Classic American Hot Dog Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns
  • 1 cup of ketchup
  • 1 cup of yellow mustard
  • 1 cup of relish
  • 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup of diced onions
  • 1 tablespoon of butter

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place hot dogs on the grill and cook for 7-9 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and slightly charred.
  3. While the hot dogs are grilling, lightly butter the inside of the hot dog buns.
  4. Place the buns on the grill, butter side down, and grill for about 1-2 minutes until they are lightly toasted.
  5. Remove the hot dogs and buns from the grill.
  6. Place a hot dog in each bun.
  7. Top each hot dog with ketchup, mustard, and relish according to your preference.
  8. Add a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese and diced onions to each hot dog.
  9. Serve immediately while still hot.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Replace the hot dogs with vegetarian or plant-based hot dogs.
  • Spicy twist: Add some sliced jalapenos or hot sauce to give your hot dogs an extra kick.
  • Cheese lovers: Use different types of cheese such as Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese instead of cheddar.
  • Loaded hot dogs: Top your hot dogs with additional toppings like sautéed peppers and onions, bacon bits, or chopped tomatoes.
  • Grilled onions: Instead of diced onions, grill sliced onions and place them on top of the hot dogs.
  • Wrap it up: Wrap the hot dogs in bacon before grilling for a smoky flavor.
  • Regional variations: Experiment with regional toppings such as chili, coleslaw, or sauerkraut to create a unique hot dog experience.

Recipe overview

Savor the classic, all-American comfort food with this delicious Hot Dog recipe. These grilled hot dogs are easy to make, and topped with favorite condiments like tangy mustard, classic ketchup, crunchy relish, and flavorful onions. A sprinkling of cheddar cheese adds a special touch. This recipe brings the traditional cookout flavor to your home, and it's perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. Expect a mouthwatering, satisfying meal that can be prepared quickly and easily. Enjoy a taste of summer any time of the year with these fantastic grilled hot dogs!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to grill the hot dogs?
  2. The hot dogs should be grilled for approximately 7-9 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly charred.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
  4. Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese, such as American, Swiss, or pepper jack.
  5. Can I use a different type of bun?
  6. Absolutely! While this recipe recommends using hot dog buns, you can substitute with any type of bun or bread you like, such as pretzel buns or whole wheat buns.
  7. What other toppings can I add?
  8. Aside from the traditional toppings listed in this recipe, you can get creative and add other toppings like sautéed onions, bacon bits, jalapeños, or even coleslaw.
  9. Can I cook the hot dogs indoors?
  10. Yes, if you don't have access to a grill, you can cook the hot dogs indoors. You can pan-fry them or even boil them in water until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - A grill is needed to cook the hot dogs.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping the hot dogs on the grill.
  • Butter knife - A butter knife is needed to spread butter on the hot dog buns.
  • Grilling spatula - A grilling spatula can be used to remove the hot dogs and buns from the grill.
  • Condiment squeeze bottles - It is convenient to have squeeze bottles for ketchup, mustard, and relish for easy application.
  • Cheese grater - A cheese grater is needed to grate the cheddar cheese.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is helpful for dicing the onions.

Origin stories

The hot dog, while considered quintessentially American, actually has its roots in Europe. The concept of a sausage served in a bun dates back to the 13th century in the German city of Frankfurt, the namesake of the frankfurter. However, it was German immigrants who brought the practice to the United States in the 19th century. The term "hot dog" is believed to have been coined by a New York Journal sports cartoonist in 1901. During a baseball game at the Polo Grounds, vendors began selling hot sausages in rolls, shouting "Get your dachshund sausages while they're red hot!". The cartoonist, unable to spell "dachshund", simply wrote "hot dog". The cartoon is said to have been a sensation, leading to the widespread use of the term. Despite being such a popular story, no one has been able to find this cartoon, despite widespread searching.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.