Classic American Hot Dogs: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 8 Hot Dog Buns
  • 8 Hot Dogs
  • 1 cup of Yellow Mustard
  • 1 cup of Tomato Ketchup
  • 1 cup of Relish
  • 2 cups of Chopped Onions
  • 2 cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup of Sauerkraut, optional
  • 1 cup of Chili, optional

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Place the hot dogs on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have grill marks.
  3. While the hot dogs are cooking, open the hot dog buns and lay them cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
  4. Remove the hot dogs and buns from the grill.
  5. Place a hot dog in each bun.
  6. Top each hot dog with mustard, ketchup, relish, and onions, adjusting the amounts to taste.
  7. If desired, add shredded cheese, sauerkraut, or chili on top of the other toppings.
  8. Serve the hot dogs immediately while they are still hot.

Tools for making

  • Grill - You will need a grill to cook the hot dogs.
  • Tongs - Use tongs to handle the hot dogs and flip them on the grill.
  • Grill Brush - A grill brush will be handy to clean the grill grates before and after cooking.
  • Knife - You will need a knife to chop the onions, if using.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping the onions.
  • Serving Platter - Use a serving platter to present the hot dogs.
  • Condiment Dispensers - Condiment dispensers or squeeze bottles will make it easier to apply the mustard, ketchup, and relish.
  • Cheese Grater - If using shredded cheese, you will need a cheese grater to grate the cheese.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian or Vegan Option: Replace the hot dogs with plant-based hot dog alternatives made from tofu, seitan, or vegetables.
  • Spicy Hot Dogs: Add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce to the toppings for a spicy kick.
  • Gourmet Toppings: Experiment with gourmet toppings such as caramelized onions, truffle mayo, or avocado slices.
  • Different Cheese Varieties: Try using different types of cheese like blue cheese, pepper jack, or Swiss instead of cheddar.
  • Grilled Onions: Instead of raw onions, grill the onions alongside the hot dogs for added flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hot dog buns or wrap the hot dogs in lettuce leaves for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Regional Variations: Explore regional variations like the Chicago-style hot dog (topped with pickles, sport peppers, tomatoes, and celery salt) or the New York-style hot dog (topped with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard).
  • Custom Toppings: Encourage creativity by offering a variety of toppings for people to customize their hot dogs, such as diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, or different types of sauces.

Recipe overview

If you're looking for a classic, easy-to-make meal that's perfect for summer barbecues, look no further than these grilled hot dogs. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of grilling hot dogs to perfection, achieving that ideal balance of juicy on the inside and slightly charred on the outside. We'll also show you how to toast your buns on the grill for added flavor and texture. The toppings are where you make these hot dogs your own. We've included traditional favorites like mustard, ketchup, relish, and chopped onions. But for those who like to take their hot dogs to the next level, we've also suggested optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sauerkraut, or chili. Whether you stack them high with every topping or prefer to keep it simple, these hot dogs are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them hot off the grill for the best taste experience!

Common questions

  1. How do I grill the hot dogs? - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the hot dogs on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and have grill marks.
  2. How do I toast the hot dog buns? - Open the hot dog buns and lay them cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  3. What toppings can I add to my hot dogs? - You can top your hot dogs with mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, shredded cheese, sauerkraut, or chili, depending on your preference.
  4. Can I skip certain toppings? - Absolutely! Feel free to customize your hot dogs by adding or omitting any toppings according to your taste.
  5. How should I serve the hot dogs? - Serve the hot dogs immediately while they are still hot for the best taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - Used to cook the hot dogs and buns.
  • Tongs - Used to flip and handle the hot dogs on the grill.
  • Spatula - Used to toast the buns on the grill.
  • Condiment Dispensers - Used to dispense mustard, ketchup, and relish onto the hot dogs.
  • Knife - Used to chop onions and other optional toppings.
  • Cheese Grater - Used to shred cheddar cheese for topping.
  • Serving Platter - Used to present and serve the hot dogs.
  • Napkins - Used for serving and cleaning up any mess.

Origin stories

The hot dog, a staple of American cookouts and ball games, actually has its origins in Europe. Originally called "frankfurters," these sausages were brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century. The term "hot dog" is believed to have been coined in the early 20th century by a cartoonist who observed vendors at a New York baseball game shouting "They're red hot! Get your dachshund sausages while they're red hot!" He sketched a cartoon of barking dachshund sausages nestled warmly in rolls. Not sure how to spell "dachshund" he simply wrote "hot dog!" The cartoon is said to have been a sensation, and the term "hot dog" stuck. So next time you enjoy a hot dog, remember you're partaking in a culinary tradition that crosses the Atlantic and has been enjoyed for more than a century!

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.