How to Eat a Hot Dog

Co-authored by Sarena Nelson

Last Updated: December 6, 2024 References

Hot dogs make a great meal for one, but they're also good for parties and barbecues because they can be easily customized. For starters, there are different types of meat you can choose, including pork, beef, and even vegetarian sausages. There are also different buns you can use, and you can dress the hot dog with a variety of condiments and toppings. But no matter how you like to dress your hot dog, it’s always best to eat it with your hands.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Assembling a Hot Dog

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1
Toast your hot dog bun if you like. One of the most important parts of a hot dog is the bun, because it’s what holds the sausage. Some people like their buns untoasted, but others prefer them warm and toasty. You can decide which you prefer. There are many ways you can toast the bun, including:^{[1]
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- In the oven
- In a toaster oven
- On the barbecue or grill
- In a skillet
Hot dog buns have a slit in the side or top where you can put your sausage. Use a pair of tongs, a fork, or your finger to select a sausage and drop it between the two halves of the bun. Arrange the sausage so the extra meat overhangs both ends of the bun equally.

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3
Add sauces. Condiments go on last, because you want to dress the sausage itself, and not the bun. Start with the sauce-style condiments and add them according to your preferences.^{[2]
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Research source} Some of the most popular include ketchup and mustard, but you can also try:
- Mayonnaise
- Hot sauce
- Barbecue sauce
Chunky condiments go on after the sauces. These condiments include chopped onion, relish, diced tomato, hot peppers, chili, pickles, and other chunky toppings.
Some people like to put cheese on their hot dogs, and grated cheddar is among the most popular. Other cheese varieties you can try include grated mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, gouda, blue cheese, or even marble cheese.
6
Finish the dog with your favorite spices. The last ingredient to go on your hot dog is seasonings. This includes spices, herbs, and other flavorings, such as salt and pepper. Other popular herbs and spices for hot dogs include:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Celery salt
- Garlic salt
Eating a hot dog can be messy business, especially if you like a lot of sauces and condiments. The plate will catch any crumbs, condiments, and toppings that fall as you eat. Put the plate on the table in front of you, or on your lap if you're in a more informal setting.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting Creative with Hot Dogs

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1
Try a basic hot dog. A basic hot dog includes just a few condiments, and some of the most popular are ketchup, mustard, and relish. Some people like just 1 or 2, whereas others prefer all 3. You can play around with the condiment combinations until you find your favorite.
- You can also experiment with different types of these condiments, such as using honey or Dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard.
2
Put together a chili cheese dog. A chili cheese dog is exactly what it sounds like! Place a cooked hot dog on a bun and top the dog with hot chili. Sprinkle the chili with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and place it under a broiler for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.^{[3]
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- You can even make a vegetarian chili dog by using a vegetarian hot dog and meat-free chili.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with any type of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella.
3
Go for a slaw dog. A slaw dog is a popular way of eating hot dogs in the Southern States in America. Place a cooked beef hot dog on a soft bun and top it with yellow mustard. Then add chili, coleslaw, and minced sweet onion to top it off.^{[4]
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- If you don’t like mustard, you can leave it off.
4
Try out a Chicago-style dog. A Chicago dog is one of the most popular variations on a basic hot dog. Place the hot dog in a bun and top it with yellow mustard. Top that with Chicago-style relish, chopped onion, and 2 tomato wedges. Finish the dog by adding a pickle spear, a few hot peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt.^{[5]
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- Chicago-style relish is pickle relish with blue food coloring added, which results in a vibrant neon condiment.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Eating a Hot Dog on a Bun with Your Hands

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Because eating a hot dog requires both hands, you need the space around you to be clear. Move your drink and condiment bottles out of the way so you can't knock them over with a stray elbow, and make sure you have lots of space in front and beside you for your arms.
Pick up the hot dog around the middle by gently squeezing the two halves of the bun together around the meat. Use one hand to cup the bottom of the bun and the other to gently pinch the bun around the meat at the back of the hot dog. This will prevent the meat from sliding out the back as you eat.
The top of the bun isn't enclosed, so you want to hold the hot dog so the meat and condiments are facing upward. If you tip the hot dog from side to side, all the condiments and sauces might fall off.^{[6]
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The trick with eating a hot dog is getting a bit of everything at once, including meat, bun, and condiments. Sometimes, holding the hot dog at a slight upward or downward angle can help with this. Just don’t tip it too much, otherwise you'll lose your condiments.
Bring the hot dog to your mouth, open your mouth wide around the bun, and bite down.^{[7]
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6
Have a few napkins handy. Hot dogs are eaten with the hands and not utensils, so it’s not uncommon for food to end up on your hands and face. Paper or cloth napkins can be used to wipe up spills, clean your hands, and wipe food from your face as you eat.
- As long as you're not in a formal setting, it’s generally also acceptable to lick your hands to clean off sauces and condiments when you're eating hot dogs.^{[8]
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Serve your favorite snacks on the side. You can eat hot dogs on their own as a meal or snack, but you can also serve them with side dishes and snacks. Some of the most popular sides for hot dogs include:
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Green salad

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I make homemade hot dogs?

Sarena Nelson
Private Chef
Sarena Nelson is a Private Chef and the Founder of Chef Sarena, based in Palm Springs, California. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in customized menus for private events, has worked in 5-star restaurants, and has helped small restaurants redesign their menus. She earned her degree from Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, California.

Sarena Nelson

Private Chef

Expert Answer

Crafting homemade hot dogs involves using ground beef chuck combined with sausage casings. It's essential to choose a high-quality beef chuck for optimal flavor. Additionally, consider incorporating a blend of spices and seasonings to customize the taste according to your preferences. The process typically includes filling sausage casings with the seasoned ground beef mixture, ensuring a uniform shape. To enhance the authenticity of the homemade hot dogs, experimenting with various herbs and spices can elevate the overall flavor profile. Once prepared, these homemade hot dogs can be grilled, boiled, or cooked according to personal preference, providing a delightful and customizable twist to the classic favorite.

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Question

What are hot dogs made of?

Community Answer

It depends on the brand of hot dog, but most are made from pork, beef, chicken, or a combination of the three. However, there are vegetarian hot dogs.

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What is the red dot on the end of a hot dog?

Lily Dragonclaw

Community Answer

That is where the casing of the sausage got tied off to keep the meat and juices inside.

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