Chicago Style Hot Dog Recipe

All-beef hot dogs: These are the main protein component, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Poppy seed hot dog buns: These buns add a slight crunch and unique taste that complements the hot dog.

Yellow mustard: A classic condiment that adds tanginess and color.

Sweet pickle relish: Provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory hot dog.

Chopped onions: Adds a sharp, fresh flavor and crunch.

Tomato wedges: Fresh tomatoes add juiciness and a slight acidity.

Pickle spears: These add a crunchy, tangy element to the hot dog.

Sport peppers: Small, spicy peppers that add heat and flavor.

Celery salt: A seasoning that adds a subtle, savory flavor and is essential for an authentic Chicago-style hot dog.

To achieve the perfect grill marks on your hot dogs, make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. Rotate the hot dogs occasionally to get those beautiful grill marks on all sides.

• all-beef hot dogs - Substitute with turkey hot dogs: Turkey hot dogs are a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor profile.

• poppy seed hot dog buns - Substitute with whole wheat hot dog buns: Whole wheat buns are a healthier alternative and still offer a similar texture.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a slightly different flavor but can still provide the tangy taste needed.

• sweet pickle relish - Substitute with dill pickle relish: Dill pickle relish offers a different flavor profile but still provides the necessary crunch and acidity.

• chopped onions - Substitute with chopped shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be a good alternative to onions.

• tomato wedges - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be halved and provide a similar burst of freshness and acidity.

• pickle spears - Substitute with cucumber spears: Fresh cucumber spears can offer a similar crunch and refreshing taste.

• sport peppers - Substitute with jalapeño slices: Jalapeño slices can provide a similar level of heat and flavor.

• celery salt - Substitute with sea salt and celery seed: A mix of sea salt and ground celery seed can mimic the flavor of celery salt.

• Allow the hot dogs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the buns soggy.
• Wrap each hot dog individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped hot dogs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to keep out any unwanted odors and maintains the hot dogs' flavor.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the hot dogs within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• When freezing, label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they have been stored. Hot dogs can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
• To reheat refrigerated hot dogs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot dogs on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen hot dogs, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This ensures even heating and prevents the buns from becoming too hard.
• If you're in a hurry, you can microwave the hot dogs. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.
• Avoid storing tomato wedges, pickle spears, and sport peppers with the hot dogs as they can make the buns soggy. Store these toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• When ready to serve, reassemble the hot dogs with fresh toppings for the best taste and texture.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each hot dog in aluminum foil to keep it moist. Place the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. For the buns, wrap them in foil as well and place them in the oven for the last 5 minutes of heating.

• Microwave Method: Place the hot dog on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on high for 30-45 seconds or until heated through. For the buns, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of water to the skillet and place the hot dogs in the pan. Cover with a lid and steam for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally. For the buns, you can place them in the skillet for the last minute, covered, to steam them lightly.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. For the buns, place them in the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes of heating.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the hot dogs on the grill and heat for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating. For the buns, place them on the grill for the last minute to warm them up.

• Steaming Method: Bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket over it. Place the hot dogs in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes. For the buns, place them in the steamer basket for the last 1-2 minutes to warm them up.

• Grill: Used to cook the hot dogs until they are heated through and have grill marks.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the hot dogs on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Steamer basket: Ideal for steaming the poppy seed buns until they are warm.

• Knife: Necessary for chopping onions and slicing tomato wedges.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping onions and slicing tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring out the mustard, relish, and celery salt.

• Serving platter: Perfect for arranging and serving the assembled hot dogs.

• Basting brush: Can be used to apply mustard evenly on the hot dogs.

• Small bowls: Convenient for holding the chopped onions, relish, and other toppings before assembling the hot dogs.

Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill while you prepare other ingredients to save time.

Chop in advance: Chop the onions and tomato wedges ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Steam buns together: Steam all poppy seed buns at once to save time.

Use a timer: Set a timer for grilling the hot dogs to avoid overcooking and multitask efficiently.

Organize toppings: Arrange all toppings like mustard, relish, and pickle spears in small bowls for easy access.