Spooky Barbecued Rat Tail Sandwiches for Halloween

As Seen in Mimi, Halloween, TikTok

The Starving Chef is supported by Hungry People like you. When you make a purchase through an affiliate link on my site, I may earn a little bit of cash on the side (at no extra cost to you) to help keep my kitchen running. Read our disclosures here.

Jump to Recipe
barbecued rat tails recipe

What’s Up, Hungry People

Spooky season is upon us, Hungry People. Which means I’m ready for my kitchen to be filled with all things haunted, creepy, and downright disgusting. There’s just something about Halloween that brings out the mad scientist in all of us, especially when it comes to spooky food. It’s the one time of year when you can serve up something that looks like it crawled out of a haunted house and have everyone eagerly lining up for seconds. And what better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by whipping up a batch of barbecued rat tails?

Now, before you start running for the hills, don’t worry—these aren’t real rat tails. We’re talking about hot dogs here, cleverly sliced and slow-cooked to resemble the kind of creepy-crawly dish that would be right at home in a witch’s cauldron. This dish is perfect for those who like their Halloween treats with a side of spookiness but without crossing over into the territory of truly disgusting. The best part? The smell of barbecue wafting through your kitchen is enough to reassure even the most squeamish of guests.

halloween rat tail sandwich

BARBECUING RAT TAILS

My favorite kind of Halloween treat is one that looks gross but tastes delicious.

It shouldn’t be so disgusting-looking that you have to fight mind-over-matter to eat it, but it should definitely smell good enough that people won’t question you when you tell them you are serving up rat tails for dinner.

Of course, you won’t actually be treating your guests to the tails of rats, but rather something that looks pretty close to it. The “rat tails” in this recipe are actually strips of hot dog, sliced into the shape of mouse and/or rat tails, depending on the length. Then, little ridges are sliced into the tops of each strip to complete the appearance of a ratty-looking rat tail.

Feeling ghoulish?

Served up as a spooky sandwich, these barbecued rat tails will satisfy even the hungriest of souls.

halloween sandwich with hot dog rat tails

Here’s What You Need:

Served up as a spooky sandwich, these barbecued rat tails will satiate even the hungriest of souls.

  • Hot dogs – Fully cooked; ball-park length or longer will work.
  • Barbecue sauce – I used Montgomery Inn Barbecue sauce (affiliate link) because it’s a hometown favorite!
  • Whole grain mustard – Adds little bursts of mustardy-zing throughout.
  • Relish – Sweet is best, but you can swap in a spicy relish for fun too!
  • Steak sauce – Boosts the savory flavor of the sauce.
  • Onion – When slow-cooked, it takes on the appearance of ‘mouse entrails’ with the tails.
rat tail barbecue sandwiches

Let’s Cook

Start by prepping your hot dogs—grab a sharp knife and cut each one in half lengthwise. Now, here’s where the magic happens. Slice those halves into tapered strips, shaping them to resemble rat or mouse tails. Don’t forget to add those tiny ridges along the tops of each strip; this will give them that bendy, “vertebrae” look. It’s Halloween, so the creepier, the better!

Slow Cook the Creepiness

Toss those hot dog tails into your slow cooker along with the sliced onion, whole grain mustard, steak sauce, relish, and barbecue sauce. Give everything a gentle stir with a spatula to coat those tails in all that saucy goodness. Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to HIGH for four hours or LOW for eight hours—your choice, depending on how spooky your timeline is.

Serve Up Some Spooky Fun

Once your rat tails have slow-cooked to perfection, keep them warm until you’re ready to serve. For the ultimate Halloween experience, scoop the barbecued rat tails onto your favorite style of hamburger buns. You can let your guests assemble their own spooky sandwiches, or serve them up pre-assembled—just make sure you wish everyone a Happy Halloween as they dig in!

Extra Tips for Spooky Success

  • Make ahead: If you’re planning a big party, you can prep the hot dog tails a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to slow cook.
  • Get creative with toppings: Add some shredded cheese or pickles to your sandwiches to up the gross factor—or, uh, enhance the flavor.
  • Serve with a side of ‘maggots’: Pair these with some buttered rice or cauliflower rice to really amp up the Halloween vibe.

Common Questions About Barbecued Rat Tails

  • Can I use a different type of sausage instead of hot dogs?
    • Yes, though I definitely recommend ‘ballpark’ dogs for their texture and length. Any fully-cooked sausage with a similar texture will work. Just make sure it’s easy to slice into “tails.” Brats or sausages with casing will not work well, so stick with dogs.
  • Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
    • Absolutely. You can simmer the ingredients on the stovetop over low heat for about an hour or until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • How can I store leftovers?
    • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Can I make this recipe spicier?
    • Sure! Swap in a spicy barbecue sauce or add some hot sauce to the mix. You can also use spicy relish for an extra kick.
  • What kind of buns work best?
    • Soft hamburger buns are perfect, but you can also use hot dog buns if you prefer a more traditional look.
halloween spooky food recipe for rat tails

So there you have it—a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to serve. Barbecued rat tails are sure to be a hit at your next Halloween party, turning an ordinary hot dog into something delightfully eerie. Whether you’re hosting a haunted gathering or just want to surprise your family with a spooky supper, these rat tails will definitely bring some ghoulish fun to the table. Serve them up with a wink, and watch as your guests gobble down every last bite. Happy Halloween, Hungry People!

Barbecued Rat Tails

The Starving Chef
A spooky and savory Halloween dish featuring hot dogs transformed into eerie rat tails with sweet barbecue sauce.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Halloween, Sandwiches
Cuisine Halloween, Slow Cooker
Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 8 hot dogs
  • 1 cup sweet barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon steak sauce
  • 1 tablespoon relish
  • ½ onion sliced

Instructions
 

  • Cut the hot dogs in half lengthwise, then slice them into tapered strips shaped like rat/mouse tails. Slice ridges along the strips to make them bendy and add "vertebrae."
  • Add the sliced hot dogs to a slow cooker along with the sliced onion, whole grain mustard, steak sauce, relish, and barbecue sauce. Stir gently with a spatula, then cover.
  • Slow cook on HIGH for four hours or on LOW for eight hours. Keep warm until ready to serve.
  • Serve scoops of barbecued rat tails on your favorite style of hamburger buns. Enjoy, and Happy Halloween!
Keyword BBQ, Halloween, hot dogs, slow cooker
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Spooky Halloween Charcuterie – ACTUALLY SCARY & GROSS RECIPES for Adults
Pumpkin Patch Focaccia Bread for Halloween
Creepy Eyeball Cheesecake for Halloween