Alabama Slaw Dog
Hot dog topped with local slaw; typically ketchup-based 'red slaw' (Scottsboro) or mustard-spiked 'hot slaw' (North Alabama). Birmingham adds house slaw with mustard/sauce.
Northern Alabama popularized a ketchupâbased âred slawâ that crowns a hot dog at counters like Payneâs Sandwich Shop & Soda Fountain in Scottsboro. The sweetâtangy slaw echoes local barbecue sauces and turns a griddled frank into a regional signature. Across the Tennessee River Valley youâll see small variations, but the ketchupâbright color and peppery bite remain hallmarks. Itâs a simple, satisfying combination that shows up at soda fountains, ball games, and backyard grills.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 All-beef hot dogs
- 4 Hot dog buns
- 3 cups Green cabbage (Finely shredded)
- 1/3 cup Ketchup (For red slaw)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Celery seed
- to taste Salt and pepper
- few dashes Hot sauce (Optional)
Instructions
- Make Alabama red slaw: In large bowl, whisk together ketchup, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, and celery seed.
- Add shredded cabbage and toss until evenly coated in the red dressing.
- Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.
- Refrigerate slaw for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Grill or boil hot dogs until heated through.
- Steam or toast buns lightly.
- Place hot dog in bun.
- Top generously with the ketchup-based red slaw.
- Serve immediately. This is authentic North Alabama style!
Related Styles (kinda)
4 similar styles
A Birmingham Hot Dog is a classic Southern dog served on a steamed bun with a spicy ground beefâbased chili, yellow mustard, and chopped onions â sometimes with a dash of hot sauce or slaw, depending on the joint.
Hot dog topped with chili, onions, and a scoop of creamy coleslaw, a popular style across the Southern USA.
Hot dog topped with a pile of French fries, coleslaw, and sometimes melted cheese or chili, a signature style from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Hot dog topped with seasoned ground beef (carne molida), sauerkraut, stewed onions, potato sticks, and mayo-ketchup, a Boricua street staple.