Are spiral hot dogs the best way to enjoy a grilled hot dog?

The Shorty dog consists of braised short rib, caramelized onion, nacho cheese and crispy shallot at the Boston Hot Dog Company in Salem, Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
The Shorty dog consists of braised short rib, caramelized onion, nacho cheese and crispy shallot at the Boston Hot Dog Company in Salem, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. /
facebooktwitterreddit

Hot dogs might be one of the most divisive food options. From condiments to cooking techniques, everyone has their preference. As spiral hot dogs take over the discussion, is it really the best way to enjoy a grilled hot dog?

The idea of spiral hot dogs is not a new concept, but social media has brought the idea front and center for summer food conversation. For those unfamiliar with the concept, a hot dog is cut in a way to create a spiralized look. As the hot dog cooks on the grill, the surface area increases, and it is a long, curly piece of food.

To be honest, this hot dog method is not going to be found at the ballpark or other restaurant situation. Although it does not have a huge amount of prep time, it is just not necessarily the easiest cooking technique for large scale cooking.

One of the reasons why spiral hot dogs have caught people’s attention is the hot dog to condiment ratio. Given the additional surface area, it allows more toppings to be enjoyed in every bite. After all, no one likes when that condiment slides off the hot dog.

Many people are using this concept with salsa. Although it works just as well with ketchup, mustard, or even relish, the reality is that salsa needs more surface area so that it does not slide off the hot dog. With this idea, there is a balance ratio of hot dog to topping in every bite.

Thinking about that salsa topping, it needs to bring the flavor. Whether it is the bold, smoky, spicy Cholula Smoky Chipotle Salsa or the vibrant, LA VICTORIA Thick ‘n Chunky Salsa Verde, there are many ways to experiment with this food combination.

Are the spiral hot dogs a must for the next grilling adventure? It depends on personal preference. Then again, a similar idea can happen when that hot dog splits in the microwave, and that situation takes a lot less effort.