Loaded dog

There is an ongoing debate about whether or not a hot dog fits the description of a sandwich. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) has declared that a hot dog is not a sandwich.

Hotdogs are any time of day food and can be enjoyed by everyone from kids to adults in different styles. I know that for kids a standard or plain hotdog is a go to dish, it is great for kiddies parties, school lunches and meals at home. Served with a side of Natures Garden Chips or with salad, this is a meal one can be certain will be wiped off the plate.

A hot dog consists of a grilled or steamed sausage served on a long hotdog bun split lengthways to create allowance to slot the sausage and fillers. Both the use of Viennas, Russian or Boerewors is suitable. For school I prefer Viennas packed with a sachet of tomato sauce and at home boroso for a more full meal. The big kids and adults like these often times.

Traditionally, the boroso hot dog I would make at home would always have fried onions and chopped tomatoes. However, over time I have discovered that a loaded dog is not only more filling, its versatile and innovative. I can pile on left overs I find in the fridge, ensuring they don’t go to waste. I also have an opportunity to ensure I include all the foods from different food groups for a balanced diet, especially different vegetables.

Frying them, blanching them, or steaming them so the hotdog has different textures as well. Bacon, chicken strips, cheese, when the kitchen is looking a little bare, loaded hotdogs are a great way to save the day and save you time. Don’t be restricted by my suggestions, mix and match the ingredients to get the loaded hot dog of your choice. Add in other new flavours and toppings, get creative:

Loaded hot dogs with these classic hot dog fillers/toppings are a great thing to serve at any party. A great way to please everyone from semi loaded and fully loaded hot dogs. Don’t be too prescriptive.

Create a variety of different toppings, you don’t have to stick with the classic hot dog toppings either, put a variety of ingredients into bowls and allow your guests to load their own hot dog the way they want to eat it.

My three boys all have their preferences which is why I sometimes preload the hotdogs and sometimes put toppings out like a pizza.

Ingredients

Boerewors cut into 6

6 hot dog rolls cut in half

Cheddar

Bacon

Onion topping

Spring onion

Sunflower oil

BBQ sauce

Sesame seeds

Leftover Maggie 2 minute noodles

A great way to please everyone from semi loaded and fully loaded

hot dogs.

Instructions

Melt the butter in a pan with the olive oil. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and fry for 25-30 mins or until caramelised.

Cook the sausages by frying or grilling them. Set aside when ready.

Fry diced bacon. Set aside when ready.

Fry leftover noodles in bacon fat until crisp.

Split the hot dog buns , butter and toast and fill each with a sausage.

Top with the meat, bacon, grated cheese, onions, noodles, sesame seeds, and sauce of choice.

Serve with crisps, salad of French fries