Classic American Hot Dog

  • Total time - 15 minutes
  • Prep time - 5 minutes
  • Cooking time - 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: United States
A classic American hot dog in a soft bun with ketchup and mustard

The American hot dog is a masterclass in simplicity and versatility. While toppings can be customized endlessly, the foundation remains the same: a great hot dog and a fresh bun. We'll show you how to cook the frankfurters to perfection, whether on a grill, in a skillet, or in a pot of water. The best hot dogs have a slight char from the grill or a nice brown sear from the pan, and the buns are lightly toasted to prevent sogginess. This recipe provides a simple blueprint for the perfect classic hot dog, ready for you to build upon with your preferred toppings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces all-beef hot dogs (frankfurters)
  • 4 pieces hot dog buns

Classic Toppings and Condiments

  • yellow mustard
  • ketchup
  • sweet pickle relish
  • chopped raw onions

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Hot Dogs

Grilling: Heat a grill to medium heat. Place the hot dogs directly on the grates and grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a slight char.

Pan-frying: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Cook the hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, rolling them around the pan until evenly browned on all sides.

Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then turn off the heat. Add the hot dogs to the hot water and let them sit for 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns

To warm the buns, you can place them on the grill for 30 seconds to a minute, or wrap them in foil and place them in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes. This keeps them soft and warm.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Place a hot dog inside each warmed bun. Drizzle with ketchup and mustard, and add any other desired toppings such as relish or chopped onions.

Serve immediately while the hot dogs are still hot and the buns are warm. Enjoy!