Optional Toppings
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Pickled jalapeños
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Dill pickle slices
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Hot sauce
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Extra mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Carolina Slaw
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In a bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
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Add shredded cabbage and toss until well coated.
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Chill in fridge while you prepare the dogs (at least 15 minutes).
Step 2: Wrap and Cook the Sausages
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Wrap each chicken sausage with a slice of bacon and secure both ends with a toothpick.
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Grill over medium heat for 15–18 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is crispy and sausage is heated through.
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Alternative: Cook in a skillet or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
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Step 3: Assemble the Dogs
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Toast the buns if desired.
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Remove toothpicks and place each bacon-wrapped sausage in a bun.
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Top generously with Carolina mustard slaw.
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Add any extras like pickles, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
Tips for Success
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Use pre-cooked sausages to make this faster and safer when wrapping in bacon.
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Secure bacon well with toothpicks or use kitchen twine if grilling.
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Chill the slaw to let the tangy flavors blend before topping the dogs.
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Serve fresh — bacon loses crispiness if reheated.
Variations
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Swap chicken sausage for turkey, bratwurst, or plant-based links.
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Add shredded cheese on top of the slaw for extra indulgence.
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Use spicy brown mustard or Dijon for a punchier flavor.
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Want it smoky? Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce before the slaw.
Storage & Reheating
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Store cooked dogs in the fridge up to 3 days (wrapped separately from buns).
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Reheat in a skillet or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
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Slaw keeps well for 1–2 days in the fridge.
What to Serve With
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Sweet potato fries or kettle chips
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Grilled corn on the cob
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Iced tea or lemonade for the Southern vibe
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Chili cheese dip or deviled eggs for a full BBQ spread
Nutrition Facts (Per Dog, Approximate)
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Calories: ~380 kcal
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Protein: 19 g
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Carbs: 26 g
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Fat: 22 g
FAQs
Q: Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Cook the bacon-wrapped sausages ahead and reheat when ready to serve. Add slaw fresh for best crunch.
Q: Is Carolina slaw sweet or tangy?
It’s mostly tangy, thanks to mustard and vinegar, but a touch of sugar balances it beautifully.
Q: Can I make these without bacon?
Absolutely. You can grill the chicken sausages plain or add a veggie-based topping instead.
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Conclusion
Carolina Chicken Bacon Dogs are the kind of fusion food that hits every note: crispy, juicy, smoky, and tangy. Whether you’re cooking out or craving comfort, they deliver big BBQ flavor in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing package. Don’t forget the slaw — it’s what makes them Carolina.