A hot dog is a cooked sausage, typically made from beef, pork, or a combination of meats, that is served in a sliced bun. It’s often seasoned with various spices and may be smoked or steamed for added flavor. Hot dogs are popular at barbecues, sporting events, and street fairs, commonly topped with condiments like mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, and sauerkraut. Originating from European sausages, the hot dog has become a quintessential American food, especially associated with summer festivities and outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef and/or pork (or your choice of meat)
  • 1/4 cup crushed ice or ice water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Sausage casings (optional, for stuffing)

Instructions:

  1. If using casings, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Prepare your sausage stuffer.
  2. In a bowl, combine the ground meat, crushed ice, salt, and spices. Mix well until the mixture is sticky and well combined.
  3. If you’re using casings, stuff them with the meat mixture, twisting into desired lengths. If not, simply shape the mixture into hot dog shapes by hand, about 6 inches long.
  4. Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat. Cook the hot dogs for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and nicely browned.
  5. Serve in buns with your favorite toppings like mustard, ketchup, or relish. Enjoy!

The history of the hot dog dates back to the 19th century, with its roots traced to European sausages, particularly the Frankfurter, named after Frankfurt, Germany, and the Vienna sausage from Austria. German immigrants brought these sausages to the United States, where they became popular at street vendors’ stands. The term “hot dog” is attributed to New York Evening Journal cartoonist Tad Dorgan in the early 1900s, although the exact origin remains debated. By the 1930s, hot dogs had become a staple at baseball games and summer picnics, evolving into the iconic American food they are today, often enjoyed with various toppings and served in a bun.