For a recipe that really sizzles, look no further than the Sausage Sizzle. This hot dog is the grand finale to my recent series on how people from around the world eat hot dogs. So far, I’ve seen messy hot dogs, crunchy hot dogs, pickley hot dogs, and hot dogs on a stick, but now get ready to see how New Zealand approaches hot dogs.

This recipe is courtesy of Parnika, who explains that Sausage Sizzle is both a food item and an event. Since it’s a fairly standardized recipe across New Zealand, the Sausage Sizzle is a simple and fun thing to make in communities. Parnika shares that gathering together to make these hot dogs is a common occurrence for community events, sporting events, or as a fundraiser for schools and charities. In fact, Parnika estimates that she probably had a Sausage Sizzle at least once a week at school as part of a fundraiser. So, the term Sausage Sizzle has become synonymous with the way the hot dogs are grilled, the event where the hot dogs are grilled, and then of course the hot dogs themselves.

The Sausage Sizzle itself is almost like the New Zealander version of the American Weiner Winks – or maybe the other way around. You’ll begin with a beef or pork sausage that is either pan fried (if you’re cooking at home) or grilled. The Sausage Sizzle’s main topping is a pile of caramelized onions, which are always tricky to eat, but add the perfect amount of sweet and savory flavor to the hot dog. The grilled hot dog and carmelized onions are served on a buttered piece of white bread. It’s important to note that you will need white bread – not toast for a Sausage Sizzle. Once you’re ready, the final step is a drizzle of tomato sauce across the top and enjoy. 

The Sausage Sizzle is incredibly simple and incredibly simple to make. Plus, as an added bonus, they’re also very affordable and use accessible ingredients. I love that this cornerstone of New Zealand culture is comforting and familiar, yet different and delightfully unexpected.