Hot dogs are perfect for making a quick meal for one person, but they are also great for parties and barbecues, as they can be customized very easily. For starters, you can choose from different types of meat, including pork, beef and even vegetarian sausages. You can also use various types of bread and season hot dogs with a variety of toppings and toppings. In any case, regardless of how you like to season them, it is always better to eat them with your hands.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making a Hot Dog
Step 1. Toast the bread as desired
Bread is one of the most important parts of a hot dog, as it has the function of containing the sausage. Some people like to eat it without toasting it, while others like it hot and crunchy. The choice is yours. There are several methods for toasting bread, including:
- Oven;
- Electric oven;
- Barbecue or grill;
- Cooking pan.
Step 2. Place a hot hot dog inside the bun
Hot dog buns feature a side or top slot, where the sausage can be inserted. Grab the hot dog using tongs, a fork or your fingers and place it between the two halves of the bun. Arrange the sausage so the remaining meat protrudes equally on both ends of the bun.
Step 3. Add the dips
The condiments should be put at the end, as their function is to garnish the actual hot dog instead of the sandwich. Start with sauces and other liquid toppings using them according to your preferences. Ketchup and mustard are among the most used sauces, but you can also try:
- Mayonnaise;
- Spicy sauce;
- Barbecue sauce.
Step 4. Then add the solid toppings
The toppings with a solid consistency should be placed after the sauces. For example, you can use chopped onion, pickles, diced tomatoes, chillies and so on.
Step 5. Top the hot dog with cheese if desired
Some people like to garnish hot dogs with cheese, and grated cheddar is one of the most popular. You can also try other types, including mozzarella, parmesan, gouda, blue or marbled cheese. It is best to grate it to garnish hot dogs.
Step 6. Complete the preparation of the hot dog with the powdered toppings of your choice
Powdered seasonings are the last ingredient to add. For example, you can use spices, herbs and other seasonings, such as salt and pepper. Here are other ingredients widely used to season hot dogs:
- Onion powder;
- Garlic powder;
- Celery salt;
- Salt with garlic.
Step 7. Plate up the hot dog when the preparation is complete
Eating a hot dog can get very messy, especially if you like to overdo it with sauces and toppings. The dish is used to collect all the crumbs and toppings that tend to fall off while eating the sandwich. Put it on the table in front of you or keep it on your lap if you are in an informal setting.
Part 2 of 3: Try New Recipes
Step 1. Try a simple hot dog
Simple hot dogs have few toppings. Ketchup, mustard and pickles are among the most used. Some like to use just a couple, while others prefer to add all three. You can experiment with various combinations until you find the one you like best.
You can also experiment with different variations of these toppings, such as using honey or Dijon mustard instead of yellow
Step 2. Garnish the hot dogs using chili con carne and cheese
The realization is very simple. Place a cooked hot dog in a bun and top it with the chili. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar and grill it in the oven for two minutes to melt the cheese.
- If you don't eat meat, you can also use veggie sausages and vegetarian chili.
- Cheddar can be substituted for any other type of julienned cheese, such as mozzarella.
Step 3. Make a hot dog topped with coleslaw
This recipe is very popular in the southern United States. Place a cooked beef hot dog in a bun and drizzle with yellow mustard. Then, garnish with chili, coleslaw, and chopped sweet onion.
You can exclude mustard in case you don't like it
Step 4. Try a Chicago-style hot dog
In the United States it is one of the most popular variations for preparing a simple hot dog. Put the sausage in a bun and garnish it with yellow mustard. Add relish, chopped onion and two tomato wedges. Complete the preparation by adding a strip of pickled gherkin, a couple of hot peppers and a pinch of celery salt.
If you can find it, use Chicago-style relish. It is a gherkin sauce to which a green dye is added, thus obtaining a condiment with a lively and phosphorescent color
Part 3 of 3: Eating a Hot Dog with Your Hands
Step 1. Clear the area in front of you
Since you have to use both hands to eat a hot dog, you need to keep the space around you free of clutter. Move the drink and condiment bottles around to avoid hitting and knocking them over with an elbow. Also make sure you have enough arm room in front of you and to the sides.
Step 2. Grab the hot dog with both hands
Grab the sandwich in the middle by gently squeezing the sausage between the two halves. Use one hand to hold the bottom of the bun and gently squeeze the bread around the hot dog meat with the other. This will prevent the sausage from slipping off while you eat the sandwich.
Step 3. Hold the hot dog horizontally
The top of the bun isn't closed, so it's good to support the hot dog by making sure the meat and toppings are facing up. If you tilt it from side to side, you risk dropping all the toppings.
Step 4. Tilt the hot dog slightly to enjoy it at its best
The secret to eating a hot dog is to bite into all the ingredients that make it up (i.e. meat, bread and condiments) with a single bite. It can sometimes be useful to do this by tilting the sandwich slightly up or down. However, avoid tilting it too much, otherwise you risk dropping the condiments.
Step 5. Eat it in small bites
Bring the hot dog close to your mouth, open it wide to bite into the whole bun and bite into it. Don't move your mouth away until you are certain that a piece of meat has actually fallen off, or you will pull the entire sausage away with the first bite. Chew well before swallowing and take another bite.
Step 6. Have some napkins handy
Hot dogs should be eaten with your hands, without cutlery, so it can often happen that the food ends up on your hands and face. You can use paper or tissue napkins to clean up the table, hands, and face while you eat.
Unless you are in a formal setting, you can also lick your hands while eating a hot dog to remove any residue from sauces and condiments
Step 7. Serve the hot dog with your favorite side dish
Hot dogs can be eaten on their own to make a meal or snack, but you can also accompany them with side dishes and snacks. Here are some of the most used:
- Potato chips;
- French fries;
- Onion rings;
- Potato salad;
- Corn on the cob;
- Green salad.
