Teton Waters Ranch 100 Beef Casing

by Epicurious Editors

on 06/26/14 at 10:30 AM

Kristin Donnelly is a Brooklyn-based food writer and author of the forthcoming cookbook, The Modern Potluck. She is also the cofounder of Stewart & Claire, an all-natural line of lip balms.

Epicurious' editors tasted 21 meat-based hot dogs and 10 poultry-based ones to find this year's best. Because the fire marshal wouldn't let us set up a Weber in our midtown NYC offices, the dogs were pan-steamed in a bit of water until the liquid evaporated, and then browned in the pan. Here, the results.

Best supermarket hot dog: Nathan's Bigger Than The Bun Skinless Beef Franks

Editors said: "Best flavor of the bunch." "Zesty, meaty, would be good with mustard." "Lightly smoky, familiar in a good way, tastes like the ballpark." "Metropolitan Museum hot dog. A little spicy. Good firmish texture."

Best sausage-like hot dog: Brooklyn Cured's "Uncured" New York Style Dog

Editors said: "Tastes the most like real food." "Sausagey with nice spice." "Mild flavor."

Best specialty hot dog: The Brooklyn Hot Dog Co. Classic Beef Dog "Smoked and Uncured"

Editors said: "Lightly smoky." "Crisp. Nice snap."

Best grass-fed hot dog: Teton Waters Ranch 100% Grass-fed Beef Hot Dog

Editors said: "Lightly smoky and meaty. A touch too salty." "Nice color, nice texture. A bit too salty."

Best poultry hot dog: Jennie-O Turkey Franks

Editors said: "Tastes like a hot dog." "This is how I expect a hot dog to taste. Could be beef." "Doesn't have quite the snap of a meat hot dog but closest imitation."

What's your favorite hot dog brand? Tell us in the comments, below.

cfarrellsc
12:22:18 PM on
07/28/14

Dietz and Watson Beef Franks!

lyrx
02:51:32 PM on
07/08/14

I laugh at any product that promotes "grass-feed" beef. I grew up with beef cattle. Grain-fed beef is far superior, much tastier, more tender, and all around better than "grass-fed" beef. This is such a media joke to promote grass over grain.

abbymae
01:28:56 PM on
07/08/14

If you were to ever consider doing an article on hot dogs from PA, Smith's Hot Dogs from Erie, PA are unbeatable. (http://www.smithhotdogs.com/) They cannot even be compared to any other wiener out there! There is also a hot dog shop in Erie, Pa called Lucky Louie's Beer and Wieners where you can get those hot dogs served up numerous different (and delicious) ways! (http://eriebeerandwieners.com/wienermenu.html)

muk0135
07:40:30 PM on
07/04/14

Hebrew National all the way!

powercooking4u
08:30:34 PM on
07/03/14

Black Bear which is ShopRites house brand are excellent. They have that nice snap from the casing they are linked in to. They taste fresh like an old time hot dog.
I will also buy Hebrew National when they go on sale.

eratomene
12:44:28 PM on
07/03/14

I generally find Nathans are way too salty- and that's coming from a confessed saltaholic. Heblrew National are better.

Snowbell
10:34:21 AM on
07/03/14

I agree with Donna that answers are limited as presented.

staceyinsf
09:12:36 PM on
07/02/14

True Story Organic Uncured Grass-fed Beef Hot Dogs are fantastic. I'm still happy with a Nathan's, but these sure are nice!

PsueOH
12:45:05 PM on
07/02/14

Zweigle's white hots!! Yum

happyinflorida
11:09:08 AM on
07/02/14

Hebrew National

Donna923
12:47:39 PM on
07/01/14

It would have been helpful to have the list of hot dogs that were tested.

CoolDude
04:14:40 PM on
06/28/14

I love hot dogs!

careybrunk
10:25:23 PM on
06/27/14

Hebrew National

laxdman
03:33:59 PM on
06/27/14

what were the brands you tried?

tivadoc
07:45:29 PM on
06/26/14

Hot dogs are a real regional food, and most of the quality brands are very good. I was raised a Connecticut Yankee and Hummel's remain my gold standard.

Mrdibs
06:57:53 PM on
06/26/14

Uncased hot dogs are for children and people who don't like hot dogs. You need to try some of the old polish jersey dogs.

wjn319
05:44:37 PM on
06/26/14

They're a bit expensive, but I would say that Omaha Steaks Hot Dogs are the best I've ever had.

karianderson
05:12:13 PM on
06/26/14

Hebrew National (family favorite)

Moonsilver2
03:24:11 PM on
06/26/14

Just a question. Often when you do these taste tests there are several items mentioned that are not available in my area. Since I live in a major metropolitan area and have not heard of two of the four items listed here, I just wondered what your criteria is for selecting what is to be tested. Thank you.

Cycling_Sarah
11:25:49 AM on
06/26/14

I grew up in the Chicago area - Vienna Beef will always be my favorite.

martineztioned.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.epicurious.com/archive/blogs/editor/2014/06/hot-dog-taste-test-2014.html

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