Tandem European Tender Frankfurters 1.50 lbs

Ask any Bulgarian what they ate after school and the answer is almost always the same: krenvirshi — tender, juicy frankfurters, split and filled with melted kashkaval. Tandem brings that same tradition to the USA, made from selected pork and beef the European way.

Krenvirshi (кренвирши) hold a place in Bulgarian food culture that goes far beyond a simple hot dog. They are the after-school snack, the quick lunch, the party appetizer, and the camping staple — beloved by children and adults alike for their juicy texture, mild savory flavor, and total ease of preparation. Tandem’s European Tender Frankfurters are made in the USA from a selected blend of pork and beef, following the continental European recipe that defines this style: a smooth, finely emulsified sausage with a tender, snappy casing and a clean, balanced seasoning that tastes equally good cold from the fridge or warmed through.

At 1.50 lbs, this is the largest package in the Tandem range — a generous family portion that reflects the role these frankfurters play in everyday Bulgarian household cooking. The pork-and-beef blend delivers a richer, more satisfying flavor than single-meat alternatives, with a juiciness that holds up whether served cold, pan-fried, grilled, or simmered.

How to Enjoy It

Score lengthwise, tuck a strip of Bulgarian Kashkaval inside, and warm in a pan until the cheese melts — the definitive Bulgarian krenvirshi preparation. Serve cold and sliced thin alongside mustard and pickles for a quick meze plate. Grill whole until lightly charred and serve in a split bun with ketchup and mustard for a European-style hot dog. Dice and stir through a warm pasta salad or a potato salad for a satisfying weeknight dinner, or slice and cook into a scrambled egg skillet for a hearty breakfast.

What Makes It Special

Made in the USA in the authentic European tradition, Tandem’s frankfurters use a true pork-and-beef blend — not a single-meat product — and are prepared without the artificial fillers or excessive salt common in mass-market hot dogs. The “European Tender” designation refers to the production standard: a finely emulsified, smooth-textured sausage in the continental frankfurter tradition, with a naturally tender bite and a clean finish. The 1.50 lb pack is the most generous offering in the Tandem lineup, making it the top choice for families and regular buyers.

Quick Facts

✓  Type: European-style pork and beef frankfurters (krenvirshi)
✓  Meat: Selected pork and beef blend
✓  Texture: Tender, juicy, smooth emulsified casing
✓  Best use: Hot dogs, grilling, pan-frying, cold platters, salads
✓  Signature pairing: Split and filled with Bulgarian Kashkaval, then pan-warmed
✓  Net Weight: 1.50 lbs (approx. 680g) — largest pack in the Tandem range
✓  Made in: USA (Tandem brand — European tradition)
✓  SKU: TM14
✓  Price: $8.99  |  Buy 3 for $8.54 each (save 5%)

Bulgarian Serving Tip

The classic Bulgarian krenvirshi preparation is deceptively simple and deeply satisfying: score each frankfurter lengthwise without cutting all the way through, tuck in a generous strip of Bulgarian Kashkaval, and cook in a lightly buttered pan over medium heat until the cheese bubbles and the skin begins to blister. Serve with fresh bread and a cold Zagorka beer — or alongside a bowl of shopska salata for a full Bulgarian dinner. For children, slice cold into coins and serve with mild mustard for dipping — a snack that has never gone out of style.

Pairs perfectly with: Bulgarian Kashkaval (SKU: CKY05sheep or CKY 450cow), Kamchia Soft Salami (SKU: TM12), Standard Ham Original (SKU: TM11), and Deroni Lutenitsa spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are krenvirshi and how do they differ from American hot dogs?

Krenvirshi (кренвирши) is the Bulgarian word for frankfurters — a term derived from the German “Krainer Wurst” tradition. European-style frankfurters like these are typically made from a pork-and-beef blend rather than all-beef or mixed-meat American hot dogs, and use a finer emulsification process that produces a notably tender, juicy texture. The flavor is milder and cleaner than most American hot dogs, with less salt and no artificial smoke flavoring.

Are these frankfurters imported from Bulgaria?

No — they are made in the United States by the Tandem brand following the authentic European recipe. The pork-and-beef blend, production method, and flavor profile are true to the continental tradition, but the product is manufactured domestically.

Can I eat them cold, or do they need to be cooked?

These are fully cooked frankfurters — they can be eaten cold straight from the package and are delicious sliced thin on a plate with mustard and pickles. They are equally good warmed through in a pan, simmered in water, or grilled. The classic Bulgarian preparation — scored and filled with kashkaval, then pan-fried until the cheese melts — is highly recommended.

What is the kashkaval-and-frankfurter preparation?

Score each frankfurter lengthwise down the center, stopping just before cutting all the way through, so it opens like a book. Press a strip of Bulgarian Kashkaval into the gap. Cook in a lightly oiled or buttered pan over medium heat, turning once, until the skin blisters lightly and the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden at the edges. This is one of the most iconic quick meals in Bulgarian home cooking.

How should I store them and how long do they keep?

Keep refrigerated at all times. Once opened, consume within 3—5 days for best quality. Check the use-by date on the label for unopened product. The larger 1.50 lb pack can also be divided and the unused portion rewrapped tightly for storage.