Troy Warren for CNT

NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY

National Hot Dog Day in July celebrates a summertime staple on a bun. Enjoy one piping hot and add some relish and mustard to go! One thing we want to know – is it a sandwich or not?

Celebrated every year during National Hot Dog Month, this day pays homage to the frankfurter, the footlong or wienie, wiener, wienerwurst or even red hot. They taste just as great no matter what we call it.

We make them a variety of ways. They’re portable and easy to make. While many of us prefer them grilled or toasted over a fire, we also boil, pan-fry, and rotisserie-cook them. The list of toppings are numerous – from the basic ketchup, mustard or relish to onions, mayonnaise, cheese, bacon, chili and sauerkraut – the list keeps growing. Adults and children alike love them, too.

On May 31, 2012, a world record was set for the most expensive hot dog. The “California Capitol City Dawg” sold for $145.49 at Capitol Dawg in Sacramento, California. The “California Capitol City Dawg” features:

A grilled 18″ all-beef, in natural casing frank from Chicago
Served on a fresh-baked herb and oil focaccia roll spread with white truffle butter, then grilled
Topped with whole grain mustard from France, garlic and herb mayonnaise
Sauteed chopped shallots, organic mixed baby greens, maple syrup
Marinated/fruitwood smoked uncured bacon from New Hampshire
Chopped tomatoes, sweetened dried cranberries, chopped tomato
Expensive moose cheese from Sweden
Basil olive oil/pear-cranberry-coconut balsamic vinaigrette and ground peppercorn
Proceeds from the sale of each 3 lb. super dog donated to the Shriners Hospitals for Children

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHotDogDay

There are so many ways to celebrate the day!

Host a hot dog roast.

Share your favorite toppings.

Take a poll to find out which is most preferred – blackened hot dogs or just cooked through?

Explore the best hot dog eateries near you and give them a shout-out.

Challenge people to defend their position on this question: Is a hot dog a sandwich?

While you’re celebrating, have a hot dog. Post your favorite hot dogs using #NationalHotDogDay to encourage others to join in.

NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY HISTORY

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council established National Hot Dog Day in 1991 to coincide with a hot dog lunch on Capitol Hill. The observance occurs every year on a Wednesday in July.