Southern Slaw Dogs

Looking for a fun new way to change up the classic summer hot dog? These Southern slaw dogs are a delicious twist that is full of flavor. Each hot dog is topped with barbecue sauce and a simple homemade coleslaw for a combination that is creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory all at once.

One thing I especially recommend for these Southern slaw dogs is to toast the buns first. Since the coleslaw adds a creamy topping, a toasted bun helps hold everything together much better and keeps it from getting soggy too quickly. It also adds a little extra texture, which makes the whole hot dog even better.

I am not usually a big fan of yellow mustard, so instead of drizzling it directly over the hot dogs, I worked that flavor into the coleslaw by using Dijon mustard. It gives the slaw a nice tangy bite without overpowering everything else. That way, you still get that classic mustard flavor, but in a more balanced and subtle way.

Ingredients for Southern Slaw Dogs

• COLESLAW MIX – Coleslaw mix makes this recipe quick and easy since the cabbage and carrots are already shredded for you. It is the base of the slaw and adds the crisp, fresh crunch that makes these hot dogs so good.
• MAYONNAISE OR MIRACLE WHIP – Mayonnaise gives the slaw its creamy texture and rich flavor. Miracle Whip can also be used if you prefer a slightly sweeter and tangier dressing.
• SUGAR – A little sugar helps balance the mustard’s tang and the dressing’s richness. It also gives the slaw that classic sweet-and-creamy flavor.
• DIJON MUSTARD OR HONEY DIJON MUSTARD – Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor to the slaw without needing to drizzle mustard directly on the hot dog. Honey Dijon works well, too, and adds a little extra sweetness along with mustard flavor.
• HONEY – Honey adds a natural sweetness to the slaw and helps round out the tangy flavors. It also pairs really well with the barbecue sauce on the hot dogs.
• ALL BEEF HOT DOGS – All beef hot dogs are the hearty base of this recipe. Using a good-quality hot dog makes a big difference since it is one of the main flavors in every bite.
• HOT DOG BUNS – The buns hold everything together and turn the slaw dogs into an easy handheld meal. Toasting them first helps them stay sturdy under all of the toppings.
• BUTTER – Butter is used for toasting the buns and adds extra flavor while helping them get golden and crisp. It also helps prevent the buns from getting soggy too quickly.
• BBQ SAUCE – BBQ sauce adds smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to the hot dogs. It pairs perfectly with the creamy slaw and gives these hot dogs their Southern-style twist.

Instructions for Southern Slaw Dogs

The coleslaw itself is incredibly easy to make. All you need is a bag of coleslaw mix along with mayonnaise, sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Stir it all together, then let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. That time in the fridge helps the flavors blend together and gives the slaw its best texture.

You can cook the hot dogs however you like, so this recipe is easy to adapt to your favorite method. My personal favorite is cooking them on the grill because I love the flavor and those dark grill marks they get.

If grilling is not an option, the air fryer is my second-favorite way to cook them, since it gets you closer to that grilled taste. My husband, on the other hand, prefers his hot dogs boiled, so there is definitely more than one way to make these work for your family.

Spread a little butter on the inside of each bun, then place them under the broiler until they are lightly golden and toasted. Keep a close eye on them, since they can brown quickly.

To serve, place each hot dog in a toasted bun. Drizzle the top with barbecue sauce, then finish with a generous spoonful of the coleslaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it is even better if you make it ahead and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend together.

Why should I toast the hot dog buns?
Toasting the buns helps them hold up better under the coleslaw and barbecue sauce. It also adds extra flavor and keeps the buns from getting soggy too quickly.

What kind of hot dogs work best for this recipe?
All-beef hot dogs work well because their rich flavor pairs well with the slaw and barbecue sauce. Using a good-quality hot dog will give you the best results.

How can I cook the hot dogs?
You can cook them however you like. Grilling gives them great flavor and grill marks, but they can also be cooked in the air fryer, on the stovetop, or by boiling.

Can I use store-bought coleslaw instead of homemade?
Yes. If you need a shortcut, store-bought coleslaw will work. However, the homemade slaw gives the hot dogs a fresher flavor and lets you control the sweetness and tang.

What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
Use your favorite barbecue sauce. A sweet and smoky sauce works especially well with the creamy slaw.

Can I add other toppings?
Yes. If you want, you can add extra toppings like pickles, chopped onions, or even jalapeños. But these hot dogs already have plenty of flavor with just the barbecue sauce and slaw.

How should I store leftovers?
Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the hot dogs, buns, and barbecue sauce separate, then assemble the slaw dogs fresh when ready to eat.

Tips and Tricks

• Make the coleslaw ahead of time. Letting it chill for at least 1 hour gives the flavors time to blend and makes the slaw taste even better.
• Toast the buns first. This helps the buns hold up better under the creamy slaw and barbecue sauce so they do not get soggy too quickly.
• Use a good-quality all-beef hot dog. Since the hot dog is the base of the recipe, using one with good flavor makes a big difference.
• Grill the hot dogs if you can. Grilling adds extra flavor and gives the hot dogs those classic dark grill marks that make them even better.
• Use your favorite barbecue sauce. A sweet and smoky barbecue sauce works especially well with the creamy slaw and gives the hot dogs great flavor.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Chili Cheese Dog Chili
• Hot Dog and Bean Cassserole
• Homemade Honey Corn Dogs
• South Carolina Bird Dogs

Recipe inspired by Pam’s Daily Dish.