not a fan of all-beef ones.

Debbie M. - Hebrew National with mustard, relish and sauerkraut.

Kevin B. - Hoffman's natural casing German brand. With mustard and raw onions.

Scott S. - Nathan's with ketchup, mustard, and sweet relish.

Joseph B. - Hoffman’s snappers.

David M. - Salens.

Diane H. - Ketchup or sauerkraut if I have to eat hot dogs.

Michelle R. - Hoffman's German, Hoffman's snappy grillers, Nathan's.

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