Why You Might Actually Want To Add Peanut Butter To Your Hot Dog

There are some quirky food combinations that people swear by: French fries dipped in mayonnaise, salt on watermelon, honey on pizza, cheddar cheese baked into apple pie, baby carrots dunked in Cool Whip or frosting, olive oil and/or hot sauce drizzled over ice cream, and the list goes on. You name it, and someone has probably done it. 

And then there are combinations with peanut butter, arguably one of the most versatile ingredients on the planet. It tastes lovely on sandwiches, in Thai-style sauces, in candies and desserts, and — to some people — on cookout fare? Several restaurants across the country, including AJ Bombers in Milwaukee and The Cherry Cricket in Denver, offer peanut butter as a burger topping. The creaminess of the peanut butter pairs perfectly with a juicy, tender burger, and the sweet, salty, nutty fusion is to die for, as many enthusiasts have claimed (via Yelp).

A similar trend among daring foodies involves spreading peanut butter on hot dogs. Say what?! Yep, you read that right. But how does this seemingly strange combo taste? Several people have put this culinary craze to the test, and the verdict may surprise you.

If you're ever out of mustard but are craving a succulent hot dog, try reaching for the peanut butter as a topping. Hear us out: The peanut butter melts into a luscious sauce when it meets the warm hot dog, and, as several advocates have reported, the toasty flavor pairs well with the meat's sweet smokiness, per AOL. Some people even top theirs off with a squirt of sriracha for an extra kick or their favorite jelly for a nostalgic twist.

Maria Yagoda of Food & Wine caught wind of the trend and decided to rally her team to give it a try. Their feedback, initially a bit reluctant, became overwhelmingly positive after each bite. Some workers noted that lots of savory dishes, like West African peanut stew and Indonesian gado-gado, incorporate peanut butter, so the combination is not so out there. "I think it could actually be really good with like a spicy slaw and scallions on top, too," one sampler said. Interested now?