Burger King has always been about having it your way — and now, that applies to hot dogs too. Burger King Grilled Dogs are joining the restaurant's permanent menu starting Feb. 23, which is great news to anyone who has ever found themselves craving the barbecue favorite in the middle of winter, or you know, anytime, really. As someone who personally can never turn down a hot dog no matter what the circumstances, I gotta say, this is a beautiful day.
Obviously, I'm not the only one who thinks this way. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, that's a thing), Americans eat an estimated 20 billion hot dogs each year, making hot dogs an obvious next step for a brand that has been perfecting the art of flame-grilled bites for the last 60 years. The new Grilled Dogs will come in two flavors — Classic, and Chili Cheese — are made of 100 percent beef, and are cooked over an open flame the same way your favorite Whopper is made. Alex Macedo, President, North America, for the Burger King brand, says the goal was to create a hot dog that tastes just like what you would expect to find at a backyard barbecue, and expects the new product to be the "Whopper of hot dogs." "This is probably the biggest thing we've done as a brand in a few decades," Macedo said during a New York City press conference leading up to the launch.
So what else can you expect from the new Burger King Grilled Dogs? A whole lot of flavor, that's what. Never one to turn down food, I was able to try both of the new menu offerings a few days early, and guys? They are legit. The Grilled Dogs were tested in five cities as part of the biggest market test Burger King has ever conducted, and of course, people were thrilled. I mean, look at these things — how could you not be?
The Classic Dog comes with relish, chopped onion, ketchup, and mustard, and will sell for $1.99 (or $4.49 as a combo meal with a fountain drink and fries).
The Chili Cheese Dog is pretty much exactly what you'd expect, and comes smothered with bean chili and a healthy smattering of cheddar cheese. Seriously, so much cheese. It will cost $2.29 (or $4.79 as part of a combo meal).
And, like everything at Burger King, you can customize each of the Grilled Dogs to include whatever ingredients you want within reason, so long as the restaurant you're at has the materials on hand. Craving some bacon? I don't blame you — go ahead and order some up to go along with your Classic Dog. Wanna dress things up Chicago dog-style with a few tomato wedges? By all means do so... it's actually kind of crazy how creative you can get with something so simple as a hot dog.
Like I said, the new permanent menu items arrive on Feb. 23, but in the meantime, you can get your BK fix with other menu mainstays — chicken fries, anyone?
Images: Burger King; Kathryn Kattalia; Giphy
