Seattle-Style Hot Dog

Cream cheese on a hotdog? This combination is a classic in the Pacific Northwest and the Seattle-Style Hot Dog is a beloved favorite.

The Seattle-style hot dog is a delicious twist on the classic American street food, combining ingredients that you might not expect to find on a hot dog. This creation has become a local favorite, especially among late-night food lovers.

What Makes This So Great?

The Seattle-style hot dog is not your ordinary hot dog. What sets it apart is the combination of cream cheese, sautéed onions, and jalapenos.

The cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the salty, savory hot dog, while the onions and jalapenos provide a slight crunch and a hint of heat. The bun, usually toasted with butter, adds an extra layer of richness to the whole experience.

This combination of ingredients might seem unusual at first, but once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in Seattle’s food scene.

The Seattle Dog is more than just a hot dog; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of food that sticks with you, not just because of its taste but because of the way it brings together different flavors and textures in a way that’s surprisingly harmonious.

It’s a street food that feels gourmet, a simple dish that’s also innovative. Whether you’re a Seattle native or just someone who appreciates good food, the Seattle Dog is something you need to try.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

To make a Seattle-style hot dog at home, you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s a list of the basic kitchen items you’ll need:

• Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal for cooking the hot dogs, onions, and jalapenos. It provides even heat distribution and helps achieve that perfect char on the hot dogs.
• Spatula: A good spatula is essential for flipping the hot dogs and buns without making a mess.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You’ll need these to finely chop the onions and jalapenos.
• Small Bowl: For mixing and softening the cream cheese.
• Tongs: Tongs will help you handle the hot dogs and buns easily.

That’s pretty much it! With these simple tools, you’re ready to create a Seattle Dog right in your own kitchen.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

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

Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp All-Beef Hot Dogs: Split lengthwise, but still connected (so they open like a book). The beefiness of these hot dogs is the backbone of the dish.
• 1 tsp Olive Oil: Extra virgin, used for sautéing the onions and jalapenos.
• 1 tbsp Small White Onion: Finely chopped, these onions bring a bit of sweetness and crunch.
• 2 tbsp Jalapenos: Finely chopped, they add a touch of heat to the hot dog.
• 2 tbsp Butter: Extra virgin, used for toasting the buns.
• 6 tbsp Hot Dog Buns: The canvas for all the ingredients, usually toasted to a golden brown.
• 6 oz Cream Cheese: Slightly softened, this is the star of the Seattle Dog, providing a rich and creamy contrast to the other ingredients.

These ingredients are straightforward, but when combined, they create a hot dog that’s anything but ordinary.

How To Make It

Now that you have all your ingredients and kitchen tools ready, it’s time to put everything together. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your very own Seattle-style hot dog:

1. Prepare the Skillet

First, heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil.

2. Sauté the Onions and Jalapenos

Add the finely chopped onion and jalapenos to the skillet. Stir them around, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the onions become translucent, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Cook the Hot Dogs

Next, take your split hot dogs and place them in the skillet, with the ‘open’ side down. Cook them until they’re browned on the inside, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. Once they’re nicely browned, remove them from the heat.

4. Toast the Buns

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, place your hot dog buns, open side down, into the skillet. Toast the buns until they’re golden brown, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove them from the skillet.

5. Assemble the Seattle Dog

It’s time to bring everything together! Generously smear both sides of the toasted bun with softened cream cheese. Place one of the hot dogs into the bun, and then top it with the sautéed onions and jalapenos.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Your Seattle-style hot dog is now ready to eat! Serve it up and enjoy the unique combination of cream cheese, hot dog, and spicy toppings.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

The Seattle-style hot dog may seem like a modern invention, but its origins actually date back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. The concept is said to have emerged in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, an area known for its vibrant nightlife. The exact origins are a bit murky, with several food vendors and street carts claiming to have invented the dish. What is known is that the Seattle Dog quickly gained popularity among the late-night crowd, especially outside of bars and clubs.

The addition of cream cheese was the brainchild of a vendor who wanted to create a hot dog that stood out from the traditional offerings. The creamy texture of the cheese, combined with the heat of the jalapenos and the crunch of the onions, was an instant hit. As more and more people tried it, word spread, and soon, the Seattle-style hot dog became a staple of the city’s street food scene.

Today, the Seattle Dog is synonymous with the city’s culture, especially its nightlife. It’s not uncommon to find people lined up at food carts late into the night, eager to get their hands on one of these iconic hot dogs. It’s a dish that has not only stood the test of time but has also become a symbol of Seattle’s culinary creativity.

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

The beauty of the Seattle-style hot dog is that it’s easily adaptable to suit different dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, you can still enjoy this dish with a few simple swaps.

Vegan

To make a vegan Seattle Dog, simply replace the all-beef hot dogs with a plant-based alternative. There are many great vegan hot dogs available that have a similar taste and texture to the real thing. For the cream cheese, you can use a vegan cream cheese made from nuts or soy. Be sure to use vegan butter for toasting the buns as well.

Vegetarian

If you’re vegetarian but still eat dairy, you can use the same vegan hot dog substitute while keeping the regular cream cheese. This way, you maintain the essential elements of the Seattle Dog while adhering to your dietary preferences.

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. The rest of the ingredients in the Seattle Dog are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t need to make any other adjustments.

No matter your dietary needs, there’s a way to enjoy a Seattle-style hot dog that suits your preferences.

How Should I Store This?

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

Storing Cooked Seattle Dogs

Once assembled, Seattle 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 Seattle Dogs later, you can store the ingredients separately. Keep the cooked hot dogs, sautéed onions and jalapenos, and toasted buns in separate airtight containers. The cream cheese can be stored in its original container or transferred to a small bowl with a lid. When you’re ready to assemble, just heat the hot dogs and buns, and you’re good to go.

The Seattle-style hot dog is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.