Chicago Style Hot Dogs: No Ketchup Involved!

Anyone who has grown up in Chicago or has spent a good amount of time there is well-acquainted with the magic that happens when an all-beef frankfurter meets a poppy seed bun and a very specific set of toppings.

What Goes on a Chicago Style Hot Dog?

A Chicago style hot dog features an all-beef hot dog. Key toppings include: yellow mustard, bright green sweet pickle relish, chopped white onions, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.

The hot dog is typically steamed or simmered, but grilling it creates a “char dog.”

Don’t forget the steamed poppy seed bun!

With all these ingredients combined, you get an unbeatable taste that Chicagoans swear by.

• All-beef hot dog
• Yellow mustard
• Bright green sweet pickle relish
• Chopped white onions
• Tomato wedges
• Dill pickle spear
• Sport peppers
• Celery salt
• Steamed poppy seed bun

What Can I Substitute If I Can’t Find the Ingredients?

Finding the right ingredients for a Chicago style hot dog can be a bit challenging, but there are a few alternatives you can use.

For poppy seed buns, which can be tough to find, opt for plain buns if necessary. If you come across the S. Rosen’s brand, consider yourself lucky; they are the best choice.

The neon blue/green relish that’s iconic to Chicago dogs?

It’s rare outside of the city. You can either order it online or just stick with regular sweet pickle relish. Don’t worry; the color doesn’t change the taste.

Lastly, sport peppers.

These are a must, but in a pinch, you can use pepperoncini. Just keep in mind that every Chicago hot dog purist might cringe at this substitution. Still, you can find sport peppers online, solving the problem easily.

Here’s a quick substitution list to keep handy:

• Poppy Seed Buns: Plain buns
• Neon Blue/Green Relish: Regular sweet pickle relish
• Sport Peppers: Pepperoncini (if you must)

These swaps will keep your Chicago style hot dog close to authentic while making do with what’s available.

Anthony, What about Ketchup?

In Chicago, asking for ketchup on your hot dog is almost scandalous.

While the rest of the world doesn’t think twice about adding this popular condiment, in the Windy City, it’s often seen as a culinary faux pas.

Chicagoans pride themselves on their fully-loaded hot dogs, which include a mix of mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.

This combination creates a blend of flavors that many believe doesn’t need the addition of ketchup.

Chicago-style hot dogs are enjoyed without ketchup for a reason; enthusiasts argue that the condiment would overpower the intricate mix of tastes that make these hot dogs special.

Homemade Chicago Style Hot Dogs

Recipe by Anthony Blackies

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Recreate the iconic Chicago Style Hot Dogs effortlessly at home, ideal for backyard barbecues. Don't miss out on this timeless Windy City favorite!

Ingredients

• 6 All-Beef Hot Dogs

• 6 Poppy Seed Buns

• 2 Tomatoes - Sliced into Half Moons

• 1 White Onion - Finely Chopped

• 12 Sport Peppers

• 6 Dill Pickle Spears

• Yellow Mustard

• Bright Green Relish

• Celery Salt

Directions

• Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

• Place the hot dogs in the water and let them cook for about 10 minutes, or until they're warmed through. Alternatively, steam them using a steamer basket over boiling water.

• Wrap the poppy seed buns in a damp paper towel.

• Microwave the wrapped buns for 15-second intervals until they're warm and soft, but not too hot. This should take about 30-45 seconds in total.

• Place each hot dog in a warmed bun.

• Top with yellow mustard, bright green relish, and chopped onion. Add two tomato half moons, a dill pickle spear, and two sport peppers. Finish with a sprinkle of celery salt.

Notes

• Resist the urge to use ketchup.