Chef Michael Weldon Transforms Footy Food with Giant Gather Round Hot Dogs
Footy food has been elevated to an entirely new level, thanks to the culinary creativity of chef Michael Weldon. At a live cooking demonstration at the Coles barbecue, Weldon unveiled a supersized hot dog inspired by Gather Round, designed specifically for sharing among enthusiastic football fans. This innovative approach to game-day snacks combines traditional flavours with bold, modern twists, making it perfect for entertaining large crowds or simply embracing the footy spirit at home.
Supersized Creations for Ultimate Sharing
Weldon's showcase featured a giant sausage creation that turns a classic sausage sizzle into a centrepiece for gatherings. Alongside this, he presented a loaded bacon and sauerkraut version, packed with savoury and tangy notes, as well as a kid-friendly cheesy option that ensures even the youngest fans can join in the fun. These recipes are meticulously crafted to cater to diverse tastes, from classic Australian barbecue staples to adventurous, crowd-pleasing variations.
Detailed Recipes for Home Cooks
Giant Gather Round Hotdog
This recipe starts with a Coles Finest Parsley and Garlic Beef Sausage, untwisted and reformed into one long sausage. It is paired with a Coles French Stick, hinge-cut lengthways and buttered. Key components include sour onions caramelised with brown sugar and red wine vinegar, a creamy mayo mustard blend, and a spiced ketchup enhanced with kimchi and hot sauce. Garnishes like crispy bacon, chives, and fried shallots add the final touches. The method involves grilling the sausage until caramelised, preparing the onions and sauces separately, and assembling everything on the buttered bread for a shareable feast.
Bacon Sauerkraut and Mustard Hotdog
For this version, use six Footy Franks or hotdogs with buns. The bacon sauerkraut is made by frying streaky bacon until crisp, adding onions for caramelisation, and mixing in sauerkraut, thyme, and brown sugar. A mustard cheese sauce, combining grain mustard, cheese spread, and cream cheese, provides a rich topping. Serve by spreading the sauce in the bun, adding the bacon sauerkraut, placing the grilled frank, and finishing with chopped dill pickles.
Kids Hotdogs
A simple yet delightful option for children, this recipe uses cocktail frankfurts boiled or steamed and placed in baked dinner rolls. Topped with tasty cheese and tomato sauce, it offers a quick and easy snack that young fans will love.
Perfect for Footy Season Entertaining
These recipes are not just about food; they are about enhancing the footy experience. Whether you are hosting a large party or enjoying a quiet game at home, Weldon's creations bring a touch of gourmet flair to traditional football snacks. The emphasis on shareable portions and bold flavours ensures that every bite is memorable, making them ideal for any gathering during the football season.
