What brought you here? Well, Let me guess. Cravings for a Hot Dog. Right? It’s clear since Hot dogs are America’s most beloved fast food. It certainly appears on the menu at every summer cookout, barbecue, sporting event, food cart, and cafe. 

This mouth-watering food has grilled or steamed sausages, traditionally made from beef, pork, or a combination of the two. It is served in a long, soft bun and topped with several tasty seasonings and garnishes.

And it should not come as a surprise that the average American eats 70 hot dogs per day and 20 million hot dogs a year. Yes! It is true.

Do you want to know why? I assume you said yes! Then what is holding you back? Jump to the article straight away to get the taste of this delicious cuisine.

Hot Dog History Overview

The Hot Dog is popular throughout the United States. It comes in a variety of toppings like bacon, cheddar, ketchup, and chili. Even after its popularity, many people don’t know what is inside that long bun and where it came from. 

Well, to answer your curiosity. Let me tell you that Hot Dog is not an American cuisine. Yes! You heard it right. Rather the origin of this fast food dates back to the 1800s when many German immigrants moved to the United States with their traditional foods. 

One of the German immigrants Charles Feltman opened the 1st stand on Coney Island in 1870. And he sold over 3600 frankfurters on a bun that year. Isn’t the history of Hot dogs quite amazing? 

Types of American Sausages

Hot dogs have a special place in our hearts and stomachs, so it is necessary to buy them from the best Hot Dog brands. No doubt, you can find various types of sausages on the market, and believe me, they are all worth giving a shot at. You’ll find sausages in multiple colors, sizes, and flavors, depending on the area and the people’s demand. And to give you an overview, here are the top 4 types of American sausages that are in demand among the US public.

1. Fresh Country Sausage: This sausage is mostly famous as a breakfast sausage. The reason for this name is that people in America mostly prefer fresh country sausage in their breakfast meals. The meat is made from pork and mild seasoning. The origin of country sausage is in rural America. The farmers find many ways to make the most of all parts of the butchered hog.
2. Summer Sausage: This is another type of American sausage. The label “summer sausage” applies to a variety of recipes in the United States. It includes a combination of pig and beef. Summer sausages have one thing in common, and that is that they are cured. So, you can store it on a shelf without refrigerating it. You can also eat it without preparing it.
3. Salami: Another type of cured sausage that is popular in America is Salami. It is similar to summer sausage. This sausage refers to fermented, aged sausage. One of the most popular varieties of salami in America is Genoa salami. It is made with pork, wine, and spices.
4. Pepperoni: It sounds Italian, right? But it is an American Sausage variety. You can make Pepperoni from beef, pork, or a combination of both. Most Americans use Pepperoni as a Pizza topping. Also, the traditional pepperoni is dry.

Hot dogs have a special place in our hearts and stomachs, so it is necessary to buy them from the best Hot Dog brands.

Are Hot Dogs Pre-Cooked?

The good news is that the hot dogs we purchase at the store have already been cooked to a safe temperature before getting packed. If they aren’t, it has to be stated on the label. 

There are several methods to figure out if a sausage is raw or precooked. For instance, uncooked sausage has a softer and more flexible texture. The link is probably cooked if it feels solid while touching and can stand without messing with the center.

But cooked hot dogs are usually pink because of the paprika in the recipe. Also, food producers can add artificial colors to their products to improve their presentation. Hence, when it comes to Hot dogs, you should check their textures instead of only color.

What’s the best way to grill hot dogs?

Who doesn’t enjoy getting togather with friends and family and having a German Frank with them? But these Franks taste much better when it is home-cooked. Right? So, to make your dinner easy and quick, here are the simple steps to grill a hot dog at your home.

1. Start preheating the grill to medium-high and get the ideal temperature to cook a hot dog.
2. Now, your hot dog will be perfectly cooked and well-browned after 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Also, remember to cook hot dogs to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. After that place your hot dog on the toasted bun for a delicious summer treat.
5. Now, it’s time to add some flavors. It means you can now top your hot dog with your favorite sausages and toppings.

Grilling Tips

Want to know some grilling tips? Then below is the list of the best grilling tips you’ll ever get to know from anyone. Check it out.

• First and foremost, heat up the grill before cooking to distribute heat equally and avoid sticking. 
• Now, oil the grill grates to avoid sticking and improve your hot dog taste. You can also marinate the meal.
• You must use a heat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking time and avoid over or under-cooking.
• After a proper grilling, let your meal rest for a few minutes before you serve. This tip will keep your hot dog’s juice and softness intact.
• At last, clean the grill grates after every use for the best cooking ability.

What is a hot dog casing made of?

Let’s take a closer look at Hot dog casing.

Well, Hot dog casings are made from natural and synthetic materials. Before natural casings were used for sausages, that are made from the cleansed and processed intestines of animals like sheep, swine, or cattle. And these casings give a natural touch to the hot dog and taste delicious.

And when we talk about synthetic casing, it is used in the industry of hot dog manufacturing and is made from materials, like collagen, cellulose, or plastic. The hot dog maintains its texture throughout cooking and packaging because of synthetic casing that gives consistent size and look.

Let’s Wrap it up

So that’s everything there is to know about Hot dogs. It is the best option if you’re searching for a quick and easy cookout. Hot dogs have made a place in the culinary heritage, whether at a baseball game or a BBQ.

The next time you have a well-cooked hot dog with your favorite toppings, take a moment to enjoy the long-lasting satisfaction this delicious cuisine provides.

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