Every year on the third Wednesday of July, which falls on July 17th in 2024, Americans come together to celebrate one of the nation’s most beloved foods: the hot dog. National Hot Dog Day is a time to honor this classic American dish and enjoy it in all its delicious variations.
History of National Hot Dog Day
The origins of National Hot Dog Day can be traced back to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, which was established in 1994 by the American Meat Institute. The council’s mission is to promote the quality and safety of hot dogs and sausages, as well as to celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of these foods in American society.
The first National Hot Dog Day was celebrated in 1991, as a way to honor the hot dog’s long-standing popularity in the United States. Since then, the day has grown into a nationwide celebration, with hot dog enthusiasts, restaurants, and food brands all taking part in the festivities.
Hot dogs themselves have a much longer history, with roots dating back to the 15th century in Germany. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that hot dogs became a popular food item in the United States, thanks in large part to the influence of German immigrants who brought their love of sausages with them to America.
Over time, hot dogs became a staple of American cuisine, enjoyed at backyard barbecues, sporting events, and street carts across the country. Today, Americans consume an estimated 20 billion hot dogs each year, making them one of the nation’s most beloved foods.
Ideas to Celebrate National Hot Dog Day
There are countless ways to celebrate National Hot Dog Day, whether you’re a die-hard hot dog fan or simply looking for a fun way to enjoy a summer day. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Host a hot dog cookout: Invite friends and family over for a backyard barbecue, complete with a variety of hot dog toppings and sides.
- Try a new hot dog recipe: Get creative in the kitchen by experimenting with different hot dog toppings and preparations, such as a Chicago-style dog or a chili cheese dog.
- Visit a local hot dog joint: Many restaurants and food trucks offer special deals and promotions on National Hot Dog Day, so take advantage of the opportunity to try a new spot or enjoy a classic favorite.
- Donate to a local food bank: Consider using National Hot Dog Day as an opportunity to give back to your community by donating hot dogs, buns, and other supplies to a local food bank or homeless shelter.
Hot Dog Fun Facts
In honor of National Hot Dog Day, here are a few fun facts about everyone’s favorite summer food:
- The average American eats 70 hot dogs per year.
- The world record for hot dog eating is held by Joey Chestnut, who ate 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes at the 2020 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest.
- The most popular hot dog topping in America is mustard, followed by ketchup and chili.
- The term “hot dog” is believed to have originated in the 1800s, when German immigrants sold sausages on buns from carts on the streets of New York City.
Regional Hot Dog Variations
While the classic hot dog is a simple combination of a sausage on a bun, there are countless regional variations across the United States. Here are a few of the most popular:
- New York-style: A simple hot dog on a bun, often topped with mustard, sauerkraut, and onions.
- Chicago-style: A hot dog on a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices, a pickle spear, and celery salt.
- Coney Island-style: A hot dog topped with chili, diced onions, and mustard, named after the famous amusement park in New York City.
- Sonoran-style: A hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, grilled onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeno peppers, popular in the Southwest.