Experience the authentic taste of a Chicago-style hot dog right at home. This iconic dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining a juicy all-beef hot dog with a variety of fresh and tangy toppings. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will transport you straight to the Windy City.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Poppy seed hot dog buns and sport peppers are unique to the Chicago-style hot dog and may require a trip to a specialty store or the international aisle of your supermarket. Celery salt is another ingredient that might not be in your pantry but is crucial for achieving the authentic flavor.

Ingredients For Chicago Style Hot Dog Recipe
All-beef hot dogs: These are the main protein component, providing a juicy and flavorful base for the toppings.
Poppy seed hot dog buns: These buns add a slight crunch and unique flavor that complements the hot dog.
Yellow mustard: A classic condiment that adds tanginess and color.
Sweet green pickle relish: This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the savory hot dog.
Dill pickle spears: These provide a crunchy and tangy contrast to the hot dog.
Tomato wedges: Fresh and juicy, they add a burst of flavor and color.
Sport peppers: These small, spicy peppers add heat and authenticity to the dish.
Celery salt: A unique seasoning that ties all the flavors together with its distinct taste.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve the perfect grill marks on your hot dogs, make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the hot dogs at a slight angle to the grates. This will create those desirable crosshatch patterns. Also, avoid pressing down on the hot dogs while grilling, as this can cause them to lose their juices and become dry.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-beef hot dogs - Substitute with turkey hot dogs: A leaner option that still provides a similar texture and flavor.
all-beef hot dogs - Substitute with vegetarian hot dogs: For a plant-based alternative that mimics the taste and texture of traditional hot dogs.
poppy seed hot dog buns - Substitute with whole wheat hot dog buns: A healthier option that adds more fiber to your meal.
poppy seed hot dog buns - Substitute with gluten-free hot dog buns: Suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Offers a more complex flavor profile while still providing the tangy taste.
yellow mustard - Substitute with spicy brown mustard: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.
sweet green pickle relish - Substitute with dill pickle relish: Provides a tangier, less sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
sweet green pickle relish - Substitute with chopped pickles: Offers a similar texture with a more pronounced pickle flavor.
dill pickle spears - Substitute with bread and butter pickles: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
dill pickle spears - Substitute with cornichons: These small, tart pickles provide a similar crunch and tang.
tomato wedges - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Easier to manage and provide a burst of sweetness in each bite.
tomato wedges - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Adds a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.
sport peppers - Substitute with jalapeño slices: Provides a similar heat level and crunch.
sport peppers - Substitute with banana peppers: Offers a milder heat with a tangy flavor.
celery salt - Substitute with sea salt and celery seed: Mimics the flavor profile while allowing for more control over the saltiness.
celery salt - Substitute with dried celery flakes and salt: Provides a similar flavor with a bit more texture.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the hot dogs to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent 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 will help keep them fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- 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, remove the hot dogs from the refrigerator or freezer and unwrap them. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the hot dogs by grilling, microwaving, or steaming until they are heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry them out.
- If the buns have become too soft or soggy, lightly toast them on the grill or in a toaster oven before assembling the Chicago style hot dogs.
- Assemble the hot dogs with fresh toppings, including yellow mustard, sweet green pickle relish, dill pickle spears, tomato wedges, and sport peppers. Sprinkle with celery salt just before serving to maintain the authentic flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each hot dog in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the hot dog on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, checking to ensure it's heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the bun soggy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot dog in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method helps maintain the bun's texture while reheating the hot dog evenly.
For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of water to the skillet and cover with a lid. Steam the hot dog for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through. This method keeps the bun soft and the hot dog juicy.
If you prefer a grilled taste, preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the hot dog in aluminum foil and place it on the grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. This method helps retain the original grilled flavor and texture.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Grill: Used to cook the hot dogs to perfection, giving them a nice char and grill marks.
Tongs: Essential for turning the hot dogs on the grill to ensure even cooking.
Grill brush: Useful for cleaning the grill grates before and after cooking.
Basting brush: Handy for lightly brushing the buns with butter or oil before toasting them on the grill.
Knife: Needed for slicing the tomatoes into wedges.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the tomatoes and preparing other toppings.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the yellow mustard, sweet green pickle relish, and celery salt.
Serving platter: Ideal for arranging and serving the assembled Chicago-style hot dogs.
Paper towels: Useful for wiping hands and cleaning up any spills during preparation.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cook the hot dogs: Boil or microwave the hot dogs ahead of time, then quickly grill them for flavor.
Prep toppings in advance: Slice tomato wedges and dill pickle spears earlier and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-toasted buns: Buy pre-toasted poppy seed hot dog buns to skip the toasting step.
Organize your workspace: Arrange all ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the process.

Chicago Style Hot Dog Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 All-beef hot dogs
- 4 Poppy seed hot dog buns
- 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
- 4 tablespoon Sweet green pickle relish
- 4 Dill pickle spears
- 4 Tomato wedges
- 4 Sport peppers
- 1 tablespoon Celery salt
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- 2. Grill the hot dogs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have grill marks.
- 3. While the hot dogs are grilling, lightly toast the buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes.
- 4. Place a hot dog in each bun.
- 5. Add yellow mustard, sweet green pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, and sport peppers to each hot dog.
- 6. Sprinkle with celery salt and serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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