Gone are the days when baseball concessions were limited to hot dogs and peanuts. Today another game is being played at stadiums across the nation, a game of one-upmanship where vendors strive to concoct the weirdest, wildest, most calorically dense foods possible.
If your taste buds are feeling adventurous this baseball season, here are 10 options you can try.
Cracker Jack and Mac Dog
This Frankendog consists of a ballpark frank topped with Cracker Jacks, macaroni and cheese, deep-fried pickled jalapenos and – drum roll please – salted caramel sauce. Oh, and instead of a hot dog bun, it's wrapped in naan.
- Where to get it: Riverwalk Grill in Section 144 of PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates
- Tamer Alternative: For something a little more classic, head to Section 110 or Smorgasburgh to sample a sandwich and hand-cut fries from Primanti Brothers.
The Wicked Pig
They say everything's bigger in Texas, and that's certainly true of this $27 monstrosity packed with pulled pork, thick-cut bacon, ham, sausage and prosciutto. That's five types of pork! On one sandwich! Not enough pork for ya? The Wicked Pig comes topped with pork rinds, as well as coleslaw and barbecue sauce.
- Where to get it: 557 Smokehouse in Section 49 of Globe Life Park, home of the Texas Rangers
- 557 Smokehouse in section 49
- Tamer Alternative: If the thought of that much pork has you running for the nearest head of lettuce, try out the meatless fare at Ballpark Vegan in Section 16.
108 Burger
This is a big burger for big appetites. A grilled beef patty gets topped with Havarti cheese, pastrami and New York deli mustard on a pretzel bun. It comes with a pickle spear and a side of chips.
- Where to get it: Keith's Grill in Section 132 of Citi Park, home of the New York Mets
- Tamer Alternative: The stadium is abuzz about David Chang's spicy fried chicken sandwich from Fuku in Section 102.
Burgerizza
Can't decide between a burger and pizza? Don't! This gut buster consists of a 20-ounce all-beef patty covered in five slices of melted cheddar cheese, topped with bacon and sandwiched between two 8-inch pepperoni pizzas. It rings in at $26, coronary bypass not included.
- Where to get it: Taste of the Majors in the Plaza at Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves
- Tamer Alternative: If you think these two classic foods are best enjoyed individually, grab a burger at H&F Burger in Sections 104, 150 or 151 and save the pizza for another day.
Hill Meatball Cone
Spaghetti and meatballs are difficult to eat from a stadium seat, and the Hill Meatball Cone is the solution. Four meatballs are piled into a cone made from Italian bread, then smothered in marinara sauce and sprinkled with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Where to get it: Triple Play in Section 152 at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals
- Tamer Alternative: For an indulgence, grab a dozen Dingers Donuts from section 143.
Champions Alley Dog
This ain't your $1 ballpark frank. First, it rings in at $15. Second, this foot-long is bacon-wrapped, tempura-battered and fried to a golden brown. It then gets topped with sweet slaw and chipotle ketchup on a pretzel bun.
- Where to get it: Section 206 of Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals
- Tamer Alternative: Go for the BBQ. Burnt ends from Sweet Baby Ray's in the Outfield Experience, as well as Sections 221 and 422.
Buffalo Chicken Bloody Mary
It's a cocktail and a meal in one! This massive Bloody Mary comes with a chicken wing, celery, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, pepperoncini, an olive and a pepperoni stick. If that's not filling enough, guests can add on a burger slider.
- Where to get it: Hrbek's Pub near Section 114 at Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins
- Tamer Alternative: If you want to walk the line between beverage and food, opt for a cone from Izzy's Ice Cream near Section 114.
Brat Pop
The brat pop starts with a massive slice of bratwurst that's then skewered, battered and fried to a crispy golden brown.
- Where to get it: Michigan State Fair Stand in Big Cat Court at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers
- Tamer Alternative: Get yourself a Little Caesars Pizza at several locations throughout the stadium. The chain is owned by Tigers owner Mike Ilitch.
Chicken Waffle Cone
So popular was the Chicken Waffle Cone when it debuted in 2015 that it has returned for a second season. This fresh-baked and rolled waffle cone comes stuffed with mashed potatoes and fried popcorn chicken with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce to top it off.
- Where to get it: Street Eats in Sections 124 and 408 of Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros
- Tamer Alternative: Want something similar, but a bit easier on the waistline? Try the new Sweet Potato Waffle Chicken Sandwich from Urban Bistro in Section 226.
Meat Lover's Dog
An all-beef frank gets wrapped in bacon and topped with pulled pork, fried salami, queso blanco and pickles.
- Where to get it: Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds
- Tamer Alternative: We'd go for the Skyline Chili Coney any day. This local favorite is available at multiple places throughout the stadium.
