New England-style hot dog bun facts for kids
 |
|
| Alternative names | New England bun, New England roll, split-top roll, top-loading bun |
|---|---|
| Type | Bread roll |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Region or state |  New England |
| Created by | Howard Johnson's |
| Invented | 1940s |
| Main ingredients | Potato flakes, dry milk, egg, wheat |
Have you ever seen a hot dog bun that's sliced on top instead of the side? That's a New England-style hot dog bun! These special buns are super popular in the New England region of the United States. People also call them split-top buns or top-loading buns because of how they're cut. They're a big part of the yummy food from that area.
Contents
The Story of the New England Bun
How the Top-Sliced Bun Was Invented
The unique New England-style bun first appeared in the 1940s. A famous restaurant chain called Howard Johnson's wanted a special bun. They needed a bun that would work well for their new fried clam strip sandwich.
So, Howard Johnson's asked a bakery in Maine called J. J. Nissen for help. The restaurant wanted buns that could stand up straight. This made them much easier to fill, serve, and eat. This new design was a big hit!
Older Than Other Hot Dog Buns
The New England-style bun is actually older than the hot dog buns you see almost everywhere else. Before this bun was invented, most bakeries would slice rolls all the way through. This made them harder to hold when filled.
Today, you can find these special buns all over New England. Grocery stores there sell many different brands. They often sell them right next to the "side-loading" buns.
What Makes These Buns Special?
Perfect for Summer Meals
In New England, these buns are often linked to summer. They are popular in coastal towns. Here, you can find many clam shacks and lobster boats. Dishes like lobster rolls and clam rolls often use these buns. Some recipes even say you must use a New England-style bun!
Soft Sides and Easy Toasting
These buns are baked very close together in the oven. This keeps their sides super soft. Because the sides are soft, they are perfect for buttering. You can also easily toast or grill them. This makes them extra delicious with your favorite fillings.
Found Beyond New England
Sometimes, you can find New England-style buns outside of New England. For example, some stores in Florida sell them. This is because many New Englanders visit or move there. The stores want to make sure visitors can find their favorite buns!
