A chili dog is a popular American dish consisting of a hot dog topped with chili sauce, onions, mustard, and sometimes other ingredients. While chili dogs are enjoyed all across the United States, they have a distinct regional flair in the South. From the types of hot dogs used to the chili recipes, Southern chili dogs have their own unique twist on this classic comfort food.
Origins of the Chili Dog
The origins of the chili dog are disputed, but most food historians agree it was probably invented sometime in the early 20th century. Some claim it was first served at drive-ins and burger joints in the Midwest, while others say it originated along the Texas-Mexico border. Wherever it was first created, the concept quickly spread across the country.
By the 1950s and 1960s, chili dogs had become a popular menu item at restaurants and stands across the South. The humid climate and leisurely outdoor lifestyle made them an ideal summertime meal. Chili dogs were inexpensive, portable, and easy to customize to local tastes.
Regional Hot Dog Styles
One distinctive aspect of Southern chili dogs is the type of hot dogs used. Different areas across the South have their own regional hot dog preferences based on local culture and available ingredients.
The Carolinas
In the Carolinas, a popular hot dog choice is the Carolina red hot. Sometimes also called a red snapper, this is an all-beef smoked sausage typically flavored with chili pepper, paprika, garlic, and other warm spices. The red color comes from generous amounts of red pepper flakes. Carolina red hots are pork-free, making them a convenient option for Jewish patrons. Carolina chili dog stands often serve these spicy red links with chili, coleslaw, mustard, and onions.
Memphis
Memphis hot dogs are also all-beef, but have a distinct natural casing that gives them a signature “snap” when bitten. They are made from a milder blend of spices compared to other Southern hots dogs. Memphis chili dogs feature these mild franks topped with a meaty chili made without beans, along with mustard and chopped raw onions.
Georgia
The hot dog of choice in Georgia is the Nu-Way Wiener. Nu-Way is a regional brand based in Macon, Georgia that has been making hot dogs since 1916. Their natural-casing dogs are a beef/pork blend with a slightly smoky, old-fashioned flavor. A Georgia chili dog dresses these wieners up with beef chili, yellow mustard, raw onions, and sometimes oyster crackers.
| Region | Hot Dog Style |
|---|---|
| The Carolinas | Carolina red hot – all-beef with chili pepper and paprika |
| Memphis | Memphis-style hot dog – mild all-beef with natural casing |
| Georgia | Nu-Way Wiener – beef/pork blend with natural casing |
Regional Chili Styles
Just as the hot dogs vary around the South, so do the recipes for chili sauce. Southern chili is almost always made with beef and beans are rare. But the spices, consistency, and preparation method differ from state to state.
Texas Chili
Texas is famous for its chili con carne – an all-meat chili made with beef, chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and other Tex-Mex spices. This style of chili is used on chili dogs around Dallas, Austin, and other parts of the Lone Star State. It has a thick, meaty texture and robust spicy flavor.
Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili originated in Ohio, but is also popular in neighboring areas of Kentucky. It has a thin, sauce-like consistency and a unique sweet-spicy flavor from ingredients like cinnamon, cocoa powder, and ground allspice berries. This type of finely-ground meat chili graces hot dogs around Louisville and other cities along the Ohio River.
Carolina Chili
The Carolinas are known for “Carolina-style” chili made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, chili powder, oregano, and other aromatic spices. It has a mildly spicy, tomato-rich taste. From Charlotte to Charleston, Carolina chili hot dog stands serve this meaty red chili ladled over plump red hot dogs.
| Region | Chili Style |
|---|---|
| Texas | Texas-style chili con carne – all meat with Tex-Mex spices |
| Cincinnati | Cincinnati chili – thin meat sauce with cinnamon and cocoa |
| The Carolinas | Carolina chili – spicy tomato-based beef chili |
Traditional Southern Chili Dog Toppings
While the hot dog and chili vary by region, most Southern chili dogs are topped with a similar standard set of condiments and garnishes.
Onions
Chopped raw onions are a quintessential chili dog topping in the South. Yellow onions are the most common, adding a sharp crunch and bite. Sweet Vidalia onions are also popular in Georgia. The onion’s acidity and sulfurous bite help cut through the richness of the chili.
Mustard
Yellow mustard is the most traditional chili dog topping across the South. The tangy mustard flavor contrasts nicely with the chili’s spices. Spicy brown mustard or Dijon are sometimes used as well.
Cheese
While not universal, a sprinkling of shredded cheddar or yellow cheese on top of a chili dog is common at many Southern stands. The melted cheese adds creamy texture and saltiness.
Coleslaw
A unique Carolina chili dog topping is coleslaw – crisp shredded cabbage dressed with a sweetened mayo dressing. The cool crunch and vinegar tang offsets the chili’s richness.
Oyster Crackers
Salted oyster crackers are a popular accompaniment to chili dogs served in Georgia. Crackers add a crunchy topping texture and help absorb excess chili juices.
Unique Southern Chili Dog Variations
Beyond the standards, some specialty Southern chili dogs distinguish themselves with creative, regionally-inspired toppings and ingredients.
Mississippi Slaw Dog
Popular at stands in Mississippi, these dogs are topped with a scoop of tangy mustard slaw instead of regular coleslaw. The yellow mustard-based dressing gives the cabbage a spicy kick.
Memphis Pizza Dog
Memphis pizza dogs include mozzarella cheese melted over the chili, plus a drizzle of Italian pizza sauce down the center. The marinara and cheese mimic pizza flavors.
Green Chili Dog
A few chili dog vendors across Texas serve “green chili dogs”, using salsa verde instead of traditional red chili sauce. The tangy green tomatillo salsa makes a flavorful twist.
Texas Frito Pie Dog
Some Texas hot dog eateries cook crumbled Frito corn chips right into the chili, then ladle the Frito-flecked chili over dogs. This mimics the flavors of Frito pie in hot dog form.
Carolina Slaw and Chili Dog
For a double hit of chili and coleslaw, some Carolina chili dog stands layer coleslaw right over the chili. The creamy slaw forms a barrier between the hot chili and cool cabbage.
Best Places to Try Southern Chili Dogs
Every Southern town and city has its own favorite chili dog stands, but these are some of the most famous and historic spots to sample authentic regional chili dogs:
Nu-Way Weiners, Macon, Georgia
This Georgia institution has been serving their signature chili dogs since 1916. Their natural-casing beef and pork Nu-Way franks are griddle-cooked to plump, juicy perfection.
Ben’s Chili Bowl, Washington DC
Ben’s half-smoke sausages are legendary, as is the meaty chili ladled over top. While not technically in the South, DC has adopted Ben’s as its own since the 1950s.
The Varsity, Atlanta, Georgia
This iconic Atlanta drive-in is known for its chili dogs and “Varisity-style” spicy chili sauce. They’ve served over 300 million hot dogs since 1928.
Blue Sky Diner, Chattanooga, Tennessee
This vintage diner serves classic Cincinnati 5-way chili dogs with spaghetti noodles and heaps of shredded cheddar. It’s a chili dog feast!
Chris Madrid’s, San Antonio, Texas
Locals flock to this San Antonio spot for loaded chili dogs blanketed in cheddar and onions. Their secret-recipe chili has a legendary local following.
How to Make Classic Southern Chili Dogs at Home
To make tasty chili dogs at home, follow these steps:
Ingredients
- Hot dogs of your choice (beef, pork, or all-beef)
- Chili (your favorite recipe or store-bought)
- Hot dog buns
- Yellow mustard
- Chopped onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickle chips, slaw, or other desired toppings
Steps
- Cook hot dogs on the stovetop, grill, or microwave until heated through.
- Gently warm chili in a saucepan until heated through.
- Place cooked hot dogs in buns and top with a spoonful of chili.
- Add mustard, onions, and any other desired toppings.
- Top with cheddar cheese and melt under the broiler if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
The History and Regional Differences Make Southern Chili Dogs Unique
With its distinct ingredients and preparation methods, chili dogs offer a savory taste of the South. The regional variations from the buns to the chili reflect the diverse influences that shape Southern food culture. While hot dogs and meat sauces are enjoyed nationwide, Southerners have proudly made the chili dog their own. Next time you’re below the Mason Dixon line, sample these specialties at a roadside stand for a true taste of Southern comfort food history.