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RECIPE: Classic Chicago Style Hot Dog

You can't celebrate 250 years of freedom without a classic hot dog. We're letting Grillin' With Dad show us how it's done. Fire up the grill and get into it.

Classic Chicago Style Hotdog

Ingredients

  • Beef hot dogs: for the most authentic Chicago experience, Vienna Beef hot dogs are the gold standard. Their signature snap and rich beef flavor pair perfectly with the classic toppings.
  • Poppyseed buns: the soft poppy seed bun is a staple of the Chicago dog.
  • Bright green relish: adds a pop of sweetness, a slight crunch, and the unmistakable look that makes a Chicago dog instantly recognizable.
  • Sport peppers: small pickled chili peppers that deliver just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the other toppings.
  • Tomato: fresh tomato wedges add juicy sweetness and freshness to every bite. They balance the savory and salty flavors of the meal.
  • White onion: fresh chopped white onion brings crisp texture and a mild, slightly sharp bite that complements the sweetness of the relish and the richness of the beef hot dog.
  • Spear pickle: a crunchy dill pickle spear provides bold, tangy flavor and refreshing crispness.
  • Celery salt: classic topping that adds a subtle herbal, savory flavor that elevates the entire hot dog.
  • Mustard: bright, tangy yellow mustard provides a sharp acidity that balances the richness of the hot dog.

Grill the Beef Hot Dogs

There isn’t much prep work for a Classic Chicago Style Hot Dog. Aside from chopping up a white onion and cutting a few tomatoes into wedges, the rest of the ingredients are pre-packaged and ready to use.

Start off by pre-heating the grill to a high 400 degrees. Set the grill for direct heat and wait until it’s ready to go.

Place a few Vienna Beef Franks directly on the hot grates and grill 1-2 minutes per side until you get a nice sear all around.

Finally time to assemble. Warm up the poppyseed hot dog buns, place the nicely charred hot dog and add the toppings: sliced tomato, chopped onions, mustard, sport peppers, sweet neon relish, pickle spear and season with celery salt.

What to Serve with Chicago Style Hot Dogs

Complete your cookout with some of these favorites:

If you’re looking for the ultimate summer grilling recipe, it doesn’t get much better than a Classic Chicago Style Hot Dog. The combination of juicy beer-infused hot dogs, a lightly toasted poppy seed bun, and layers of crisp, fresh toppings creates one of the most iconic hot dogs you’ll ever eat.

We put together a Fourth of July playlist to keep the party going all day long. Crank it up the Turtlebox and let the celebration begin.