Why Ballpark Hot Dogs Taste Better Than Homemade

When you're seated at the stadium of your favorite baseball team, indulging in a fresh-off-the-burner hot dog topped with all of the best ingredients – including ketchup, mustard, hot dog relish, onions, and more — you may think to yourself, "Why is this so much better than the ones I make at home?" It may look the same but, for some reason, it has a juiciness and texture that seems unattainable in your kitchen. So what's the deal?

Well, aside from the upgraded vibe that being in a stadium offers, ballpark hot dogs are typically either grilled or steamed. Grilling hot dogs gives them a visible char, which not only boosts the exterior of the dog with a bit of crispiness but also helps lock in moisture. As for steaming, this method is known to provide dogs with an even cook and prevent dryness. Some stadiums even steam their buns, which offers a sturdier vehicle for toppings and keeps more wet additions from making the bun soggy.

There's also the aspect of quality. While you may be trying to get a deal when you go shopping for hot dogs at your local store, most stadiums take pride in providing attendees with the absolute best selection of major league baseball food.

If you'd like to make the next best thing to a ballpark hot dog at home, your best bet is to steam it. A steamer will provide you with the most consistent results. Simply add water to your steamer and drop in your hot dogs once it reaches a boil. From there, close the lid and allow the dogs to steam for around five minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you don't have a steamer, a skillet can be used. For this method, you'll want to put about a half-inch of water in a skillet and warm it over medium-high heat until it begins to boil. Once the bubbles form, place the hot dogs in the skillet and cook them, covered, for about five minutes, until their casing darkens.

You can also use a microwave. After wrapping a paper towel around your hot dog, cook it on high for about 45 seconds, and continue to cook in 30-second increments until it is cooked through. From there, turn on your favorite team's game, and enjoy!