6 days ago
How to make your own Hot Dog at home for National Hot Dog Day 2025
By Bhavya Rai Published on July 16, 2025, 12:30 EDT
Today is National Hot Dog Day, and while many restaurants and convenience stores are offering specials, there's something uniquely satisfying about preparing a hot dog at home. It's quick, affordable, and allows you to tailor it exactly to your taste. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a group, making your own hot dog can be both enjoyable and straightforward.
The foundation is, of course, the hot dog itself. You can opt for all-beef, turkey, pork, chicken, or plant-based versions, depending on your dietary preferences. If you're looking for quality, brands like Nathan's, Hebrew National, or Applegate are well-regarded, but even store-brand varieties will do just fine if you prepare them well. Select a Cooking Method
There are several reliable ways to cook hot dogs, depending on what equipment you have and the flavour or texture you prefer:
Grilling:
This is the traditional method. Heat your grill to medium, place the hot dogs directly on the grates, and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until they're browned and slightly charred.
Pan-frying:
Add a small amount of oil or butter to a skillet and cook the hot dogs over medium heat. Rotate them every couple of minutes until the exterior is crisp and golden. This method adds a rich, caramelised flavour.
Boiling:
Place hot dogs in a pot of boiling water and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. This method is simple, fast, and ideal when you're making several hot dogs at once.
Air-frying:
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook the hot dogs for 5 to 6 minutes. The result is a slightly crisp texture without any additional oil.
Prepare the Buns
Warming the bun makes a noticeable difference. You can toast buns on the grill or in a skillet, or heat them briefly in the oven or microwave. For a softer texture, consider steaming them. Add Your Toppings
The beauty of a hot dog lies in its versatility. Here are some classic and creative topping combinations to consider: Classic: Mustard, ketchup, and relish.
Chicago-style: Yellow mustard, chopped onions, relish, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, a dill pickle spear, and a dash of celery salt. (No ketchup, traditionally.)
Southern-style: Coleslaw, mustard, and chilli.
Tex-Mex: Salsa, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
Simple: A touch of butter or a single condiment works just as well if that's your style.
While hot dogs are a humble food, they hold cultural weight and nostalgic charm. Preparing your own at home can feel less like a shortcut and more like a small, meaningful celebration, especially today.
National Hot Dog Day is a reminder that food doesn't need to be elaborate to be enjoyable. With just a few minutes and a few ingredients, you can make something that tastes good, feels satisfying, and brings a bit of joy to the middle of your week. hot dogNational hot dog day
