Tired of having extra hot dogs and not enough buns? Well, there's a reason why 10 hot dogs and 8 buns come in each pack.
Here’s Why There Are 10 Hot Dogs in a Pack, But Only 8 Buns
Updated Jul. 30, 2024
It’s a food dilemma that’s been haunting people for too long—and we’re finally ready to right this wrong. You know what we’re talking about. You’re at the store trying to stock up for your backyard party, and you always end up with more buns than hot dogs. Ugh!
There’s a reason why 10 hot dogs and eight buns in each package is the norm, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying.
How many hot dogs come in a pack?
If you’ve been grilling lately, you’ll know that hot dogs come 10 to a pack—a nice, even number. Why 10? Because hot dogs are sold by the pound, and standard-sized hot dogs sold in stores weigh 1.6 ounces, 10 is the perfect number for a package. This started in 1940 and remains so today.
How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?
When it comes to buns, it’s not weight that comes into play, but baking pans. According to the National Hot Dog Sausage Council (NHDSC), “Sandwich rolls, or hot dog buns, most often come eight to the pack because the buns are baked in clusters of four in pans designed to hold eight rolls.” Yep, there’s a council for hot dogs. Let’s end the debate and determine if a hot dog is a sandwich.
So why 10 hot dogs and 8 buns?
It’s always been that way. But it would make sense to match up the amounts of buns and hot dogs per package, wouldn’t it? It’s beyond irritating every time you go to the grocery store to buy at least two packs of buns per pack of hot dogs so no dog is left alone. Well, the “Condiment King” Heinz has decided to put its foot down on the age-old debate.
July is officially National Hot Dog Month. To celebrate, Heinz and Wonder have teamed together in the Heinz Hot Dog Pact. Finally, a big hot dog company and a big bun company agree on a single number of products per package—10! This is most definitely a cause we can get behind.
We know all this talk of hot dogs has made you hungry. Here are the best hot dog brands to try this summer!
Fun Hot Dog Recipes
Hot Dog CasseroleThis hearty and satisfying hot dog casserole—layers of red potatoes, hot dogs and cheese, covered with a creamy white bechamel sauce—is just right for a casual side.
Homemade Corn DogsLove fair food like funnel cake and corn dogs? Here is how to make perfectly golden, hand-dipped corn dogs at home.
Cowboy StewI made up this dish back in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Since it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey
Mexican Hot DogsMy stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, Ohio
These are America's best regional hot dog styles.
Fair-Favorite Corn DogsBring the county fair home to your kitchen with these corn dogs. A tip for dipping: Pour the batter into a tall Mason jar and dunk your dogs for an even all-over coating. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chili Cheese Dog CasseroleKids and dads alike will dive right into this hearty, comforting hot dog recipe. With a crispy cheese topping on a warm corn bread crust, this chili dog casserole recipe is a keeper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mini Corn DogsFor fun flavor, try this mini corn dog snack made with cornmeal dough. Serve a tangy dipping sauce. —Geralyn Harrington, Floral Park, New York
Coney Island SauceA Coney Island sauce recipe is something every home cook should know—and it’s not just to top hot dogs!
Here are more hot dog toppings you haven't tried yet.
Sweet Hoosier Dog SauceIn our area of Indiana, we love sweet coney sauce on our hot dogs! Our town still has an old drive-in that is famous for its sauce. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Chicago-Style Hot DogsI decided to give a Chicago-style dog a healthy twist for my family. Our kids love it. You can use other fresh toppings to please just about anyone. —Gregg May, Columbus, Ohio
Indiana-Style Corn DogsOne of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana
Barbecued Party StartersThis sweet and tangy hot dog recipe will tide over everyone until dinner. At the buffet, set out some fun toothpicks to make for easy nibbling. —Anastasia Weiss, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Corn Dog CasseroleReminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun hot dog recipe really hits the spot on fall days. It's perfect for the football parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven.
-Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois
Bandito Chili DogsThese deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Mini Mac & Cheese DogsWe wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Dogs in a SweaterFor a new twist on an old favorite, try these skewered hot dogs wrapped with breadstick dough and baked. They're fun to dip in ketchup, mustard or ranch dressing. The dressed-up dog recipe comes kid-tested from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pigs in a PonchoFor pigs in a blanket Mexican style, we add refried beans and green chiles. Spice it up even more with pepper jack, jalapenos and guacamole. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa
Party FranksThis tiny, tangy hot dog recipe haa broad appeal. I prepare it often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. It's convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
BBQ Hot Dog & Potato PacksFor these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Sloppy Joe DogsThere are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all! —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Crescent Roll Hot DogsOur crescent roll hot dogs recipe is just the kind of things kids of all ages like to eat; they also like making them! This recipe uses full-sized hot dogs, upgraded with cheddar cheese and bits of bacon inside of their crescent-roll blankets. Super easy and super pleasing at a kids' party or just for lunch.
Chili Coney DogsFrom the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves this hot dog recipe. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Hot Dog PieA co-worker who loves hot dogs shared this hot dog recipe with me. Baked in a purchased pastry shell, the pie is easy to assemble and is on the table in just 30 minutes. —Amy Bullis, Henryville, Pennsylvania
Chipotle Chili DogsLong live childhood favorites! I created this hot dog recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Rhode Island Hot WienersThis Rhode Island hot dog recipe pays tribute to the Rhode Island hot wiener. This is a regional classic that comes with a seasoned meat sauce, onions, celery salt and mustard.
Originally Published: July 09, 2021
