Barbecued Rat Tails | Halloween Recipes
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.
Spooky season is upon us, hungry reader. Which means I’m ready for my kitchen to be filled with all things haunted, creepy and downright disgusting.
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 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 – add little bursts of mustardy-zing throughout
- relish – sweet is best but you can swap in a spicy relish for fun too!
- steak sauce – boost the savory flavor of the sauce
- onion – when slow cooked, it takes on the appearance of ‘mouse entrails’ with the tails
Combined in a slow cooker, you can cook it on HIGH for four hours or on LOW for eight hours.
Barbecued Rat Tails
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 into tapered strips in the shape of rat/mouse tails. Slice ridges along the strips to make them bendy and add “vertebrae.”
- Add the sliced dogs to a slow cooker along with the 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 prior to serving.
- Serve scoops of barbecued rat tails on your favorite style of hamburger buns and enjoy. Happy Halloween!
How to Make a Giant Oatmeal Creme Pie Inspired by Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Ever wondered what it’s like to eat like a character in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids? This giant oatmeal creme pie recipe brings a piece of the movie right to your kitchen table—perfect for reliving those childhood dreams with a delicious twist.
Making the Cream Filled Bugs from The Lion King
What’s Up, Hungry People. Dive into a delicious project inspired by Simba’s adventures with these cream puff bugs—where nostalgia meets the dinner table in a tasty tribute to The Lion King.
How to Make Bienenstich “Bee Sting Cake” with Honey Almond Topping
Hungry People, this bienenstich cake is a nod to tradition with a honey almond crust and lush custard filling, all wrapped up in a yeasty, bread-like cake. Perfect for those craving a slice of classic German baking.
Easy Mini Carrot Cake Bites with Orange Lime Frosting
Hungry People, get ready to bring some spring zest into your kitchen with these simple carrot cake bites. Topped with a rich, tangy orange lime frosting, they’re the perfect treat to say goodbye to winter.
Survival Burgers Recipe from Stardew Valley
What’s up, Hungry People? Ready to bring a bit of Stardew Valley into your kitchen? This eggplant and carrot burger is not just a tribute to the game; it’s a taste of the farm life, packed with flavors that Mayor Lewis would approve of for the Stardew Valley Fair.
April Fools’ Day Deviled Eggs – SURPRISE! It’s actually a Mango Passionfruit Panna Cotta Cheesecake
What’s Up, Hungry People? Ready for a little April Fools’ fun? These aren’t your ordinary deviled eggs. Dive into the playful side of dessert with our mango passionfruit cheesecake, cleverly disguised to fool even the sharpest eyes. Perfect for a laugh and a tasty treat, these are sure to be a hit!