There are countless ways to make a hot dog -- apparently, that includes franks that are formed in a flat, round shape.
Recently, "round hot dogs" from meat delivery service Rastelli’s, went viral on social media, leaving numerous Twitter users confused. Unlike traditional hot dogs, Rastelli's round hot dogs are flat, round and fit better on a hamburger bun than a traditional hot dog bun.
Many people on social media pointed out that the food innovation is similar to something that already exists: bologna.
That sentiment was confirmed by National Hot Dog & Sausage Council President Eric Mittenthal.
"The hot dog patties are a wonderful sales creation," Mittenthal told Fox News. "It's great that someone has developed a marketing tool for another way to enjoy hot dogs. But the flat hot dogs are also known as bologna."
"Bologna is essentially a very large hot dog that is sliced into slices," he added. "And so, you know, what is being shared is basically bologna. And there's a lot of different styles of bologna, but one of the styles is a large hot dog that's sliced into slices."
However, Rastelli’s told Fox News in a statement that its creation does have some significant differences to traditional bologna, specifically in how the product is made.
According to the statement, Rastelli’s uses Black Angus Beef and Premium Pork, chopped together -- not fully emulsified or liquified "like some traditional bologna" -- and wrapped in a collagen casing and netting "to help hold shape," the statement said.
Round hotdog burger-style. (Rastelli's)
"The product is then smoked (similar to an old world-style hot dog) with a proprietary blend of woods such as chicory, and later finished in the oven," Rastelli’s explained. "Before slicing into rounds, we remove the casing."
The company explained that it decided to develop round hot dogs in answer to requests from customers who asked for pre-sliced hot dogs.
"Like many people, our customers were accustomed to slicing their hot dog down the middle before grilling to increase surface area for caramelization and flavor – so when the really busy moms and dads asked if we had any pre-sliced hot dogs, we started thinking," Rastelli’s said.
The company also considered concerns about young children possibly choking on traditional hot dog casings, as well as the problem of condiments "always falling off the hot dog when you take a bite," according to the statement.
Round hotdog slices with condiments.
"So, together with our R&D [research and development] team, we set out to improve the hot dog," Rastelli’s told Fox. "Flat for more surface area, easier condiment-holding ability, and no casing. And now we only have to buy one type of bun when we bbq."
Though Rastelli’s is getting attention for its recent innovation, it isn’t the first company to develop a sandwich-style hot dog.
In 2013, Connecticut newspaper Journal Inquirer published a story about siblings in Manchester, Connecticut, who developed a similar kind of hot dog called Flatdogs -- also to prevent children from choking.
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the realm of culinary innovations and food trends, I can confidently assert my expertise in discussing the recent viral phenomenon of "round hot dogs" introduced by Rastelli’s, a meat delivery service. My understanding is rooted in a deep knowledge of various food preparations, especially those related to sausages and processed meats.
The concept of round hot dogs has intrigued many on social media, with users expressing confusion and curiosity about this unique take on a classic favorite. Unlike traditional cylindrical hot dogs, Rastelli's round hot dogs are notable for their flat, circular shape, designed to fit better on a hamburger bun than a standard hot dog bun. The innovation has sparked comparisons to bologna, and National Hot Dog & Sausage Council President Eric Mittenthal has confirmed this connection.
Mittenthal explains that these flat hot dogs are essentially akin to bologna, describing bologna as a very large hot dog sliced into rounds. However, Rastelli’s asserts that its creation differs significantly from traditional bologna in terms of the manufacturing process and ingredients used. According to the company's statement to Fox News, Rastelli’s round hot dogs are made from a blend of Black Angus Beef and Premium Pork, chopped together without being fully emulsified or liquified, which distinguishes them from some traditional bologna. The hot dogs are then wrapped in a collagen casing and netting to maintain their shape and smoked with a proprietary blend of woods before being finished in the oven. Importantly, the casing is removed before slicing into rounds.
The motivation behind Rastelli's innovative product stems from customer demand for pre-sliced hot dogs. The company highlights that customers often sliced their hot dogs down the middle before grilling to increase surface area for caramelization and flavor. The decision to create round hot dogs was also influenced by concerns about children potentially choking on traditional hot dog casings and the common issue of condiments falling off when taking a bite.
Rastelli’s emphasizes its commitment to improving the hot dog experience by offering a flat shape for more surface area, easier condiment retention, and the elimination of casings. The company collaborated with its research and development team to address these concerns and create a product that resonates with busy parents and barbecue enthusiasts.
While Rastelli’s has gained recent attention for its round hot dog innovation, it's worth noting that similar sandwich-style hot dogs called Flatdogs were developed by siblings in Manchester, Connecticut, in 2013. These Flatdogs were also designed with the goal of preventing children from choking, showcasing the continuous evolution and creativity within the culinary landscape.
