HOUSTON — Tens of millions of Americans will fire up their grills this Memorial Day and hot dogs will be on the menu for many.
From the classic dog at the ballpark to pricey haute dogs at restaurants, a whopping 93% of Americans eat hot dogs, according to a survey by US Foods.
They also tried to settle the age-old debate: Does ketchup belong on hot dogs? Residents of 12 states not only said yes, they ranked it as their favorite topping.
Texas wasn't one of them. Lone Star State fans ranked mustard as the No. 1 must-have topping. Favorite toppings in other states included onions, relish and chili.
According to the US Foods data, the secret to the perfect hot dog is grilled, served on a white bun and topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, relish and chili.
What are your favorite toppings? Take our non-scientific survey below and rank them by dragging them!
Favorite hot dog side dishes
When it comes to the best sides to serve with your dogs, french fries topped the list among those surveyed.
- French fries
- Potato salad
- Potato chips
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
Best hot dogs by region
- Chicago
- New York
- California
- Texas
- Michigan
When it comes to regions, Chicago-style hot dogs reign supreme even though they break some of the rules. Their frankfurters are usually boiled or steamed instead of grilled and they serve them on a poppy seed bun that's steamed, not toasted. The toppings are mustard, pickle relish, white onion, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, pickled peppers and celery salt.
New York came in second for best regional dog and no trip to the Big Apple is complete without getting a dog to-go from a street vendor. Sauteed onions often set them apart but most pushcarts have a variety of options, including the traditional toppings plus sauerkraut. Frankly speaking, the latter is a hard no for a lot of hot dog fans.
Avocados and Monterrey jack cheese are popular additions in California, which came in third.
Texas ranked fourth with classic ingredients. A lot of Texans would add jalapenos, pico and guacamole to the list!
The Michigan coney with chili finished fifth.
The most outrageous topping might belong to the Elvis dog at The Hosmer Hound Dog in Tacoma, Washington where peanut butter and bacon pay tribute to The King.
Other fun facts about hot dogs
- Americans eat an average of two hot dogs each month, reports U.S. Foods
- Is a hot dog a sandwich? U. S. Foods reports 67% of those surveyed said nope while 33% said yes.
- On average, Americans are willing to fork over $5.88 for a hot dog but the fancier designer dogs could cost a lot more that, according to U.S. Foods.
- Every Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park is Dollar Dog Night presented by Texas Chili Company!
- According to rarest.org, the priciest hot dog goes for a whopping $2,300 at a New York restaurant. It has top-grade Japanese wagyu beef, caviar, onions caramelized in champagne and sauerkraut braised in champagne. You have to order it 48 hours in advance.
- Alongside Tang and freeze-dried ice cream, hot dogs have passed NASA’s lengthy approval process for food allowed to be eaten in space. Even the Apollo astronauts enjoyed this classic meal on their way to the moon, according to USA Today.
- Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut downed 62 hot dogs to win the 16th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest last Fourth of July.
