Vintage Department Store Hot Dog Delight
Transport yourself back to the nostalgic days of the 1960s and 70s with this Vintage Department Store Hot Dog Delight. Inspired by the luncheonettes of local department stores, this recipe brings a cherished childhood memory to your kitchen. A staple in many family gatherings, these delightful hot dogs incorporate the unique yet delicious practice of butter-toasting the buns. With carefully browned onions and high-quality hot dogs nestled in warm, buttery rolls, these treats were often paired with a chilled soda and crispy fries. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish captures a moment in time and revives the era of classic American lunchtime indulgence.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot dogs
8 (sliced down the middle, but not all the way through)
buns
8 (soft and fresh from the bakery)
onion
1 (chopped or sliced in rings)
oil
a splash (for cooking)
butter
as needed (to spread on buns)
Instructions
1
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
2
Chop or slice the onion into rings, then add to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are golden brown. Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside, or push them to the side of the pan to keep warm.
3
Meanwhile, slice each hot dog lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open each hot dog slightly to create a 'double-wide' surface.
4
Place the hot dogs, cut side down, in the same pan with the onions. Cook until the underside is well-browned, then flip and cook the other side until browned to your liking. Once cooked, remove the hot dogs from the pan.
5
Prepare the fresh buns by spreading a generous amount of real butter on the inside surfaces.
6
With the skillet still on medium heat, place the buttered buns face down in the skillet. Press down slightly to ensure the butter contacts the hot surface. Toast until the buns are golden brown and slightly crisp.
7
Assemble each hot dog by placing it in a toasted bun and topping it with the sautéed onions.
8
Dress with your choice of condiments, such as mustard and ketchup. Optionally, serve with a chilled soda and some crinkle-cut fries for a complete vintage dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vintage Department Store Hot Dog Delight?
It is a nostalgic recipe inspired by 1960s and 70s department store luncheonettes featuring butter-toasted buns and pan-seared hot dogs.
What era does this recipe represent?
This recipe captures the classic American lunchtime indulgence of the 1960s and 1970s.
What makes these hot dogs different from standard ones?
The unique preparation involves butter-toasting the buns and butterflying the hot dogs for a larger searing surface.
How should I prepare the hot dogs for cooking?
Slice each hot dog lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a double-wide surface.
How do I prepare the buns for this recipe?
Spread a generous amount of real butter on the inside surfaces of fresh buns and toast them face down in a skillet.
What type of onion is best for the sautéed topping?
A standard yellow or white onion works best, either chopped or sliced into rings.
Can I use a different cooking oil?
Yes, any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used for sautéing the onions.
Is real butter necessary for the buns?
Real butter is highly recommended to achieve the authentic vintage luncheonette flavor and golden-brown texture.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Medium heat is ideal for both sautéing the onions and toasting the buns without burning them.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves 4 people, assuming two hot dogs per person.
Can I use frozen hot dogs for this recipe?
Yes, but they should be fully thawed before slicing and cooking to ensure even browning.
What side dishes go best with these hot dogs?
Crinkle-cut fries and a chilled soda are the traditional pairings for a complete vintage experience.
Can this recipe be made on a grill?
While traditionally made in a skillet, you can use a flat-top griddle on a grill to achieve the same toasted effect.
What condiments are recommended?
Classic condiments like mustard and ketchup are recommended to maintain the nostalgic theme.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely, the simple and savory flavors make it a favorite for family dinners and kids.
Can I use gluten-free buns with this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free buns; just follow the same butter-toasting process.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
Sauté them until they are golden brown, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat.
Why do I need to slice the hot dogs lengthwise?
Slicing them lengthwise allows more surface area to contact the pan, resulting in better browning and flavor.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either can be used, though salted butter adds a little extra flavor to the toasted buns.
Can I use a cast iron skillet?
Yes, a cast iron skillet is excellent for this recipe as it provides even heat for toasting and searing.
How do I prevent the buns from burning?
Press down slightly on the buns in the skillet and check them frequently until they are golden brown.
What drinks pair well with this meal?
A chilled cola, root beer, or a classic milkshake complements the vintage theme perfectly.
Can I add cheese to this hot dog?
While not in the original recipe, adding a slice of American or cheddar cheese is a delicious variation.
Is this recipe easy to scale for a crowd?
Yes, it is very simple to double or triple the ingredients for parties or large gatherings.
What does 'double-wide surface' mean?
It refers to the butterfly-cut hot dog being opened flat to twice its original width for cooking.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can use margarine, but butter provides the specific flavor profile associated with the vintage department store style.
What is the secret to the vintage flavor?
The secret is the combination of the pan-seared meat and the heavy butter-toasting of the bun.
How do I keep the onions warm while cooking the meat?
You can push the onions to the cooler edge of the skillet or set them aside in a covered bowl.
What kind of hot dogs should I buy?
High-quality, all-beef hot dogs are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use different types of onions?
Yes, red onions or sweet onions like Vidalia can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.