Hot dog

A hot dog is a food made of a cooked sausage, usually a frankfurter or wiener, served in a sliced bun, often with condiments and toppings.

A hot dog is a cooked sausage, typically a frankfurter or wiener, served in a sliced bun with condiments. In North America, the term commonly refers to both the sausage and the sandwich.

What it is

A hot dog is a food made of a cooked sausage, usually a frankfurter or wiener, placed in a long, partially sliced bun. It is often prepared by grilling, steaming, or boiling, and served with toppings such as mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut, or cheese.

Key details

The hot dog’s sausage tradition is linked to German and Austrian foods, but its exact origin is disputed between Frankfurt and Vienna. In North American English, 'hot dog' can mean the sausage alone or the full sausage-and-bun combination. The dish is strongly associated with U.S. street food and ballpark culture, though it is also widely sold in Canada.

Why it matters

The hot dog is a classic fast food with regional variations across North America, from chili dogs to sauerkraut-topped versions. Its simple format—sausage in a bun—makes it a flexible, iconic snack that has spread beyond its disputed origins.