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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
