This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.
Carolina Dogs are the ultimate Southern-style hot dogs, piled high with savory hot dog chili, creamy slaw, yellow mustard, and finely chopped onions. Also known as Chili Slaw Dogs, these loaded hot dogs have a little bit of everything in every bite.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItThey’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but especially good for summer cookouts, game day, parties, and anytime you’re feeding a hungry crowd. With homemade Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili and Southern-Style Slaw, a basic hot dog becomes something seriously worth getting excited about.
Table of Contents
- ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What are Carolina Dogs?
- Key Ingredients
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- Variations
- Tips for Best Results
- FAQs
- Storage
- How to Make Carolina Dogs
- Make Ahead
- What to serve with Carolina Dogs
- If You Enjoyed Carolina Dogs
- 📌 Save This Recipe
- Carolina Dogs (aka Chili Slaw Dogs) Recipe
- 🥡 Storage
- ♨️ Reheating
- ❄️ Freezing
- 💡 Tips for Best Results
- 🍳 Alternate Cooking Methods
- ♻️ Leftovers
- 📝 Notes
- 🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with flavor. Savory chili, cool and creamy slaw, tangy mustard, and fresh onion make the perfect combination.
- Easy to assemble. Once the chili and slaw are ready, the hot dogs come together quickly.
- Perfect for cookouts. Carolina Dogs are made for backyard barbecues, summer parties, and casual get-togethers.
- Great for feeding a crowd. Set out the hot dogs and toppings and let everyone build their own.
- Easy to customize. Add more chili, pile on the slaw, skip the onions, or adjust the mustard to make yours exactly how you like it.
- A Southern favorite. If you love regional hot dog recipes, this classic combination deserves a spot on your menu.
What are Carolina Dogs?
Carolina Dogs are hot dogs topped with chili, coleslaw, yellow mustard, and chopped onions. They’re especially popular throughout the Carolinas and other parts of the South.
You may also hear them called Chili Slaw Dogs, Carolina-style hot dogs, or simply Carolina hot dogs. While exact toppings can vary depending on where you get one, the combination of chili and slaw is what really sets them apart.
The chili used for Carolina Dogs is typically a finely textured hot dog chili rather than a chunky bowl-style chili. The slaw adds a cool, creamy crunch that balances the rich chili, while yellow mustard provides a tangy bite and chopped onions add another layer of flavor and texture.
It’s messy in the best possible way.
Key Ingredients
NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
Hot dogs: Use eight of your favorite hot dogs. Since there are plenty of toppings involved, choose a hot dog you already know you enjoy.
Hot dog buns: Warm the buns before assembling the Carolina Dogs. A warm, soft bun makes a big difference with all those toppings.
Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili: A finely textured homemade chili is one of the defining toppings on a Carolina Dog. Prepare the chili according to the recipe directions before assembling the hot dogs.
Southern-Style Slaw: Creamy slaw provides the cool, crunchy contrast that makes Chili Slaw Dogs so good. Make it ahead so it has plenty of time to chill before serving.
Yellow mustard: Classic yellow mustard adds the tangy bite that balances the chili and creamy slaw.
Onions: Finely chopped onions add fresh flavor and a little extra crunch. Chop them small, so they distribute easily over the top of each hot dog.
Ingredients & Substitutions
NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Southern-Style Slaw: For the classic Carolina Dog experience, use the Southern-Style Slaw called for in the recipe. A different creamy coleslaw can work if needed, but it will change the flavor and texture of the finished hot dogs. Avoid strongly flavored or vinegar-heavy slaws if you want to stay close to the traditional combination.
- Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili: The homemade Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili is specifically made with the fine texture that works well on hot dogs. Another finely textured hot dog chili can be substituted, but regular chunky chili is not an ideal swap because it can overwhelm the hot dog and make the finished Carolina Dog harder to eat.
- Hot dogs: Use your favorite hot dogs. Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a combination variety can all work, so choose whichever type your family prefers.
- Hot dog buns: Standard hot dog buns work best. Potato buns or other soft hot dog rolls can also be used. Choose a bun sturdy enough to hold the chili and slaw without falling apart.
- Yellow mustard: Classic yellow mustard gives Carolina Dogs their familiar tangy flavor. If necessary, you can substitute another mild mustard, but Dijon or spicy brown mustard will noticeably change the traditional flavor.
- Onions: Yellow or white onions are good choices. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, finely chopped sweet onion can be substituted. The onions can also be omitted if you don’t care for them.
Variations
- Grilled Carolina Dogs: Instead of cooking the hot dogs in a skillet, grill them using your preferred method before adding the toppings.
- Hot dog roller: A hot dog roller is a convenient option when you’re making Carolina Dogs for a crowd. Keep the cooked hot dogs warm while everyone builds their own.
- Extra chili: If chili is your favorite part, pile on a little extra before adding the slaw.
- Extra slaw: Add a generous scoop of slaw for even more cool, creamy crunch.
- Without onions: Not an onion fan? Leave them off. The chili, mustard, and slaw still give you plenty of classic Carolina Dog flavor.
- Build-your-own Carolina Dog bar: Keep the hot dogs warm and set out the chili, slaw, mustard, and onions separately. Everyone can assemble their own exactly how they like it.
Tips for Best Results
- Make the slaw ahead. The Southern-Style Slaw should be prepared at least 2-3 hours before you plan to eat. This gives it time to chill and allows the flavors to come together.
- Use the large holes of a box grater for the cabbage. This gives the slaw the texture you want for topping hot dogs.
- Check the slaw consistency. The cabbage should be lightly and evenly coated with dressing. If it seems too dry, add a little more mayonnaise at a time until it reaches the consistency you prefer.
- Keep the chili texture fine. Hot dog chili should have a much finer texture than traditional bowl-style chili. If necessary, use a potato masher or food processor to get the texture you want.
- Brown the hot dogs after simmering. The quick simmer helps plump the hot dogs, while browning them afterward adds extra flavor.
- Warm the buns. Warm buns are softer and make the finished Carolina Dogs even better.
- Don’t be shy with the toppings. A Carolina Dog is supposed to be loaded. Add a generous amount of chili and slaw so you get some of everything in each bite.
FAQs
A classic Carolina Dog is topped with hot dog chili, coleslaw, yellow mustard, and finely chopped onions. The combination of savory chili and cool, creamy slaw is what makes this style of hot dog distinctive.
Chili Slaw Dog is another common name for this style of hot dog. Both names generally describe a hot dog topped with chili and slaw, along with mustard and onions.
Use a finely textured hot dog chili rather than a chunky chili made for eating by the bowl. The fine texture makes it easier to spoon over the hot dog and helps keep all the toppings together.
The slaw should be chilled. The contrast between the hot dog and chili and the cool, creamy slaw is part of what makes Carolina Dogs so good.
Absolutely. Grill the hot dogs using your favorite method, then place them in warmed buns and add the chili, mustard, slaw, and onions.
Yes! Prepare the chili and slaw ahead of time, then keep the cooked hot dogs warm. Set out the buns and toppings and let everyone assemble their own Carolina Dogs. A hot dog roller is especially handy when you’re feeding a crowd.
It’s better to prepare the individual components ahead and assemble the hot dogs just before serving. Chili and slaw can quickly soften the buns if assembled too early.
Storage
For the best results, store the components separately rather than storing fully assembled Carolina Dogs.
Keep leftover hot dogs, chili, and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Store buns separately at room temperature according to the package directions.
When you’re ready for another Carolina Dog, reheat the hot dog and chili, then assemble it with cold slaw, mustard, and onions.
How to Make Carolina Dogs
NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Prepare the slaw. Make the Southern-Style Slaw according to the recipe directions. Plan to start it at least 2-3 hours before serving.
- Prepare the chili. Make the Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili according to the recipe directions.
- Simmer the hot dogs. Place the hot dogs in a large skillet in a single layer and cover them with water. Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the hot dogs begin to plump.
- Brown the hot dogs. Drain the water and continue cooking the hot dogs over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, for about 7-8 minutes or until browned on all sides.
- Assemble. Place each hot dog in a warmed bun. Generously spoon chili over the hot dog and drizzle with yellow mustard.
- Finish the toppings. Top with slaw and finely chopped onions.
- Serve immediately. Carolina Dogs are best served hot while the slaw is still cool and crunchy.
Make Ahead
The slaw is the most important part to make ahead. Prepare your Southern-Style Slaw at least 2-3 hours before you plan to serve the Carolina Dogs so it has time to chill.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
The Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated before assembling the hot dogs.
For parties or cookouts, have the slaw chilled and chili ready before you begin cooking the hot dogs. Once the hot dogs are cooked, all that’s left is warming the buns and assembling everything.
Wait to assemble the Carolina Dogs until you’re ready to eat. Adding the chili and slaw too far ahead can make the buns soggy.
What to serve with Carolina Dogs
Carolina Dogs are already loaded with plenty of flavor, so simple cookout sides are perfect alongside them.
Potato salad, pasta salad, baked beans, French fries, onion rings, potato chips, corn on the cob, or fresh fruit would all make great choices. For a larger backyard barbecue, serve them as part of a spread with several cold salads and easy sides so everyone can help themselves.
And honestly, a Carolina Dog with a pile of crispy fries and an ice-cold drink is pretty hard to beat.
If You Enjoyed Carolina Dogs
For another fun way to dress up a basic hot dog, try my Chicago Hot Dogs. They’re another regional favorite loaded with toppings, making them a natural recipe to mention when talking about different ways people enjoy hot dogs across the country.
If you’re planning a cookout, a batch of French Fries in the Air Fryer is an easy side for these Carolina Dogs. Crispy fries and a loaded chili dog are pretty much made for each other.
Another cookout favorite is my Macaroni Salad. It’s cool, creamy, and easy to make ahead, which makes it especially handy when the hot dogs need your attention right before serving.
You can’t go wrong with Instant Pot Baked Beans alongside Carolina Dogs. They’re a classic backyard barbecue side and a great choice when you’re feeding a hungry crowd.
For something cool and crunchy on the side, try my Refrigerator Pickles. Their tangy flavor is a nice contrast to the rich chili and creamy slaw piled onto these hot dogs.
My Grilled Corn is another easy addition to a summer cookout menu. Throw it on the grill while you’re getting everything else ready, and you’ve got a simple side that goes with just about anything.
And don’t forget the drinks! A cold glass of Perfect Lemonade is just right with a messy, loaded Carolina Dog, especially for summer cookouts and backyard get-togethers.
📌 Save This Recipe
Love these Carolina Dogs? Save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it the next time you need an easy cookout dinner, game day meal, or loaded hot dog recipe.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Carolina Dogs (aka Chili Slaw Dogs)
Would you like to save this?
We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
- large skillet
- serving spoons for chili and slaw
Ingredients
For the slaw
- 1 recipe Southern-Style Slaw, prepared according to recipe directions
For the chili
- 1 recipe Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili, prepared according to recipe directions
For the hot dogs
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns, warmed
- Yellow mustard, to taste
- Finely chopped onions, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the slaw
- Prepare the Southern-Style Slaw according to the recipe directions. For the best results, prepare the slaw at least 2-3 hours before serving.1 recipe Southern-Style Slaw
Prepare the chili
- Prepare the Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili according to the recipe directions.1 recipe Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili
Cook the hot dogs
- Place the hot dogs in a large skillet in a single layer and cover with water.8 hot dogs
- Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until the hot dogs plump, about 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the water from the skillet. Return the hot dogs to the pan if necessary.
- Continue cooking the hot dogs over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 7-8 minutes.
Assemble the Carolina Dogs
- Place each cooked hot dog in a warmed bun.8 hot dog buns
- Generously spoon the chili over each hot dog.
- Drizzle with yellow mustard.Yellow mustard
- Top each hot dog with slaw, followed by finely chopped onions.Finely chopped onions
- Serve immediately.
Notes
🥡 Storage
- For the best results, store leftover hot dogs, chili, and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the components separate prevents the buns from becoming soggy and makes reheating easier.
- Do not store fully assembled Carolina Dogs unless necessary. The chili and slaw will quickly soften the buns.
♨️ Reheating
- Reheat the hot dogs and chili separately until heated through. Keep the slaw cold.
- Once everything is ready, place the reheated hot dog in a warmed bun and top it with hot chili, yellow mustard, cold slaw, and chopped onions.
❄️ Freezing
- Do not freeze fully assembled Carolina Dogs.
- If you want to freeze any individual component, follow the freezing recommendations provided with that component recipe. The slaw should be handled according to the storage and freezing instructions in the Southern-Style Slaw recipe, and the chili according to the Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili recipe.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Prepare the slaw at least 2-3 hours before serving so it has time to chill.
- Use the large holes on a box grater when shredding cabbage for the slaw.
- The slaw should be lightly and evenly coated. If it seems too dry, add mayonnaise a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Hot dog chili should have a very fine texture. If necessary, use a potato masher or food processor to achieve the right consistency.
- Simmering the hot dogs briefly before browning helps them plump while still giving you a browned exterior.
- Warm the buns before assembling.
- Assemble the hot dogs immediately before serving to help prevent soggy buns.
🍳 Alternate Cooking Methods
- You do not have to cook the hot dogs in a skillet. They can be grilled or prepared using your favorite hot dog cooking method.
- A hot dog roller is another great option, especially when serving Carolina Dogs to a crowd. It allows you to cook multiple hot dogs and keep them warm while everyone adds their toppings.
♻️ Leftovers
- Turn leftover components into another Carolina Dog rather than storing an assembled hot dog.
- Leftover chili can also be used as a topping for fries or other dishes where you would normally use hot dog chili. Leftover slaw can be served as a cold side dish.
📝 Notes
- Plan ahead for the slaw. Start it at least 2-3 hours before you plan to eat.
- Prepare the Southern-Style Slaw and Southern-Style Hot Dog Chili according to their individual recipe directions.
- Keep the chili hot and the slaw chilled until you are ready to assemble the Carolina Dogs.
- The 25-minute total time for this recipe reflects preparing and assembling the Carolina Dogs with the component recipes already prepared.
- Add mustard and chopped onions according to your preference.
- Serve immediately after assembling.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Love Bakes Good Cakes you may want to try next.
Main Dish
Smoked Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Quick and Easy
State Fair Corn Dogs
Sandwich
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Appetizers
