One of the most revealing Graceland food stories concerns a dish as simple as hot dogs. Mary Jenkins Langston, Elvis Presley’s longtime cook, recalled that while he was in the hospital and supposed to follow a restricted diet, he called home asking for hot dogs with sauerkraut. He even described how he wanted them cooked: simmer the sauerkraut and hot dogs together, put the hot dogs in buns, pile on the kraut, and add plenty of mustard.

This is an unusually direct account of Elvis specifying a preparation rather than merely enjoying a dish. The quantities below are practical home-kitchen measurements; the essential cooking sequence follows Mary’s recollection.

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Recipe Information

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Beginner (1 of 5)
Cost: Budget ($ of $$$$$)
Region/Ethnic Origin: American comfort food

Ingredients

• 4 fully cooked beef hot dogs
• 2 cups prepared sauerkraut, lightly drained
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 soft hot dog buns
• 4 tablespoons yellow mustard, or to taste

Instructions

1. Place the sauerkraut and water in a medium saucepan. Stir to loosen the sauerkraut and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Nestle the hot dogs into the sauerkraut. Cover and simmer gently for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until the hot dogs are heated through and the sauerkraut is hot.
3. Lift the hot dogs out with tongs and place one in each bun.
4. Divide the hot sauerkraut evenly over the hot dogs, letting excess liquid drain back into the saucepan so the buns do not become soggy.
5. Top each generously with yellow mustard and serve immediately.

Kitchen Notes

Mary’s account describes boiling the hot dogs and sauerkraut together. A gentle simmer achieves the same basic result without splitting the hot dogs. Choose fully cooked hot dogs and heat them according to the package instructions. The generous mustard is part of the documented request, not a modern garnish.

A Little Graceland History

The Easter egg is a delivery that was not quite what it seemed. According to Mary Jenkins Langston, Elvis instructed her to bring the hot dogs to his hospital room and tell the guard she was delivering clothes for Linda Thompson. Mary later recalled carrying the sandwiches in for several days. The story captures both his fondness for the dish and the extraordinary lengths taken to satisfy a familiar craving.

Historical Recipe Disclaimer: This collection celebrates foods documented as favorites of Elvis Presley through historical accounts, interviews, family recollections, and published materials. Unless specifically identified as an authenticated historical recipe, the preparations presented here are carefully researched interpretations rather than exact reproductions of dishes served at Graceland. Carter Family Recipes is an independent culinary publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Graceland, or the Presley estate.