Hot Dogs

A hot dog is a fun and tasty food. It is a type of sausage placed in a long bun. People often eat hot dogs at baseball games and picnics. You can top a hot dog with ketchup, mustard, or relish. Some people add cheese, chili, or onions too.

What Hot Dogs Are

The hot dog sausage is made from meat like beef or pork. It is cooked by boiling, grilling, or steaming. The bun is a soft roll that fits the sausage. Hot dogs are sold at stores and sports stadiums. They are easy to cook at home too.

An old photo of hot dog carts on a busy city street.
An old photo of hot dog carts on a busy city street. (Detroit Publishing Company / Wikimedia Commons)

Hot Dog Fun

Hot dogs are a big part of American culture. Every July 4, people have a famous hot dog eating contest in New York. One person once ate 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes! People also sell hot dogs from carts on city streets. A good hot dog makes a quick and yummy meal.

Fun Facts

  • Americans eat about 20 billion hot dogs every year.
  • July is National Hot Dog Month.
  • A Chicago style hot dog has lots of toppings but never ketchup.

Did You Know?

Hot dogs are sometimes called frankfurters. That name comes from Frankfurt, a city in Germany.