Hey there, it’s Austin from Beyond The Bayou Blog, bringing you a taste of the big city with my latest creation – the Chicago Dog. Now, let me share a little story behind this iconic dish.
I first tried a Chicago Dog on a trip to the Windy City, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. There’s something magical about that perfect combination of flavors and textures – the snap of the hot dog, the tang of the mustard, the crunch of the pickles.
It’s a culinary experience like no other, and ever since that first taste, I’ve been on a mission to recreate it at home. So, join me on this delicious journey as we bring a little piece of Chicago to your kitchen. Let’s get cookin’! Last week I even tried Pastrami Reuben Sandwich which is a must-try from my reviews.
What Is Chicago Dog?
A Chicago Dog is a classic American hot dog that’s synonymous with the Windy City. It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Picture this: a juicy, all-beef hot dog nestled in a soft poppy seed bun, topped with tangy yellow mustard, bright green relish, crunchy chopped onions, a dill pickle spear, ripe tomato slices, spicy sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. It’s a delicious explosion of flavors that captures the essence of Chicago street food culture. Whether you’re strolling through the city or recreating it at home, a Chicago Dog is a must-try culinary experience.
Windy City’s Chicago Dog Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 all-beef hot dogs, preferably bun-length
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 small tomato, halved and thickly sliced lengthwise
- 4-8 sport peppers
- 4 split poppy seed hot dog buns
- Yellow mustard
- 1 small white onion, small-diced
- 4 dill pickle spears
- Celery salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Gently flatten hot dog buns and toast them in the butter until lightly golden.
- Remove buns and set aside.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add more butter to the skillet.
- Cook hot dogs until browned and crispy on all sides.
- Place cooked hot dogs in toasted buns.
- Top with mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and sport peppers.
- Sprinkle with celery salt and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, try grilling the hot dogs instead of pan-frying them. The grill adds a smoky char that pairs perfectly with the buttery toasted buns.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a unique twist on the classic hot dog.
- Poppy Seed Bun Substitute: If you can’t find poppy seed hot dog buns, don’t fret! You can use plain buns or even brioche buns for a slightly sweet touch.
- Make it Cheesy: Amp up the indulgence by melting some shredded cheese over the hot dogs before adding the toppings. Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack would all be delicious options.
- Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping the toppings in advance. Chop the onions, slice the tomatoes, and have everything ready to go before you start cooking the hot dogs.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, swap out the hot dogs for veggie dogs or grilled portobello mushrooms. Top with your favorite veggie toppings for a delicious meat-free alternative.
What to Serve with Chicago Dog?
