• About
  • Credit Card Basics
  • Mortgage Basics
  • $40K Challenge
  • Aunt Doris
  • Privacy
  • Archives
  • Insiders
  • Features

Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

100 Words On: Why It’s Not Poor Etiquette to Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog

By Len Penzo

There are plenty of food snobs out there who insist that it is sacrilegious to put ketchup on a hot dog. That assessment is echoed by The National Hot Dog Council which proclaims that ketchup should never be put on a hot dog by anyone over the age of 18. I find it deliciously ironic when people insist that something as gastronomically unsophisticated as the common hot dog can somehow be defiled by topping it with the most popular condiment in America.

The bottom line: Who needs mustard? There’s nothing better than a hot dog topped with ketchup and onions.

Photo Credit: EvelynGiggles

Related Posts:
  • My Ketchup Taste-Test: Upset! Guess Which Brand Topped HeinzMy Ketchup Taste-Test: Upset! Guess Which Brand Topped Heinz
  • 100 Words On: Why My Dog Is Worth Every Penny I’ve Spent On Him100 Words On: Why My Dog Is Worth Every Penny I’ve Spent On Him
  • Black Coffee: You Can Put Lipstick On a Pig — But It’s Still a PigBlack Coffee: You Can Put Lipstick On a Pig — But It’s Still a Pig

63 Comments May 25, 2017

Comments

  1. 1

    Auntjenny7 says

    July 1, 2011 at 4:33 am

    A hot dog with ketsup and cheese is just the best. Not the pour on cheese, but a slice of cheese. Yum, I think I’ve decided what I’m having for lunch today!

    Reply
    • 2

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 6:26 am

      I used to put a slice of American cheese on my hot dog when I was a kid. I just loved it! Of course, now my palette has matured and I prefer ketchup.

      Actually, now that you mention it Jenny, I think I’ll put a slice of cheese on my dog this weekend — with the ketchup too, of course.

      Reply
      • 3

        JoeTaxpayer says

        May 4, 2013 at 7:13 pm

        You looking for this? http://www.anotherfinemeal.com/new-york-hot-dog-onions/
        The best hot dog onions on the planet.

        Reply
  2. 4

    Olivia says

    July 1, 2011 at 5:35 am

    Point of info. In the New York Times Cookbook (Craig Claiborne), there’s a recipe for “Frankfurter Goulash a al Walter Selznik”. Not a dab of mustard in the entire thing. It tastes a lot like the cooked onions you get from the hot dog vendors near Central Park (New York). Now if a known foodie like Claiborne can OK a soupy mix of tomatoes, onions, and peppers over a lowly dog, who do these guys think they are, snubbing their noses at anything but mustard? Did the National Hot Dog Council fellows even have the guts to sign their names to the statement? I doubt it. They’re ashamed, (and should be), to show their faces in public.

    Reply
    • 5

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 6:23 am

      I know, Olivia. My first question was: just who is this National Hot Dog Council and who made them the hot dog kings? LOL

      By the way, I’m gonna see if I can find that recipe. It sounds delicious!

      Reply
  3. 6

    PK says

    July 1, 2011 at 5:43 am

    the Council is wrong. You can put whatever you want on a hot dog. It’s a BRAT that you can’t put ketchup on.

    Reply
    • 7

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 6:20 am

      Good catch, PK! The edit has been made. And, just for the record, I never put ketchup on a brat — although I’m not sure why.

      Reply
    • 8

      RD Blakeslee says

      May 26, 2017 at 7:49 am

      When my brats were kids, I could have poured Ketchup (or anything else handy) on them, sometimes.

      Reply
  4. 9

    Money Beagle says

    July 1, 2011 at 6:42 am

    That’s funny. I used to put cheese on my hot dogs but I stopped a few years ago when my girlfriend (now my wife) gave me funny looks. Every time I cook one, I think ‘mmm, maybe I’ll go for the cheese again’. I think I will try it again next time since it’s not that odd

    Reply
    • 10

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 12:53 pm

      Not odd at all, MB! Besides, being a beagle should make you an authority on hot dogs anyway. Don’t let anyone beat you down; put whatever the hell you want on that dog.

      Reply
  5. 11

    Pamela says

    July 1, 2011 at 6:49 am

    Heh. I don’t think ketchup should be put on hot dogs because I just don’t like ketchup. I refuse to put it on anything!

    Reply
    • 12

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 12:54 pm

      Fair enough. But have you tried a slice of American cheese on it?

      Reply
  6. 13

    Colleen says

    July 1, 2011 at 7:49 am

    When I was a kid I loved what was called a whistle dog – a hot dog with a slit (not all the way through) filled with a cheese slice and then wrap the whole thing with a slice of bacon!! Now butter sauted onions, mustard and just a little tiny bit of ketchup is my perfect dog.

    Reply
    • 14

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 12:55 pm

      That sounds yummy! I think I’m going to make me a whistle dog this weekend. Thanks for sharing that, Colleen.

      Reply
  7. 15

    Krantcents says

    July 1, 2011 at 8:25 am

    I never understood ketchup on hot dogs. For you ketchup lovers, enjoy it, just don’t ask me to eat it that way! I love it with yellow mustard and kraut. Very much the New York dog!

    Reply
    • 16

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 12:57 pm

      I can’t stand mustard, yellow or brown — to be frank (pun intended) it reminds me too much of when my kids were still in diapers. (Sorry, folks, but it’s true.)

      Reply
  8. 17

    Bret @ Hope to Prosper says

    July 1, 2011 at 8:29 am

    We used to have a hot dog stand by our work. Now, I have to get my fix at Costco. I like all of the stuff on it.

    Reply
    • 18

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 12:59 pm

      I wish we had a hot dog stand by my work, Bret. Instead, when I want a dog at work I have to drive to a Wienershnitzel — which is one of my favorite fast food joints anyway. Love their chili dogs.

      Reply
  9. 19

    Suba says

    July 1, 2011 at 9:49 am

    I am a vegetarian so I no hot dogs for me, but I didn’t know you are not supposed to put ketchup on hot dogs. I always see people @ Costco having a hot dog with everything available there… And I certainly didn’t know there is a “council” for hot dogs 🙂

    Reply
    • 20

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 1:00 pm

      Costco does have great dogs, Suba. I think they make tofu hot dogs for vegetarians.

      Reply
      • 21

        The Saved Quarter says

        July 2, 2011 at 5:36 pm

        They do, but I’ve never had a tasty one.

        I occasionally get the minimally processed chicken dogs for a treat (my kid can’t have nitrites in standard dogs) and we always do ketchup, mustard, and relish. My dad does chili-cheese dogs that are tasty but definitely not healthy. Didn’t know there was an edict against that!

        Reply
  10. 22

    DC says

    July 1, 2011 at 10:38 am

    I, for one, have always put both ketchup and mustard on a hot dog and I have no plans to change my habit. Haven’t done cheese, but I’ll give that a try next time.

    On the other hand, if you are dealing with a wurst — bratwurst, weisswurst, und so weiter — or kielbasa, then kraut and mustard is the way to go. But not yellow mustard; I go for a good brown mustard with the little seeds. Yummy!

    Reply
    • 23

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 1:03 pm

      When it comes to condiments, I only put ketchup on a hot dog — any other sausage goes “naked,” although I like to top my Italian sausage with grilled onions and/or bell peppers. Is it dinner time yet?

      Reply
  11. 24

    Beating Broke says

    July 1, 2011 at 11:32 am

    A little ketchup and spicy brown mustard for me, on my dog.

    Reply
    • 25

      Len Penzo says

      July 1, 2011 at 1:07 pm

      To each his own! I say if someone wants to put clam sauce on their dogs, more power to them! What are your thoughts on Dijon mustard on a hot dog? (I assume that’s different from spicy mustard, yes?)

      Reply
      • 26

        DC says

        July 1, 2011 at 1:27 pm

        Oh yes! Dijon mustard is good stuff. While not exactly spicy, it has a zing of its own. (The vinegar content?)

        Back in our college days my sister spent a summer “studies abroad” in Dijon France. The townspeople put mustard on *everything* including the pomme frites (french fries). It was the only condiment game in town.

        Reply
        • 27

          Len Penzo says

          July 1, 2011 at 1:56 pm

          Wow, I don’t think I’d be able to get by in Dijon, France. I was told the Europeans like to put mayo on their fries instead of ketchup; I guess they have a real disdain for the stuff.

  12. 28

    101 Centavos says

    July 1, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Well, what a hick I am. I didn’t even know there was a controversy on this. I put ketchup *and* mustard on a doggie.

    Reply
    • 29

      Len Penzo says

      July 5, 2011 at 8:19 pm

      Oh, yes; I’ve been “persecuted” for years.

      Reply
  13. 30

    Squirrelers says

    July 1, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    Here in the Chicago area, I’ve heard people say that you just don’t ask for ketchup on a hot dog. Not “Chicago Style”. Which probably means nothing to folks living elsewhere, but it’s a part of the tradition around here.

    A hot dog with mustard, onions, relish, celery salt. That’s the local style…no ketchup! Maybe cheese can be added though. I was at a place very recently where they didn’t even offer ketchup as an option.

    Personally, I think adding ketchup to that mix would be pretty good…

    Reply
    • 31

      Len Penzo says

      July 5, 2011 at 8:17 pm

      Ah, it is, Wise Squirrel. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried it. LOL

      Reply
      • 32

        RD Blakeslee says

        May 26, 2017 at 8:05 am

        …and don’t get ketchup on yourself, grasshopper…

        Reply
        • 33

          Len Penzo says

          May 26, 2017 at 9:53 pm

          I usually do … along with a few onions!

  14. 34

    Kay Lynn @ Bucksome Boomer says

    July 1, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    I put ketchup, mustard and relish on my dogs and think it’s absolutely ridiculous for a council to determine there’s only one way to eat this versatile item.

    Reply
    • 35

      Len Penzo says

      July 5, 2011 at 8:18 pm

      What? No onions, Kay Lynn?

      Reply
  15. 36

    jr says

    July 2, 2011 at 2:52 pm

    too much sodium and junk in all of it. i don’t do it. funny, money beagle says he quit “cheese” when “his girlfriend gave him funny looks. Grow a Pair dude, your wife will eventually look for a man who has.

    Reply
    • 37

      Len Penzo says

      July 5, 2011 at 8:20 pm

      I think there is an opportunity for a joke here, but I’ll just leave it alone…

      Reply
      • 38

        RD Blakeslee says

        May 26, 2017 at 8:06 am

        Not me! Pair of what?

        Reply
  16. 39

    CandiO says

    July 6, 2011 at 9:38 am

    My regular dogs at home get ketchup, mustard, chilli, CHEESE and relish. But maybe I am just weird!

    Reply
    • 40

      Len Penzo says

      July 18, 2011 at 7:50 pm

      That must be some good cheese, to spell it with all capital letters, CandiO!

      What kind of CHEESE are you talkin’ about?

      Reply
  17. 41

    David Swanger says

    July 19, 2011 at 5:44 am

    I’m 57 and this is the first time I’ve heard that ketchup shouldn’t be used with hot dogs. Crazy.

    Reply
  18. 42

    jane savers @ solving the money puzzle says

    May 2, 2013 at 4:49 am

    Catsup on a hot dog is not an etiquette error but it is a serious error in taste. Mustard, relish and onions is the only way to eat a hot dog.

    I haven’t eaten breakfast yet and now I want a hot dog. Still 2 hours until Costco opens.

    Reply
    • 43

      SassyMamaw says

      May 2, 2013 at 5:23 pm

      I had to join you on this one. Mustard, relish and onion. I don’t dislike ketchup, just never put it on a hot dog. I eat it with the fries!

      Reply
  19. 44

    Ms.W @ GrowingHerWorth says

    May 2, 2013 at 6:29 am

    Maybe I’m weird, but I don’t have a set hot dog topping. Depends on the mood, and what’s available. Chili cheese dogs. Mustard, ketchup and onions. Relish. It all works for me. The only way I don’t like my dogs is “beanie-weenie” style. Yuck!

    Reply
  20. 45

    AverageJoe says

    May 2, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    Two words: pickle relish

    Reply
  21. 46

    travis says

    May 2, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    Personally, I’ve never liked ketchup on a hot dog. One of my favorite movie quotes:

    “DIRTY HARRY” CALLAHAN: You know what makes me really sick to my stomach?

    DETECTIVE: What?!

    CALLAHAN: It’s watching you stuff your face with those hot dogs. Nobody… I mean NOBODY puts ketchup on a hot dog

    Reply
    • 47

      Len Penzo says

      May 2, 2013 at 6:22 pm

      Good one, Travis! I just may have to break out Sudden Impact tonight and watch that again. Here’s the scene:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5JIpT4GkyM

      (And that’s proof that — believe it or not — even Dirty Harry and I don’t agree on everything!)

      Reply
  22. 48

    Doable Finance says

    May 2, 2013 at 7:16 pm

    Didn’t Clint Eastwood comment on this in one of the dirty harry movies? I like ketchup on hot dog. What I do is make sauce mixing ketchup, mustard and teriyaki. It gets the sweetness from teriyaki and a little sour from mustard and ketchup.

    Reply
    • 49

      Len Penzo says

      May 2, 2013 at 8:00 pm

      Deja vu.

      Reply
  23. 50

    JoeTaxpayer says

    May 2, 2013 at 9:43 pm

    Brown mustard, sauerkraut, and the red onions that you can only get from the NYC Sabrett hot dog carts. This, in my opinion, is the perfect dog.

    Fortunately, we live in the US, the land of choice. You are free to do some pretty awful things, and ketchup on the hot dog is one of them. In the not-so-free countries, you’d be handcuffed and taken away for this offense.

    Reply
    • 51

      Len Penzo says

      May 3, 2013 at 6:39 am

      God bless America, Joe!

      Reply
    • 52

      Ellis says

      May 26, 2017 at 1:56 am

      Finally! I was wondering when someone was going to mention sauerkraut. I love a hot dog with mustard and sauerkrat, New York style, or sometimes mustard and pickle relish, also popular. But NOT the bland yellow mustard, the brown spicy one.

      Reply
      • 53

        Len Penzo says

        May 26, 2017 at 9:52 pm

        The Honeybee loves sauerkraut on her dogs too.

        Reply
  24. 54

    KIM says

    May 2, 2013 at 10:37 pm

    Nah, that’s just wrong. What else but hot dogs, hamburgers, and French fries…is ketchup for. The real debate is the brand. Heinz. Can’t beat it…ever. Could care less about the food snobs cuz they don’t know what they’re missin’. Then again, I’ve refrained from use when I’ve encountered establishments offering Hunts or other off brands or specialty made concoctions. I’m a Heinz snob…In MN we have “hot dishes” for just this post. A hot dog without Heinz is like peanut butter without jelly. Asparagus without beurre blanc. Ice cream without a waffle cone. Duh. Leave it to the food sites. Ketchup is king…as long as it’s Heinz.

    Reply
    • 55

      Ellis says

      May 26, 2017 at 1:59 am

      I seem to remember Len doing a column on ketchup brands.

      Reply
      • 56

        RD Blakeslee says

        May 26, 2017 at 8:23 am

        Ketchup probably wouldn’t last very long on cowhide. Better to use a hot branding iron.

        (As Len says, don’t pardon the pun.)

        Reply
      • 57

        Len Penzo says

        May 26, 2017 at 9:51 pm

        Good memory, Ellis. I did it here: http://lenpenzo.com/blog/id1481-ketchup-taste-test.html

        Reply
  25. 58

    Pineview Style says

    May 3, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    Processed tomatoes for processed meat. I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. First world problems….

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Question of the Week:

Which would you rather find?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Recent Posts

  • Black Coffee: And … It’s Gone
  • How to Get the Most for Your Money on a Gaming Vacation
  • Grandfather Says: A Lesson on Real Estate Development
  • 4 Things Everyone Should Know About the Cost of Growing Old
  • Fun Things to Do in New York City for Free
  • Powerful It Is: How Compound Interest Is Like the Force
  • Black Coffee: Credit Stiffs, Corporate Zombies and the Walking Dead
  • U.S. Credit Card Debt Surpasses $1 Trillion
  • Falling for This Tax Scam Will Have You Singing an Unhappy (i)Tune
  • 3 Ways You Can Save Money by Spending It

Disclaimer

This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and the content herein should not be mistaken for professional financial advice. This website accepts advertising in the form of monetary and other compensation; as such, topics of discussion are occasionally influenced by these advertisers. Ultimately, you and you alone are responsible for the decisions you make in life, so please contact an independent financial professional for advice regarding your unique personal situation.

Popular Now:

  1. 1. A Simple Trick for Getting Credit Card Interest Charges Waived
  2. 2. 4 Ways Duct Tape Can Fix Your Personal Finances
  3. 3. 7 Skills My Immigrant Parents Taught Me
  4. 4. 6 Good Habits You Can Employ to Improve Your Finances
  5. 5. How Choosing Credit or Debit Is Like Picking Salad Dressing
  6. 6. 8 Ways to Make Money on Your Morning Commute
  7. 7. 7 Awesome Reasons Why You Should Use a Roth IRA for Retirement Savings
  8. 8. 8 Really Useful Money-Saving Tips Every Family Should Consider
  9. 9. Why Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know About Concierge Doctors
  10. 10. 7 Great Careers That Don’t Require a Lot of Experience to Start

All-Time Most Popular:

  1. 1. 19 Things Your Suburban Millionaire Neighbor Won’t Tell You
  2. 2. Dear Friend: Here Are 41 Reasons Why I’m NOT Lending You the Money
  3. 3. Why Your Expensive Luxury Car Doesn’t Impress Smart People
  4. 4. If You Can’t Live on $40,000 Annually It’s Your Own Fault
  5. 5. 21 Reasons Why Corner Lots Are for Suckers
  6. 6. 18 Fast Facts About Social Security Numbers
  7. 7. My Ketchup Taste Test: Upset! Guess Which Brand Topped Heinz
  8. 8. The Great Paper Towel Test: Which Brand Is Your Best Value?
  9. 9. 12 Good Reasons Why You Should (and Should Not) Pay Off Your Mortgage Early
  10. 10. 9 Great Gifts for People Who Have Everything

 

Copyright © 2018 Len Penzo dot Com · All Rights Reserved · Designed by Nuts and Bolts Media

7ads6x98y