The Classic Chicago Dog is a quintessential Windy City delicacy, renowned for its vibrant medley of toppings and strict adherence to tradition. This iconic hot dog is more than just a meal; it's a cultural experience that encapsulates the spirit of Chicago's culinary heritage. Crafted with an all-beef frankfurter nestled in a poppy seed bun, it's adorned with a specific lineup of condiments and toppings that create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tangy mustard, sweet relish, crisp onions, juicy tomatoes, a dill pickle spear, spicy sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt results in a taste that's both complex and satisfying.
Traditional Chicago Dog
Tom Jackson
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Entree
Cuisine
American
Servings
8
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Calories
451
What sets the Chicago Dog apart is its commitment to authenticity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, and the assembly is treated with the utmost care to ensure every bite delivers the intended flavor profile. Notably, ketchup is intentionally omitted, as purists believe it disrupts the delicate balance of the other components. Whether enjoyed at a bustling street cart or prepared at home, the Chicago Dog remains a beloved staple that continues to delight both locals and visitors alike.
Ingredients
- 8 Hot dogs (Use all beef hot dogs for best results)
- 8 Hot dog buns (Use poppy seed buns to be authentic)
- 8 tsp Chicago style relish
- 8 Kosher dill pickle spears
- 1 Pepperoncini or banana peppers, sliced (Use sport peppers to be authentic)
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 1 Tomato cut into 8 wedges
-
8 tsp yellow mustard
Directions
Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to 350°F (177°C).
Grill the Hot Dogs
Place 8 all-beef hot dogs on the grill.
Grill until heated through and slightly charred, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Warm the Buns
Lightly steam or warm 8 poppy seed hot dog buns until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Chicago Dogs
Place a grilled hot dog into each bun.
Add 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard along the length of the hot dog.
Top with 1 teaspoon of bright green sweet pickle.
Sprinkle with diced white.
Nestle 2 tomato wedges between the hot dog and the top of the bun.
Place a kosher dill pickle spear between the hot dog and the bottom of the bun.
Add 2 sport peppers on.
Finish with a dash of celery salt over the entire assembly.
Serve
Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by your favorite sides.
Recipe Note
What You'll Love About This Recipe
Authentic Flavor: Experience the true taste of Chicago with this meticulously crafted hot dog.
Vibrant Toppings: A colorful array of condiments and vegetables adds both visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
Cultural Icon: Embrace a piece of Chicago's rich culinary history with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of hot dog?
A: For authenticity, all-beef hot dogs are recommended, but you can use your preferred type.
Q: Is it necessary to use poppy seed buns?
A: Poppy seed buns are traditional, but plain buns can be used if unavailable.
Q: What if I can't find sport peppers?
A: Pickled pepperoncini or banana peppers can be used as substitutes.
Q: Why is ketchup not included?
A: Traditional Chicago-style hot dogs omit ketchup to maintain the balance of flavors.
Q: Can I prepare these in advance?
A: It's best to assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Q: Can I cook these indoors?
We rate these as a 3 out of 5. Works indoors with adjustments, but the grill is recommended.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 7.3 oz
- per serving
- Calories
- 451
- Carbs
- 34 grams
- Protein
- 17 grams
- Fat
- 29 grams
- Sodium
- 1626 milligrams
