Kansas City Dog

Haute Dogs

Posted by Quirk Books

About

Place of Origin: Unknown
Other Names: The Reuben Dog

A sort of wiener homage to the Reuben sandwich, the Kansas City Dog is yet another all-American creation with nebulous origins: like the Texas Dog and Coney Island Hot Dog, it is named for a place where it wasn’t created. It’s most likely the misnomer comes from the popularity of the Reuben sandwich in Kansas City—and the fact that the Kansas City Dog has been sold at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, for some time. The only thing hot dog historians know for sure? It’s tasty.

Share

You Will Need (6 things)

  • Sesame seed Bun
  • All-beef Hot Dog
  • Brown Mustard
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Sauerkraut
  • Caraway Seeds

Steps (3 steps, 25 minutes)

  1. 1

    Prep: Preheat a broiler.

    Assembly: Get out a sesame seed bun. Panfry an all-beef hot dog on a flattop (as on page 17). Place the hot dog in the bun and smear with brown mustard. Place a couple slices of Swiss cheese on top and put the dog on a baking sheet. Broil the dog until cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Top with a pile of sauerkraut and a sprinkling of caraway seeds.

  2. 2

    Caraway has an assertive earthy, peppery taste that’s the key to many cabbage dishes, rye bread, and—with other herbs, spices, and citrus—the Scandinavian spirit aquavit. Because of their assertive flavor and medicinal uses, caraway seeds were one of Europe’s first condiments (appearing in cookbooks as early as the 12th century). You can’t make authentic Kansas City Dogs without them.

  3. 3

    The Real Reuben Dog: Although regular
    Kitchen Note: Sesame seed buns, all-beef hot dogs, and brown mustard can be store-bought or homemade.

    The Real Reuben Dog:
    Although regular Kansas City Dogs are often called Reuben Dogs, you can make a true Reuben variation by replacing the brown mustard with Thousand Island dressing.