Chicago-Style Hot Dog Recipe | Classic All-Beef Frankfurter with Traditional Toppings

Chicago-Style Hot Dog Recipe | Classic All-Beef Frankfurter with Traditional Toppings

A classic Windy City favorite featuring an all-beef frankfurter in a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt—never ketchup!

The Chicago-Style Hot Dog is a legendary street food that brings together savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors with a signature “dragged through the garden” topping combination.

Ingredients (Makes 6 Hot Dogs)

For the Hot Dogs:

• 6 all-beef hot dogs (e.g., Vienna Beef for authenticity)
• 6 poppy seed hot dog buns (steamed or lightly toasted)

Toppings:

• 6 tbsp yellow mustard
• ½ cup white onion, finely chopped
• 6 tbsp neon green sweet pickle relish
• 12 tomato slices (2 per hot dog)
• 6 dill pickle spears
• 12 sport peppers (2 per hot dog)
• ½ tsp celery salt
• 6 hot dog paper sleeves (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

1. Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer (not boiling) and heat the hot dogs for 5 minutes until warm.
   • Alternative: Grill the hot dogs over medium heat for a slightly smoky flavor.

Step 2: Steam the Buns

1. Lightly steam the poppy seed buns by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 10-15 seconds, or place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Hot Dogs

1. Place each hot dog into a warm poppy seed bun.
2. Add toppings in this order for an authentic taste:
   • Yellow mustard – Drizzle generously.
   • Chopped onions – Sprinkle evenly for a mild crunch.
   • Neon green relish – Spoon on a bright burst of sweetness.
   • Tomato slices – Tuck two slices between the hot dog and bun.
   • Dill pickle spear – Place it alongside the hot dog.
   • Sport peppers – Add two for a spicy kick.
   • Celery salt – Lightly sprinkle over everything for the final Chicago touch.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately with crinkle-cut fries or a side of potato chips for the full Chicago-style experience.
2. Never add ketchup! (It’s a Chicago tradition to skip it.)

Serving Suggestions

🌭 Classic Combo: Pair with fries and a cold soda for the ultimate Chicago street food experience.
🔥 Spicy Upgrade: Add extra sport peppers for more heat!
🥒 Extra Crunch: Serve with a side of crispy dill pickle chips.

Enjoy your authentic Chicago-Style Hot Dog—a Windy City icon! 🌭✨