Why A Hot Dog Qualifies As A Sandwich

The question of whether a hotdog qualifies as a sandwich has stirred debates, with some seeking clarity from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for guidance. According to the USDA’s definition, a sandwich is characterized by “a meat or poultry filling positioned between two slices of bread, a bun, or a biscuit.” Going by this official description, it can be argued that a hotdog indeed falls under the category of a sandwich. This interpretation emerged on July 2, 2021, as enthusiasts and food aficionados looked for a concrete answer to this culinary conundrum.

The distinction between a hotdog and a sandwich hinges on the role of bread. Mittenthal contends that for something to be classified as a sandwich, it must unequivocally feature a bread component. He emphasizes that the term “hot dog” applies whether it’s nestled in a bun or not. According to him, the presence or absence of the bun doesn’t fundamentally alter the essence of the hot dog, and therefore, it does not meet the criteria to be considered a sandwich (Mittenthal, 2022).

The transition of a hotdog into a sandwich is a historical culinary evolution that can be traced back to the late 1800s. During this time, European immigrants introduced a novel concept by placing sausages between slices of bread, which they referred to as “frankfurter sandwiches.” This innovative fusion of sausage and bread marked an early milestone in the transformation of the hotdog into a sandwich. This shift in culinary culture is not only intriguing but also helps us better understand the origins of the beloved hotdog sandwich.