Spider Dogs

Spider Dogs make an appearance in our family anytime there is a campfire. I can’t remember if it’s something that first made an appearance at one of our family reunions or up North at Brent. Either way, when you are a kid this is the most fun way to eat a hot dog! The crispy “legs” are the best part.

Cutting the Hot Dog

I’m not even sure this is a recipe, it’s probably just more likely instructions. You take a hot dog, cut a one inch slit on both ends, and then rotate it 180 degrees. Make another one inch slit on both ends. You’ll end up with a cross cut in both ends of the hot dog. You can see how to cut it in the pictures below.

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The best place on a campfire to cook these is over some hot coals, not the flame. It will be the hottest part and you’ll get the crispy legs. As the hot dog cooks, the cut ends will start to curl away from the center. You’ll want to turn the dog over to make sure that both sides curl up. If you don’t, you’ll get more of a crab then a spider!

As kids, we’d pick the legs off the dog and dip them in ketchup or mustard. They are great without any condiments. The don’t however fit in buns very well.

I have amazing memories of sitting around a campfire with family, especially in Algonquin. At night, you could hear the loons come across the lake. There was sometimes singing, and always lots of laughing. Food was a big part of the experience. Marshmallows, Spider Dogs and Pie Irons (but those are for another post).

What do you make when sitting around a campfire? Leave us a note below and let us know. We’re always looking for fun additions to our camping menu.

This recipe is part of Camping Favorites Week