Hot Dog Day, celebrated every year on the third Wednesday of July, falls on July 17th in 2024. This day brings Americans together to honor one of the nation’s most cherished foods: the hot dog. National Hot Dog Day is a festive occasion dedicated to enjoying this iconic American dish in its many delicious forms.
The origins of National Hot Dog Day can be traced back to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, established in 1994 by the American Meat Institute. The council aims to promote the quality and safety of hot dogs and sausages while celebrating their rich history and cultural significance in American society. Interestingly, the first National Hot Dog Day was celebrated in 1991, recognizing the hot dog’s long-standing popularity in the United States. Since then, the day has grown into a nationwide celebration, with hot dog lovers, restaurants, and food brands participating in the festivities.
Hot dogs have a much longer history, with their roots dating back to 15th century Germany. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that hot dogs became a popular food item in the United States, largely due to German immigrants who brought their love of sausages with them. 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, solidifying their place as one of the nation’s most beloved foods.
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 summer activity. 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
Experiment in the kitchen 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
Use 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.
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.
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.
National Hot Dog Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this beloved food and enjoy its many variations, making it a perfect summer day for hot dog enthusiasts everywhere.