Is a Hotdog a Sandwich?
October 8, 2023
source: Pexels
You know, this might seem like a silly question at first, but stick with me here. We’re about to dive into the delicious world of hotdogs and sandwiches and figure out if these two culinary wonders can coexist in the same category. So, grab a hotdog (or a sandwich) and let’s chat about it!
First off, what’s in a name? We all know what a hotdog is – a juicy, savory sausage nestled in a soft bun, topped with all sorts of mouthwatering condiments. On the other hand, when we think of a sandwich, we usually picture slices of bread hugging some tasty fillings, like turkey, ham, or peanut butter and jelly.
But let’s break it down a bit further. A hotdog bun is essentially a single piece of bread, right? It’s just sliced open to create a convenient pocket for the sausage. And speaking of the sausage, it’s the star of the show, just like the fillings in a sandwich. So, in terms of structure, there are some striking similarities.
Now, you might be thinking, “Hold on a second, what about the shape?” Traditional sandwiches are usually square or rectangular, while hotdogs are, well, cylindrical. But hey, who says a sandwich has to be a perfect square? Some sandwiches are open-faced, and others are folded over, taking on a variety of shapes. So, don’t let the cylindrical nature of a hotdog deter you.
Let’s not forget about the toppings. Hotdogs are like a blank canvas for flavor. You can go classic with ketchup and mustard, or get adventurous with sauerkraut, onions, pickles, and even chili! Sandwiches, too, offer a world of possibilities when it comes to toppings, from lettuce and tomato to avocado and sriracha mayo. It’s all about personal preference and creativity.
Now, here’s where it gets a bit technical. The definition of a sandwich, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.” That split roll part sounds a lot like a hotdog bun, doesn’t it?
But the debate doesn’t end there. Some people argue that for something to be a sandwich, it needs to have two separate pieces of bread, not just one split in half. This brings us back to the hotdog bun dilemma. Is it one piece of bread sliced open, or is it two pieces stuck together at the seam? It’s a question that has sparked many a heated argument at cookouts and picnics.
From a practical standpoint, hotdogs are often categorized separately from sandwiches on menus and in food competitions. They have their own unique identity, which is fair. But does that mean they can’t also be considered a type of sandwich? Well, that’s where personal interpretation and culinary creativity come into play.
The debate over whether a hotdog is a sandwich is a fun and lighthearted one. While there are strong arguments on both sides, it ultimately comes down to how you define a sandwich. If you’re a purist who insists on two separate slices of bread, then a hotdog might not make the cut. But if you’re open to a broader definition, where a single piece of bread can be sliced open to cradle delicious fillings, then a hotdog certainly fits the bill.
So, the next time you sink your teeth into a juicy hotdog at a summer barbecue, you can ponder this age-old question: Is it a sandwich? Or is it something uniquely delightful all on its own? Regardless of where you land in this culinary debate, one thing’s for sure – hotdogs are undeniably delicious!