A tastier tailgate: 10 toppings for Big Ten buns

There’s no time like tailgate time. Especially at IU, we always score sensationally during the precursor tailgate party even if we don’t score on the field.

From the family-fun end to the crowded cluster of geared-up greek students, Hoosiers who take to the field bring a whole different kind of team representing crimson and cream.

No matter which hoard of Hoosiers you share your Saturday tailgates with, it’s never quite game time until you’ve had a hot dog.

It’s essential to keep tailgate tasty, and hot dogs are the key.

After you’ve had your hot dog grilled just the way you like it, there are more possibilities for topping it off than just the timeless crimson-colored Ketchup.

To keep things interesting, it’s time to visit some topping variations while the football stadium remains standing. Pick your favorite find and you can keep them coming through our best season, basketball season.

So here they are, the 10 best toppings for Big Ten buns.

10. Relish-ious

Use some of your favorite, different kinds of pickles to make a nice relish and to top off your dog. My favorite relish is made from bread and butter pickles, cucumbers, white onions, garlic, green peppers, vinegar, turmeric, sugar and salt, all soaked together in ice water for 3 hours. Sweet pickle relish is another way to go.

9. Munch and crunch

If you haven’t yet added the perfect savory, salty snack to your bun, be ready for a fulfilling fit. Any chips on top of your dog will do, but pick a kind that usually gets you going. My favorite are ruffled Lay’s with ketchup, sour cream and onion or barbecue chips.

8. Just chili-ing

Make your meal a little meatier.  Stew up ground beef, onions, kidney beans, tomato sauce and chili powder for your chili and top it with some sour cream, cheddar cheese and chives.

7. Guaca- marvelous

Nothing is as awesome as avocado. Mash up some of the green goods, slice up red onions and tomatoes and mix it all up with lime juice and salt, along with some jalapenos if you like an extra kick. Don’t be afraid to be generous when spooning guacamole onto your bun.

6. Mac-attack

Mac and cheese madness is nearly twice as terrific when mixed with a hot dog. Make a batch of your favorite mac and lather it onto your barbecued meat for a messy but magical mix.

5. The comfort combo

Want to feel like you are getting comfort food? Cut up cabbage, carrots and onions and mix in mayo, mustard, sugar and vinegar in a winning cole slaw. Bring on the baked beans, combine it with the cole slaw and enjoy the full on flavor.

4. Kicking and Cheesin’

If you like cheesy, crunchy and hot, try getting some pepper jack cheese, crispy onions and a few jalapenos. If you are feeling completely courageous, let the cheese melt on your hot dog before tasting the heat.

3. The B-L-hot dog

Everyone loves a good BLT, so why not a BLT-dog? Try it with some fresh strips of bacon or turkey bacon, lettuce and tomato. Spread some ranch on your hot dog and you are in for a fan favorite.

2. The Breakfast Club combo

Indiana loves celebrating with Breakfast Club, so why not keep the brunch buns coming? Prepare hash browns and scrambled eggs and load up your hot dog, adding extra ketchup and a little Tabasco if you want a kick. Perfect for a morning game, this one is the breakfast of champions.

1. Hoosier hot dog?

For the number one, divine crimson and cream dog, layer with a line of mayo, ketchup, caramelized onions and some crispy potato chips. This one will represent your home team colors and leave you cheering with savory satisfaction.