October 27, 2025
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Who Makes the Best Frankfurter in the UK? The German Recipe Crafted by The Sausage Haüs
Not all hot dogs are created equal. The best frankfurters still follow the original German recipe — pure pork, natural casing, and gentle beechwood smoke. At The Sausage Haüs, we’ve partnered with Hardy Remagen, master butchers since 1718, to bring authentic German frankfurters to the UK. Discover what makes our smoked pork sausages the finest choice for caterers, BBQs, and anyone who loves true German flavour.

Few foods spark such universal nostalgia and pleasure as the Frankfurter. Whether sizzling on a summer BBQ, loaded into a bun at a food festival, or served steaming from a street cart on a winter day — the frankfurter is pure comfort food. But there’s a huge difference between an average hot dog and an authentic German frankfurter.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Who makes the best frankfurter in the UK?”, the answer lies not in clever packaging or artificial smoke flavour, but in centuries of German butchery tradition — and one company that still does it properly today: The Sausage Haüs, bringing Hardy Remagen’s 300-year German recipes to the UK.

Close-up of a grilled German sausage hotdog topped with mustard, pickles, and a pepper, served in a soft bun at a BBQ food stall.

A Brief History of the Frankfurter

The name “frankfurter” literally means “from Frankfurt am Main.” The original Frankfurter Würstchen has been documented as far back as the 13th century and was officially protected by law in Germany in 1860.

In Frankfurt, these slender, gently smoked sausages were traditionally made from pure pork and encased in natural sheep casing — giving that famous “snap” when you bite into one. They were heated in hot water rather than grilled or fried, allowing the smoky aroma to bloom without losing their delicate texture.

When German immigrants brought their recipes to America in the 19th century, the frankfurter evolved into the hot dog — a quicker, mass-produced version for bustling city streets. Sadly, over time, many manufacturers replaced pork with cheap filler meats, added starch and flavour enhancers, and used liquid smoke instead of natural beechwood.

So while most people today have tasted a hot dog, few have ever experienced a real frankfurter.

Historic German butchery of the Remagen family in the early 1900s — authentic heritage behind who makes the best frankfurter today

What Defines the Best Frankfurter?

To know who makes the best frankfurter in the UK, we first need to understand what makes one great.

1. The Right Ingredients

A proper German frankfurter starts with high-quality pork — not a mix of low-grade meats. The texture should be finely ground but never mushy. Natural pork fat is crucial for flavour and moisture.

Artificial binders, soy protein, or excess water? Those have no place in a real frankfurter. Instead, the best producers use a simple, honest recipe: pork, salt, a delicate spice blend, and real smoke.

2. The Beechwood Smoke

The soul of a true frankfurter lies in its smoke. Traditional German producers use natural beechwood, which imparts a mild, slightly sweet aroma that enhances the meat’s natural taste rather than overpowering it.

Beech smoke is cleaner and lighter than hickory or oak, producing that subtle, golden-brown colour we associate with premium sausages.

3. The Natural Casing

That satisfying snap you hear when biting into a good frankfurter? That’s thanks to its natural casing.
It seals in the juices and gives every bite a signature texture — firm, juicy, and full of flavour. Artificial casings simply can’t replicate that authentic experience.

4. The Perfect Balance

The best frankfurters are balanced — not too salty, not too smoky, not too fatty. The aroma should invite you in; the bite should reward you with a clean, savoury finish.

It’s a precision that comes only from craftsmanship passed down through generations — something Hardy Remagen, our long-term partner in Germany, has perfected since 1718.

Authentic German frankfurters grilling over charcoal — showing the golden colour and natural casing that explain who makes the best frankfurter in the UK

The German Heritage Behind The Sausage Haüs

The Sausage Haüs isn’t just another brand selling “German-style” sausages. Our roots trace back to Remagen, Germany, where Hardy Remagen GmbH & Co. KG has crafted premium sausages for over 300 years.

Every recipe we use is based on this heritage — authentic, time-tested, and refined through centuries of practice.

Our collaboration brings this craftsmanship directly to the UK, ensuring that British customers can finally taste what a real frankfurter should be:

  • Authentic German recipe
  • Beechwood smoked
  • Made from prime pork cuts
  • Produced with the same precision and care as in Germany

We don’t compromise on texture, taste, or quality — because that’s what makes a frankfurter great.

The Sausage Haüs Frankfurter Range: The Best in the UK

When we set out to introduce The Sausage Haüs to the UK market, our goal wasn’t to compete with cheap hot dogs. It was to raise the standard — to show caterers, BBQ professionals, and food lovers that a real frankfurter is a world apart.

Here are some of our most loved varieties — all authentic German frankfurters made to perfection:

Emmental Cheese Frankfurter

A creamy twist on the original. Each sausage is filled with melted Emmental cheese that bursts out with every bite. The flavour is rich but balanced — smoky on the outside, buttery on the inside. Perfect in a brioche bun or sliced into a breakfast omelette.

Taste profile: mild, creamy, perfectly smoked.
Ideal for: food trucks, pubs, family BBQs.

Chilli Bacon Frankfurter

For those who like a little kick. Real bacon pieces and natural chilli are blended into the pork filling before smoking, giving a deep umami flavour and a subtle heat that builds gently.

It’s a modern interpretation of the traditional frankfurter — bold, meaty, and satisfying.

Taste profile: smoky heat, balanced spice.
Ideal for: gourmet hot dogs and loaded fries.

Sundried Tomato & Cheese Frankfurter

A Mediterranean-inspired frankfurter that still follows German craft principles. The sundried tomatoes add sweetness and acidity, while the cheese gives richness and smooth texture.

It’s a versatile option for caterers who want a premium sausage that stands out on a menu.

Taste profile: aromatic, slightly tangy, full-bodied.
Ideal for: event caterers, gastropubs, summer festivals.

Jumbo Smoked Pork Hotdog

The classic, elevated. Our Jumbo Smoked Pork Hotdog delivers that traditional frankfurter taste in a larger, more substantial size. Ideal for grills and professional BBQ setups.

Each sausage holds its shape beautifully, ensuring consistent performance even during high-volume catering events.

Taste profile: smoky, juicy, authentic German snap.
Ideal for: BBQ caterers, hot dog stands, breweries, sports events.

Why The Sausage Haüs Frankfurter Is Different

🔸 1. Crafted, Not Manufactured

Every sausage we produce reflects our German heritage. We don’t rush, over-process, or dilute our recipes. Each frankfurter is gently smoked over beechwood — never artificially flavoured.

🔸 2. Consistency for Professionals

Caterers need reliability — consistent texture, size, and taste. Our frankfurters are precision-made using traditional methods and modern hygiene standards, ensuring perfect results every time.

🔸 3. No Compromise on Ingredients

We use only prime pork cuts from trusted suppliers, combined with a traditional spice blend. No fillers, no starch, no cheap shortcuts.

🔸 4. Ready for Modern Menus

From loaded gourmet hot dogs to elegant bar snacks, our frankfurters fit effortlessly into contemporary British menus. Their quality lets chefs build dishes that stand out.

Authentic German frankfurter served in a bun with mustard and ketchup on a paper tray

Serving Ideas for the Perfect Frankfurter Experience

If you’re buying frankfurters for home BBQs, catering events, or restaurant menus, presentation and pairing make all the difference.

Here are a few ways to make your frankfurters shine:

🔹 The Classic German Style

Serve your frankfurter in a freshly baked crusty roll, not a sweet bun. Add mild mustard and sauerkraut for that authentic Frankfurt street taste. Pair with a cold lager or wheat beer.

🔹 The Gourmet Hot Dog

Use a brioche bun, add caramelised onions, pickles, and a drizzle of Dijon mustard or chipotle mayo. Finish with a sprinkle of crispy onions for crunch.

🔹 The Event Favourite

Slice jumbo frankfurters into bite-sized samples for BBQ tasting stations or pub platters. They stay juicy even after reheating — perfect for large events.

The Frankfurter vs. The Hot Dog: Why the Difference Matters

It’s tempting to lump frankfurters and hot dogs into the same category, but in reality, they’re worlds apart.

Aspect German Frankfurter Typical Hot Dog
Meat quality Prime pork cuts Mixed meats or mechanically separated meat
Casing Natural Artificial or none
Smoke Natural beechwood smoke Liquid smoke flavour
Texture Firm, juicy snap Soft, spongy
Taste Subtle, savoury, clean Salty, artificial, often sweet
Tradition 300+ years of craft Industrial convenience

So when people ask “Who makes the best frankfurter?”, the answer depends on what they really mean — the authentic German kind or the industrial imitation.

If you value tradition, taste, and quality — there’s no contest.

Where to Buy The Sausage Haüs Frankfurters

You can experience our frankfurters through The Sausage Haüs, part of Baird Foods, one of the UK’s trusted family-run meat specialists.

We supply:

  • Caterers and event professionals (bulk packs available)
  • Pubs and restaurants (ready-to-cook premium sausages)
  • Retail customers through our online shop (coming soon)

Explore our full range here:
👉 German Sausages for BBQ Caterers
and discover the story behind our brand:
👉 About The Sausage Haüs

The Real Answer: Who Makes the Best Frankfurter in the UK?

After exploring what defines a true frankfurter — from its origins in Frankfurt to modern-day craftsmanship — one answer stands out clearly:

The best frankfurters are made by those who still follow the original German recipe — and few do it better than The Sausage Haüs.

Our sausages are authentically German, crafted with care, and smoked the traditional way. Every frankfurter we produce represents centuries of knowledge, passed from master butcher to apprentice, and refined to perfection. From the careful selection of pork to the slow, patient smoking process, each detail matters — because flavour cannot be rushed.

That’s why chefs, caterers, and food enthusiasts across the UK trust us to deliver the taste of real Germany — one frankfurter at a time. They know that when a guest takes their first bite, they’ll taste the difference: the natural snap of the casing, the balanced smoke, the depth of flavour that only comes from true craftsmanship.

So the next time you fire up the grill, skip the average hot dog and reach for something better. Choose a sausage that tells a story — one that began over 300 years ago and continues in every Sausage Haüs product today.

Now you know who makes the best frankfurter in the UK.

Taste the difference tradition makes. Taste the difference 300 years of craftsmanship can make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Because many are pre-cooked, vacuum-packed and pasteurised, they can be heated quickly or even served cold, making them convenient for busy caterers or retail settings.

Yes. Those used to German style sausages will often detect the difference in taste, casing texture, smoke flavour, and meat quality. A well made frankfurter will deliver that classic German flavour which distinguishes it from generic alternatives.

Yes — wholesale buyers can access these frankfurters (fresh or frozen) via dedicated wholesale channels. Whether you run a pub, catering stand or an events business, you can get consistent supply in bulk.

Good suppliers will:

  • source from authentic German producers
  • maintain logistics & storage quality
  • provide product variety (fresh, frozen, cooked)
  • support retailers / caterers with packaging, portion sizes, and wholesale pricing.

We judge on authentic German recipes, quality of ingredients (natural casing or premium meats), traditional smoking (e.g. beechwood), cooking / production standards. A truly great frankfurter is flavourful, properly smoked, with the right texture and casing snap.

Products are often supplied fully cooked, pasteurized or vacuum packed, and in frozen or fresh formats. Frozen formats extend shelf life; fresh options are good for local retail or hospitality.

  • Ask about:production methods & producer heritage
  • certifications (e.g. quality / safety standards)
  • lead times and supply reliability
  • formats (frozen / fresh, pack sizes)
  • taste test or sample opportunity.

Key factors include:

  • consistency in quality
  • reliable supply (wholesale / refrigeration / frozen stock)
  • ability to reheat or grill with good casing snap
  • compliance with food safety & catering rules (especially at markets / events).

One of the key producers is Hardy Remagen, a family butcher with centuries of tradition, so their products follow original German methods. That means the frankfurter you find in the UK from trusted importers will reflect that heritage.

German frankfurters typically follow more strict recipe tradition, specific smoking processes, natural casing or higher quality meat cuts, resulting in more authentic flavour, texture, and quality compared to mass-produced hot dogs.

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Privacy Policy for Sausage Haüs

At Sausage Haüs, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our customers, business partners, and website visitors. This privacy policy outlines how we handle, store, and protect any information that you provide to us. Sausage Haüs complies with relevant data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. By visiting our website or providing personal information to us, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy. We may update this policy periodically, so we encourage you to review it regularly to stay informed of any changes.

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