Hot dogs are entrenched in America’s culinary history as an iconic ballpark, picnic, and cookout favorite. While hot dogs are often associated with iconic cities like New York and Chicago, they have also found a place in the hearts and palates of Appalachians, who have put their unique spin on classic food.
In Appalachia, hot dogs are more than just a convenient meal—they are a cultural phenomenon. These hot dogs feature regional variations in toppings and condiments, each reflecting the local flavors and traditions of the area.
West Virginia
The West Virginia-style hot dog is one of the most iconic Appalachian hot dog variations. In this rendition, a weenie is nestled in a soft, steamed bun and topped with chili, mayonnaise-based coleslaw, yellow mustard, and raw white onion.
The chili—sometimes called chili sauce or just sauce—is a thick, meaty sauce that can be sweet or spicy.
North & South Carolina
The Carolina-style hot dog also draws on the chili, slaw, mustard, and onion combo, but more attention is paid to the wiener itself.
Bright Leaf brand hot dogs are an iconic red hue. “This frank is a true old-fashioned beef and pork hot dog made the same way since 1941 when we started!” reads the website.
“These franks were dyed red to distinguish themselves as a genuine Southern delicacy and stand out among the competition. Today, the tradition is so strong that many locals won't even consider a brown hot dog.”
Tennessee
Boar’s Head published a recipe inspired by the local barbecue scene in Memphis.
The Memphis hot dog features a beef hot dog wrapped in bacon, paired with Tennessee-style barbecue sauce, and covered with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
Kentucky
Boonedogs Bar and Restaurant in Lexington makes a “Hot Brown Dog,” which doubles down on its Kentucky roots. The hot brown sandwich is a broiled, open-faced turkey, bacon, tomato, and cheese sandwich that originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville.
The hot dog is made with country ham, turkey, Mornay sauce, cheddar jack, bacon, tomato, Parmesan cheese and chives.
Ohio
Ohio is home to two distinct hot dog styles, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
Cleveland has “The Polish Boy,” topped with French fries, barbecue sauce or hot sauce, and coleslaw. It can also be topped with brown spicy Dijon mustard.
Cincinnati offered a Cincinnati-style chili dog topped with chili sauce and a mound of grated cheddar cheese—just like the famous Skyline Chili “three-way” spaghetti.
Alabama
In Birmingham, the “Special Dog” is well-known at Gus’s Hotdogs and features yellow mustard, onions, and sauerkraut. It’s topped with a “special” sauce, typically a beef-based sauce with various spices.
These hot dogs were first crafted by Greek immigrants who came to Birmingham from New York and Chicago in search of work and put their spin on the hot dog to differentiate it from a more standard New York version.
Georgia
One pharmacy in Columbus created a hot dog that is the only one on the list to require a fork and knife. Maybe a spoon.
The Scrambled Dog, created by Dinglewood Pharmacy, starts with a chopped-up hot dog on a bun smothered in chili, pickles, diced onion, and a layer of oyster crackers. Optional toppings include relish, cheese, or sour cream. Required accompaniments include an eating utensil. The pharmacy reportedly sells around 600 Scrambled Dogs per week to this day.
Mississippi
At South Miss Hotdogs and Handpies in Petal, there are a number of hot dog variations on the menu. The state namesake hot dog, though, “Mississippi Crack,” includes crack dip made of cream cheese, ground sausage, Rotel canned tomatoes, and chilies, and topped with crispy onions for extra crunch.
The term “Mississippi Hot Dog” also refers to a beginner violin song often used to teach children the instrument.
From homemade chili and cheese sauces to spicy relishes and pickled vegetables, there's no shortage of creative ways to dress up a hot dog in the mountains. Each regional variation offers a unique twist on the classic comfort food, reflecting the diverse flavors and traditions of the Appalachian region.
In an area known for its strong sense of community and hospitality, hot dogs serve as a delicious reminder of the shared bonds that unite us all. Whether enjoyed at a local diner, a family cookout, or a community festival, hot dogs bring people together, fostering connections and creating lasting memories.