Hot Dog

A hot dog is a cured, emulsified sausage in a smooth casing, typically sold fully cooked and ready to heat. It has a savory, lightly smoky flavor and a snappy bite; it browns well on a grill or in a skillet and also heats quickly when simmered. Common uses include serving in a split bun with condiments or slicing into dishes like baked beans, mac and cheese, and stir-fries; it is sold in beef, pork, or poultry blends in standard, jumbo, or bun-length sizes.

The modern hot dog descends from German and Austrian frankfurter and wiener sausages, gaining mass popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Commercial versions are finely ground, seasoned, stuffed into natural or collagen casings, smoked or steam-cooked, and packaged for retail.