Slaw Dog
Hot dog topped with chili, onions, and a scoop of creamy coleslaw, a popular style across the Southern USA.
The Slaw Dog is a Southern staple that tops a grilled or steamed hot dog with a generous scoop of creamy coleslawâsometimes with additional toppings like mustard, chili, or onions. Its origins trace back to the Appalachian and Southeastern U.S., particularly West Virginia, where itâs considered a core part of regional food identity. The slaw is usually mayonnaise-based, though some versions use a vinegar tang, depending on local tastes. The creamy crunch of the slaw adds texture and contrast to the salty, smoky dog. While itâs seen across the South, each state (and even town) might have its own fiercely defended slaw variation. Itâs comfort food with regional pride, best served on a paper plate with a side of sweet tea.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Hot dogs
- 4 Hot dog buns
- 4 cups Cabbage (Shredded)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Celery seed
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- as needed Yellow mustard
- 1 medium White onion (Diced)
- 1 cup Chili (Optional but traditional)
Instructions
- Make Southern coleslaw: Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
- Toss shredded cabbage with dressing until well coated.
- Refrigerate slaw for at least 1 hour for flavors to meld.
- Grill or steam hot dogs until heated through.
- Warm hot dog buns.
- Place hot dog in bun.
- Add a stripe of yellow mustard.
- Top with chili if using.
- Add diced onions.
- Crown with generous scoop of creamy coleslaw.
- Serve immediately with sweet tea.
- This is authentic Southern comfort food!
Related Styles (kinda)
4 similar styles
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.
Hot dog topped with a pile of French fries, coleslaw, and sometimes melted cheese or chili, a signature style from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
All-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, raw onions, tomato slices, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt; NO KETCHUP.
Hot dog topped with a split, fried fish cake (cod/potato) and tangy pepper hash, often with spicy mustard, a Philadelphia specialty.