Seattle-style hot dog facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Seattle Dog |
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| Type | Hot dog |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Seattle |
| Main ingredients | Hot dog bun, hot dog, cream cheese, sauteed onions |
A Seattle-style hot dog, also called a Seattle Dog, is a special kind of hot dog. It's topped with creamy cream cheese and tasty sauteed onions. You can often find these unique hot dogs sold from food carts in Seattle, especially late at night or during big sports games.
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What is a Seattle-Style Hot Dog?
A Seattle-style hot dog is different from a regular hot dog because of its toppings. The main ingredients are a hot dog, a bun, cream cheese, and cooked onions. These ingredients create a mix of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that many people in Seattle love.
How Did the Seattle Dog Start?
The exact beginning of the Seattle-style hot dog isn't completely clear. However, it became popular in the Pioneer Square area of Seattle in the late 1980s or early 1990s.
One story says that a person named Hadley Longe might have invented it. He used to sell bagels from a cart at night. He started adding hot dogs on bialy bread with cream cheese, and people really liked it!
When Did Seattle Dogs Become Popular?
Seattle Dogs became even more popular in the 1990s. This was during the time of the "grunge" music movement, and many people would buy them after visiting bars or music places.
Today, you can still find street vendors selling Seattle Dogs near bars at night. They are also very popular around sports stadiums in the city. One vendor mentioned that the huge crowds at baseball games in 2001 really helped the Seattle Dog become famous.
How Are Seattle Dogs Made?
Making a Seattle-style hot dog involves a few key steps that make it special.
Cooking the Hot Dog
The hot dog meat is usually grilled, which gives it a nice smoky flavor. The bun is also often toasted to make it warm and slightly crispy. Sometimes, Polish sausage is used instead of a regular hot dog. Street vendors often cut the sausage down the middle. This helps it cook faster and more evenly.
Adding the Cream Cheese
The most important part of a Seattle-style hot dog is the cream cheese. It's what makes it unique! Sellers sometimes use special tools, like pistol-grip dispensers, to quickly add the thick cream cheese to the bun. This makes it easy to get the right amount of creamy goodness on every hot dog.
Popular Toppings for Your Seattle Dog
Besides cream cheese, grilled onions are one of the most common and loved toppings. But you can add many other things too! Some popular choices include:
- Jalapeños or other spicy peppers
- Sauerkraut or grilled cabbage
- Scallions (green onions)
For Condiments, people often choose mustard (like yellow or spicy brown), barbecue sauce, or Sriracha sauce for a bit of heat. Interestingly, ketchup is used less often on Seattle Dogs compared to other hot dogs.
