Alternative names Seattle Dog Place of origin United States | Type Hot dog | |
Region or state Seattle, Washington, United States Main ingredients Hot dog bun, Hot dog, Cream cheese Similar Hot dog, Cream cheese, Hot dog bun, Chicago‑style hot dog, Danger dog | ||
The seattle style hot dog
A Seattle-style hot dog, sometimes referred to as a Seattle Dog, is a hot dog topped with cream cheese that has become popular in Seattle.
Contents
History
Although the origins are not clear, it has been adopted as a regional variation. It is believed that the concept began in the Pioneer Square neighborhood in the late 1980s or early 1990s. One possible inventor is Hadley Longe who operated a bagel cart at night. He incorporated hot dogs on bialy sticks with cream cheese.
Seattle Dogs increased in popularity at bars and music venues during the grunge movement of the 1990s. They are now often sold at bars and their surrounding street vendors at night. They are also available at and near the city's sporting venues. A vendor told the The Seattle Weekly that he believed large crowds visiting stands outside of Safeco Field during the Seattle Mariners 2001 116–46 season was "the big boom" for the recipe.
Preparation
The meat is typically grilled and the bun is usually toasted. Polish sausage is common. Street vendors often cut the sausage down the middle to cook it quickly and all the way through.
The use of cream cheese defines the Seattle-style hot dog. Sellers sometimes have devices similar to caulking guns to quickly dispense the cream cheese. The owner of Dante's Inferno Dogs says that he was the first to introduce their use.
Grilled onions are one of the most popular additions. Other toppings include jalapeños and other peppers, sauerkraut or grilled cabbage, and scallions. Condiments such as mustard (American yellow or spicy brown), barbecue sauce, and Sriracha sauce are favorites, while ketchup is used less often.