The Perfect Recipe for an Authentic Chicago-Style Dog

Chicago-style hot dogs have been a beloved delicacy of the Windy City since all the way back to the year 1893! Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or an aspiring home chef, this classic recipe is sure to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Please do yourself a favor if you aren't from the Chicago area and try your next hot dog in this classic style. I promise you even if you think you aren't a fan of the individual ingredients that they come together perfectly for an amazing taste. From the unmistakable flavor of the all-beef hot dog to its signature toppings, a Chicago-style hot dog is a truly unique culinary experience of flavorful mastery in your mouth. In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions for creating your own delicious Chicago-style hot dog. Get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable lunch or dinner!

The Chicago Dog is a classic American hot dog with a unique flavor and texture, made with a combination of condiments and toppings. The traditional Chicago Dog is made with a Vienna Beef hot dog on a steamed poppy seed bun and is dressed in yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, diced onions, tomato slices, pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.

For a truly authentic Chicago-style hot dog, use an all-beef frankfurter, which is larger than the traditional pork and beef hot dog. When shopping for a hot dog, check the label to make sure the product is labeled “all-beef.” Next, choose a poppy seed bun to complete the classic Chicago-style experience. The bun is an extremely important part of the Chicago Dog. It should be lightly toasted and steamed, which gives it a light and fluffy texture. Making a Hot Dog at your next barbeque, and especially in the form of a Chicago Dog is a time-honored tradition that can be enjoyed at home with the help of the right classic ingredients. With the perfect combination of weiner, bun, and condiments, you can craft an authentic Chicago Dog that is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Restaurants That Serve As Main Dish

From classic spots like Wiener & Still Champion and Portillo’s to more creative eateries like Franks ‘n' Dawgs and Flub A Dub Chub’s, there’s something for everyone when it comes to Chicago dogs.

Hot Dog Heaven has been around since 1967, serving up classic Chicago-style dogs with all the fixings. Wiener & Still Champion is a hip, retro eatery that offers up classic hot dogs and loaded fries with a gourmet twist. Red Hot Ranch, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, specializes in flame-grilled hot dogs with a variety of unique toppings. Portillo’s is an iconic Chicago chain known for their famous Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. At Franks ‘n' Dawgs, you’ll find unique gourmet hot dogs with inventive toppings like apple bacon relish and truffle oil. The Wiener's Circle is a no-nonsense spot that serves up classic Chicago dogs and French fries with plenty of attitude. And last but not least, Flub A Dub Chub’s is known for their classic Chicago dogs, Chicago-style Italian beef, and Maxwell Street Polish sausages. If you’re looking for a delicious Chicago-style hot dog the next time you're in the famous city, be sure to find one of these spots to satisfy your cravings. Chicago-style hot dogs are a classic American favorite, and they are easy to make at home. Just make sure you have the proper ingredients. The amazing people of Chicago take great pride in this style of hot dog, with precise ingredients, and rightfully so. So let's join them and make the best Chicago-style hot dog at home!

Ingredients

6 all-beef hot dogs

6 poppy seed hot dog buns

2 tomatoes, sliced into moon shape

6 dill pickle spears

1 white onion, diced

12 sport peppers

Yellow mustard

Relish

Celery salt

Instructions

1. Cooking the hot dogs. You can do this 2 ways, on the grill if you are BBQing, or my usual way is bringing a large pot of water to a boil, lowering the heat to simmer and cooking dogs for 10 minutes.

2. Next, the buns. It is very hard to find poppy seed buns here in Texas. So I substitute for regular hot dog buns and brush with an egg white or water and sprinkle poppy seeds on top. Add to a preheated oven at 350 for 3-4 minutes. This gets buns warm and toasty and gets the poppy seeds to stick.

3. Assemble the hot dogs. Add cooked hot dog into bun and layer in this order; mustard, sweet relish, tomato slices (moon shape), diced onions, kosher pickle spear, sport peppers, and lastly celery salt.

4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What is the Best Method for Cooking a Chicago Dog?

For those looking for a classic Chicago experience, look no further than the Chicago Dog. This iconic dish is a must-have for any visit to the Windy City. The key to a great Chicago Dog is in the cooking method. Boiling is the traditional method for cooking a Chicago Dog. Start by boiling a pot of water and adding the hot dogs. Boil for about 5 minutes, then remove the hot dogs. Grilling is another great way to cook a Chicago Dog. Heat up the grill and cook the hot dogs for about 5 minutes, turning them regularly until they’re golden brown and cooked through. For a slightly healthier option, try steaming the hot dogs. Place the hot dogs in a steamer basket and steam for about 10 minutes, for a juicy flavor. Baking is a quick and easy way to cook a Chicago Dog. To bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the hot dogs on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes. Lastly, for a truly quick fix, you can microwave the hot dogs. Place the hot dogs on a plate and microwave for about 1 minute.

What are Some of the Most Popular Condiments to Put on a Chicago Dog?

Mustard is a must-have condiment for a Chicago-style dog. It adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. Pickle relish is another classic topping for a Chicago-style dog. It is made from pickles, onions, and sweet peppers and adds a salty and sweet flavor. Chopped white onions are a classic topping for a Chicago-style dog that adds a crunchy texture and a bit of sweetness. Thinly sliced tomatoes are also a great topping for a Chicago-style dog; they provide a refreshing flavor and a juicy texture. Sport peppers, which are a type of pickled pepper that have mild to medium heat, are a traditional topping for a Chicago-style dog. They add a spicy and tangy flavor. Lastly, celery salt is a mixture of salt and ground celery seeds that adds a unique flavor.

What Types of Buns are Traditionally Used In a Chicago Dog Recipe?

Creating the perfect Chicago Dog is a matter of experience and finesse. One of the most important elements of a traditional Chicago Dog recipe is the bun. A steamed poppy seed bun is the most popular choice, as it provides a soft and fluffy base for the hot dog. However, some recipes also call for the use of a sesame seed bun, as this provides an additional layer of flavor. If you're looking for a more flavorful bun, you may want to substitute it for a pretzel bun. For a truly authentic Chicago Dog experience, opt for an all-beef hot dog. This will give you a juicy, flavorful hot dog with a crunchy exterior that will be sure to satisfy you. No matter which bun you choose, make sure to steam it in order to achieve the perfect Chicago Dog.