It’s hard to picture summer without the sizzle of a grill and the smell of hot dogs in the air. They’re simple, satisfying and somehow just taste better eaten outdoors on a paper plate, surrounded by laughter, sunscreen and the clatter of lawn chairs. While burgers may get a lot of hype, hot dogs quietly hold their place as the true icon of summer food. They’re fast, affordable, portable, easy to customize and they’ve got nostalgia in every bite.
From ballparks to backyard cookouts, hot dogs are the handheld classic that shows up for every warm-weather celebration and make it better.
Hot dogs are a blank canvas. Sure, you can keep it basic with ketchup, mustard and maybe a little relish, but you can also get wildly creative. They play well with all kinds of toppings— chili, cheese, pineapple, jalapeños. You can grill them, steam them, pan-fry them or wrap them in bacon.
Kids love them, grown-ups do too, and when you’re cooking for a crowd, they’re a stress-free solution that tastes like summer in a bun.
So imagine our delight when Martha Stewart, the queen of tasteful table settings, elevated entrees and magazine-worthy menus, revealed that she’s Team Hot Dog. Not only does she love them, but she even prefers them over hamburgers.
And while we might’ve guessed that Martha wouldn’t settle for just any old dog, her topping lineup still surprised us in the best way. Here’s how to make a hot dog the Martha Stewart way.
Related:The Classic Comfort Dish That Martha Stewart Calls Her ‘Favorite Food’
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What’s Martha Stewart’s Favorite Way to Eat a Hot Dog?
According to Martha, the ultimate hot dog isn’t just grilled, it’s fully dressed. Her go-to version features “the works” and for her, that means something a little different than what most people think about.
Martha said she adds ketchup, mustard, relish, sauerkraut and bacon, all piled high onto a perfectly toasted bun. That last one (bacon) caught us off guard, but it makes sense. Bacon adds a salty, crispy contrast to the soft bun and juicy dog, turning a classic into something luxe. It’s exactly the kind of touch you’d expect from Martha. It’s a bit unexpected, but totally delicious.
The toasted bun is key, too. No soggy bread here! Martha’s method ensures each bite has the perfect structure to support all those toppings. Whether you toast it on the grill or in a skillet with a little butter, the result is a golden, slightly crisp base that elevates the whole experience.
Martha’s hot dog is pretty perfect (of course it is), but some onion would be fantastic on this hot dog.
If you keep the bacon and toasted buns, you can use this as a base formula to elevate any hot dog. A chili cheese dog with bacon? Yes, please! Adding some bacon to a Chicago Dog? Perfect!
What’s especially refreshing about Martha’s love for hot dogs is how it reminds us that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be great. Sometimes, the most satisfying meal is the one you eat with your hands, under the sun, with mustard on your cheek and no apologies.
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