How to Make Classic Whistle Dogs
Oh the glorious whistle dog, I feel like they deserve a national holiday. This is nostalgia at its finest. There’s really nothing fancy about them, but somehow they always seem to taste better than any other hot dog out there. Did you grow up with an A&W nearby? Have you had a whistle dog? These bad boys were a favourite amongst so many! A&W no longer sells these, but don’t fret, I’ll teach you How to Make Classic Whistle Dogs that will bring you right back to the original. Now if someone would share their onion ring recipe, I’d have a complete meal!
You’ll laugh at this, but I have tried to convince my husband on more than one occasion that we should take the two hour drive to the closest A&W restaurant, so I could get their famous onions rings. I’ve never been successful! But, this recipe for whistle dogs definitely satisfies at least one of my A&W cravings.
I can remember, as a little kid, my parents picking up drive-thru from A&W. I would often order a whistle dog. It was the king of hot dogs. No other restaurant topped theirs and when I found out they had discontinued the classic, I was a little sad. But my Mom taught me How to Make Classic Whistle Dogs, years ago. Her version, which is as close to the original as I’ve ever found. So, I know I always have this recipe to fall back on. And now I’m passing her recipe on to you!
How to make Classic Whistle Dogs
To make these super easy whistle dogs start by frying a few pieces of bacon extra crispy. Set them aside and discard the oil. Then cut the hot dogs lengthwise, but not all the way through, essentially they’ll be butterflied. Fry them on both sides and remove them from the pan and wipe it out. Next I toast the buns, the cut sides only and set them aside for later. Now, add the already fried hot dogs back to the pan and top each with a slice of cheese and crispy bacon. Add a lid to the pan so that the steam melts the cheese.
Once the whistle dogs are all cooked up, add them to the buns and top with sweet pickle relish. This is where A&W’s version ends and my tiny twist starts. I love mustard and feel the addition of mustard just gives you that little kick you need. You can add this or leave it off, but it’s my opinion, that it’s better with it. You could also add ketchup and onions here too, if you choose. However you garnish your whistle dogs, the original will shine through and you’ll be brought right back to your childhood summers.
If you love Classic Whistle Dogs, check out these other delicious recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:
If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!
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The Classic Whistle Dog
Summer nostalgia at its finest, the Classic Whistle Dog is a copy cat version of A&W Restaurants famous hot dog. This version was the one my Mom would make for my brother and I when we were growing up. It's a reminder of my childhood and one of the best hot dogs, you'll ever eat.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 bun length hot dogs
- 4 slices bacon, fried crispy
- 4 slices processed cheese (I used Kraft Single Slices)
- sweet pickle relish
- mustard (I use French's)
- any other condiment you desire
INSTRUCTIONS
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Fry bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and discard grease.
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Slice your hot dogs horizontally, but do not cut all the way through. (They're basically butterflied). Open the hot dogs and lay them cut side down in a pan over medium heat. Flip and fry both sides until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Wipe any grease out of the pan and toast the open hot dog buns until golden. Remove these and add the hot dogs back to the pan and top each with a slice of cheese and a slice of bacon. Cover with a lid and let the steam heat the bacon and melt the cheese.
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Once the cheese is melted and the bacon reheated, remove each hot dog and place on top of the toasted buns. Top with relish and mustard or any other condiment you desire. Serve hot
