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Hot Dago Recipe

Hot Dagos have captured the hearts and taste buds of many with their delectable combination of flavors and textures.

As a regional favorite, this comforting dish hails from neighborhood Italian kitchens, making it a classic and beloved part of culinary traditions.

With a wide variety of ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, Hot Dagos offer a satisfying and delightful meal experience.

In your journey to explore and master the art of Hot Dago, you’re not just limited to a single recipe.

With diverse preparations and adaptations, you can experiment and personalize this dish to your liking.

From choosing the perfect blend of ground meat to selecting the right herbs and spices, making Hot Dagos can be creative and rewarding.

Whether a novice or an experienced home cook, Hot Dago is a flavorful, versatile dish, you can proudly share with your loved ones.

How to Make Hot Dago

hot dago recipe feat

Ingredients List

For a delicious Hot Dago, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
  • 1 lb ground hot Italian sausage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 pounds of ground pork
  • 1 Tbsp chopped garlic
  • 1/2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 Tbsp Fennel seeds
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp onion salt
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp oregano
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp black pepper
  • Olive oil for frying
  • Provolone cheese slices and tomato sauce (optional toppings)

Step-by-step process

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

This will come in handy later when you toast the hamburger buns.

Step 2:

Combine the ground mild and hot Italian sausage, ground beef, and ground pork in a mixing bowl.

This combination creates a depth of flavor for your meat patties.

Step 3:

Add the chopped garlic, Italian Seasoning, Fennel seeds, garlic powder, onion salt, oregano, and black pepper to the meat mixture and mix everything well to ensure even seasoning distribution.

Step 4:

Gently mix in the bread crumbs to the meat mixture, but don’t overmix, as this can make the patties more challenging.

Step 5:

Form the meat mixture into 12 evenly-sized oblong patties.

The oblong shape will help them fit better on the hamburger buns.

Step 6:

Heat a cast iron skillet or another heavy pan on medium heat.

Add a bit of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking.

Step 7:

Fry the Hot Dago patties in the skillet over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), ensuring they are cooked evenly on both sides.

Step 8:

While the patties are cooking, slice your hamburger buns in half and toast them in the preheated oven for a few minutes until lightly toasted.

Be careful not to burn them.

Step 9:

Once your Hot Dago patties and buns are ready, assemble the sandwich by placing a patty on the bottom half of the bun, topping with a slice of provolone cheese and some tomato sauce (if desired), then placing the top half of the bun.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal!

Side Dishes for Hot Dago

When enjoying this scrumptious meal, you want to have the perfect side dishes to enhance the overall dining experience.

Below is a list of tasty and complementary side dishes to serve with a hot dago.

Crispy Salad

A fresh, crispy salad made with mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, and a light dressing is an excellent choice for balancing out the hearty flavor of a hot dago.

The salad’s freshness and texture can cleanse the palate between bites of the sandwich, allowing you to savor every mouthful.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with hot dagos.

Choose a crusty bread or even a French bread loaf, spread a mixture of butter and minced garlic on top, and toast it to a golden brown.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, make a great side dish for hot dagos.

They can be prepared with a simple drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper and then roasted in the oven until tender.

Sweet Potato Fries

A serving of sweet potato fries offers a delightful contrast to the savory hot dago sandwich.

The potatoes’ natural sweetness works well with the spices and flavors in the sausage, while the crispy texture adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal.

French Potato Salad

This dish is made with boiled potatoes, tossed with a Dijon mustard and vinegar dressing, and garnished with fresh herbs.

This salad’s tangy flavors can complement and enhance the overall taste of a hot dago sandwich.

When choosing side dishes for your hot dago, consider options that will complement and enhance the sandwich’s flavors without overpowering them.

Ingredient Substitutes

When making a hot dago, you might not always have all the necessary ingredients.

Don’t worry! Here are some ingredient substitutes that can help you complete your recipe successfully.

Black Pepper

If you find yourself out of black pepper, you can replace it with white or cayenne pepper.

White pepper has a similar flavor profile, though less intense, while cayenne pepper adds some heat to the dish. Use either substitute in a 1:1 ratio.

Garlic Powder

If you don’t have garlic powder, feel free to use minced fresh or granulated garlic.

For 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, use 1 clove of minced fresh garlic or 1/4 teaspoon of granulated garlic.

Bread Crumbs

If you’re out of bread crumbs, substitute with crushed crackers or finely ground oats. Both options can effectively bind the meat mixture together.

Italian Seasoning

Are you missing Italian seasoning? Make your blend using dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.

Mix equal parts of each herb and use as much as the recipe calls for Italian seasoning.

Onion Salt

Lastly, substitute onion salt with a combination of onion powder and salt if it is unavailable.

For every teaspoon of onion salt, use 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon of regular salt.

You can adjust the ratio according to your taste preferences.

How to Store Hot Dago

Proper storage of Hot Dago is essential to keep its flavor and freshness intact.

The process is straightforward and only requires a few key steps.

Follow these tips and guidelines to ensure your Hot Dago remains delicious and enjoyable even after a few days.

Airtight Container

One of the most effective methods of storing Hot Dago is using an airtight container.

Ensure the container is clean and dry before transferring the Hot Dago.

This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the moisture levels in check.

Place the container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

Hot Dago can be stored this way for 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you need to store Hot Dago longer, consider freezing it.

Place the Hot Dago in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing it tightly.

Ensure the container is labeled with the date, contents, and any added ingredients to make identification and retrieval easy.

Frozen Hot Dago can last up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.

Just remember to follow the guidelines on proper storage conditions and always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Hot Dago.

Choosing the Wrong Meat Patty

When preparing a Hot Dago, it’s essential to select the right meat for the patty.

Typically, it’s best to use an Italian sausage patty, ground hot or mild pork, or a combination of both.

Using meat with too little fat, like lean ground beef, may result in a dry and less flavorful meal.

Overworking the Meat Mixture

When combining ground meat with seasoning, be careful not to overmix.

Overworking the mixture can result in harsh and less tender oblong patties.

Combine ground pork, beef, basil, salt, and Creole seasoning to create a well-seasoned but tender meat patty.

Uneven Patties

Making uneven patties is a common mistake that could impact the cooking time and overall presentation of your Hot Dago.

To avoid this, split the meat mixture into 12 equally-sized or evenly-sized patties.

This will ensure that each patty cooks evenly and is presented uniformly on the final dish.

Skimping on Seasoning

A well-seasoned patty is crucial for a flavorful Hot Dago.

Don’t hesitate to use the recommended amounts of basil, salt, Creole seasoning, and other spices in your recipe.

Adjust the amounts to your taste preferences but remember that under-seasoning will leave your Hot Dago tasting bland.

Overcooking the Patties

Overcooking the meat patties will result in a dry and less flavorful Hot Dago.

It’s essential to monitor the cooking process and ensure that each patty is cooked to the desired doneness while retaining its juiciness.

Monitor the patties as they cook, checking for internal temperature or desired color.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a delicious and satisfying Hot Dago to impress your family and friends.

Enjoy your meal!

hot dago recipe feat

Hot Dago Recipe

As a regional favorite, this comforting dish hails from neighborhood Italian kitchens, making it a classic and beloved part of culinary traditions.
With a wide variety of ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, Hot Dagos offer a satisfying and delightful meal experience.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12 patties
Equipment
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 cast iron skillet
Ingredients
  
  • 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
  • 1 lb ground hot Italian sausage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 pounds of ground pork
  • 1 Tbsp chopped garlic
  • 1/2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 Tbsp Fennel seeds
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp onion salt
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp oregano
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp black pepper
  • Olive oil for frying
  • Provolone cheese slices and tomato sauce optional
Instructions
 
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    This will come in handy later when you toast the hamburger buns.
  • Combine the ground mild and hot Italian sausage, ground beef, and ground pork in a mixing bowl.
    This combination creates a depth of flavor for your meat patties.
  • Add the chopped garlic, Italian Seasoning, Fennel seeds, garlic powder, onion salt, oregano, and black pepper to the meat mixture.
    Mix everything well to ensure even seasoning distribution.
  • Gently mix in the bread crumbs to the meat mixture.
    Ensure that you don't overmix, as this can make the patties more challenging.
  • Form the meat mixture into 12 evenly-sized oblong patties.
    The oblong shape will help them fit better on the hamburger buns.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet or another heavy pan on medium heat.
    Add a bit of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
  • Fry the Hot Dago patties in the skillet over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), ensuring they are cooked evenly on both sides.
  • While the patties are cooking, slice your hamburger buns in half and toast them in the preheated oven for a few minutes until lightly toasted.
    Be careful not to burn them.
  • Once your Hot Dago patties and buns are ready, assemble the sandwich by placing a patty on the bottom half of the bun, topping with a slice of provolone cheese and some tomato sauce (if desired), then placing the top half of the bun.
    Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal!

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