Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A classic Chicago-style hot Dog is easy to whip up at home and the best way to elevate your next cookout!

When it comes to iconic American foods, few things are as revered as the Chicago-style hot dog. This unique take on the humble hot dog is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural institution in Chicago and a must-try for anyone visiting the Windy City. With its distinct combination of ingredients and a strict set of rules for assembly, the Chicago Dog stands apart from other regional variations, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes that make it unforgettable.

What Makes This So Great?

The Chicago-style hot dog is not just another hot dog; it’s a carefully crafted masterpiece that requires the right ingredients and a precise order of assembly. What makes it truly stand out is its balance of ingredients, each playing a critical role in the overall experience.

The foundation of the Chicago Dog is the all-beef hot dog, which is typically steamed or boiled to perfection. It’s placed inside a steamed poppy seed bun, which adds a slight crunch and nuttiness that complements the hot dog. The toppings are where the magic happens: yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. Each component is carefully chosen to add a specific taste and texture, making the Chicago Dog a symphony of different elements coming together in harmony.

One of the things that makes the Chicago Dog so appealing is the way it combines different textures and tastes. The snap of the all-beef hot dog, the softness of the steamed bun, the crunch of the pickle and onion, the tang of the mustard, the sweetness of the relish, and the heat from the sport peppers all work together to create something that’s more than just the sum of its parts.

But the Chicago-style hot dog isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience. There’s something special about following the traditional method of making a Chicago Dog, knowing that you’re participating in a culinary tradition that has been around for nearly a century. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re enjoying it at a ballgame, on the street, or in your own kitchen.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

Making a Chicago-style hot dog at home is easy, and you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Medium Pot: For boiling the hot dogs. This is a simple and effective method that ensures the hot dogs are cooked evenly.
• Steamer Basket or Rack: This is optional, but if you want to get that authentic steamed bun, a steamer basket or rack will do the trick.
• Baking Sheet: To toast the poppy seed buns, you’ll need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Small Bowl and Brush: For the egg wash that will help the poppy seeds stick to the buns.
• Tongs: Useful for handling the hot dogs and buns without burning your fingers.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You’ll need these to chop the onions and slice the tomatoes.
• Spatula: To help with applying the mustard and other toppings.

With these simple kitchen tools, you’re ready to create your very own Chicago Dog.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

Here’s what you’ll need to make six Chicago-style hot dogs:

Ingredients:

For the Poppy Seed Buns:

• 6 tbsp Hot Dog Buns: Choose fresh buns that are soft but sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
• 1 tbsp Egg: Beaten, this will act as the glue to hold the poppy seeds in place.
• 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds: The poppy seeds are an essential part of the Chicago Dog experience, adding a slight crunch and a unique taste.

For the Dogs:

• 6 tbsp All-Beef Hot Dogs: The hot dogs should be of high quality, made from 100% beef.
• 3 tbsp Dill Pickle Spears: Cut in half lengthwise, these add a tangy crunch.
• 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard: A classic condiment that adds a tangy, slightly sharp note.
• 3 tbsp Sweet Relish: The bright green relish adds a sweet contrast to the other ingredients.
• ½ tbsp White Onion: Finely chopped, it adds a bit of bite and crunch.
• 1 tbsp Medium Tomato: Cut into wedges, it adds freshness and juiciness.
• 12 tbsp Sport Peppers: These small, pickled peppers add a spicy kick.
• 1 tbsp Celery Salt: The finishing touch, adding a subtle, herbaceous note.

These ingredients may seem simple, but when combined, they create the iconic Chicago Dog.

How To Make It

Creating a Chicago-style hot dog is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to get the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Chicago Dogs at home:

1. Prepare the Buns

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the hot dog buns side by side on the sheet. In a small bowl, beat the egg and use a brush to apply the egg wash to the tops and sides of the buns. Sprinkle the poppy seeds generously over the buns. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake the buns for about 5 minutes, just enough to toast them lightly and set the poppy seeds. Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.

2. Cook the Hot Dogs

While the buns are toasting, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop in the all-beef hot dogs. Boil them for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are heated through and plump. Remove the hot dogs from the water using tongs and set them aside on a plate.

3. Assemble the Chicago Dog

Now comes the fun part—assembling your Chicago Dog. Start by placing one hot dog inside each poppy seed bun. Next, add a line of yellow mustard along the top of the hot dog. Then, sprinkle a handful of finely chopped onion over the mustard. Add a spoonful of sweet relish on one side of the hot dog, and place two sport peppers on the other side. Tuck a dill pickle spear next to the hot dog, and place two tomato wedges on the opposite side. Finally, finish with a sprinkle of celery salt over the top.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Your Chicago-style hot dog is now ready to eat! Serve it up with some fries or chips on the side, and enjoy the perfect combination of ingredients that makes the Chicago Dog so special.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

The Chicago-style hot dog has a rich history that dates back to the Great Depression. In the 1930s, hot dogs were a popular and affordable street food, and vendors in Chicago began to add their own unique touches to the classic hot dog. The Chicago Dog as we know it today was likely developed at a time when people were looking for a filling meal that didn’t break the bank.

The all-beef hot dog became the standard in Chicago, thanks in part to the city’s large Jewish population, who avoided pork products. The poppy seed bun was added for a bit of texture and visual appeal, and the toppings—yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet relish, dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, sport peppers, and celery salt—were chosen to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

The combination of these ingredients was both delicious and practical, providing a full meal in one convenient package. The Chicago Dog quickly became a staple of the city’s food scene, and over the years, it has become an iconic representation of Chicago’s culinary culture.

Today, the Chicago-style hot dog is more than just a local favorite; it’s a symbol of the city’s history and its people’s resourcefulness and creativity. Whether you’re at a ballgame, a street fair, or just grabbing a quick bite, the Chicago Dog is a taste of Chicago’s rich heritage.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten Free)?

The Chicago-style hot dog is a flexible dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs. Here’s how you can make it work for you, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free:

Vegan

To make a vegan Chicago Dog, start by replacing the all-beef hot dogs with a plant-based alternative. There are many great vegan hot dogs on the market that mimic the taste and texture of traditional beef hot dogs. For the poppy seed buns, you can either make your own using a vegan recipe or buy pre-made vegan buns. Instead of using egg for the poppy seed topping, you can brush the buns with a bit of water or plant-based milk to help the seeds stick.

As for the toppings, all of the standard Chicago Dog toppings are already vegan, so you won’t need to make any additional substitutions.

Vegetarian

If you’re vegetarian but still eat dairy, you can use a vegetarian hot dog (often made from soy or wheat protein) and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual. The egg wash for the poppy seeds is fine for vegetarians, but if you prefer, you can use a plant-based alternative for that step.

Gluten-Free

For those who are gluten-free, the main change you’ll need to make is using gluten-free hot dog buns. Many grocery stores now carry gluten-free buns that taste great and hold up well to the toppings. Just make sure to check the labels on your mustard and relish to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’re all set.

How Should I Store This?

If you happen to have leftovers or want to prepare your Chicago Dogs in advance, storing them properly is key to maintaining their quality. Here’s how you can do it:

Storing Cooked Chicago Dogs

Once assembled, Chicago Dogs are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store them, wrap each hot dog individually in aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply unwrap the foil and place the hot dog in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Storing the Ingredients Separately

If you prefer to assemble the Chicago Dogs later, you can store the ingredients separately. Keep the cooked hot dogs, chopped onions, relish, and sport peppers in separate airtight containers. The poppy seed buns can be stored at room temperature in a bread box or sealed bag. The celery salt and mustard can stay in their original containers until you’re ready to use them. When you’re ready to assemble, just heat the hot dogs and buns, and you’re good to go.

Conclusion

The Chicago-style hot dog is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s a dish that reflects the creativity and culinary spirit of Chicago, offering a unique twist on a beloved classic.