Chicago Style Hot Dog Recipe

All-beef hot dogs: These are the main protein component and should be of high quality for the best flavor.

Poppy seed hot dog buns: These buns add a unique texture and flavor, making them essential for an authentic experience.

Chopped onions: Freshly chopped onions add a sharp, tangy bite to the hot dog.

Tomato wedges: These add a fresh, juicy element to balance the other flavors.

Pickle spears: Crunchy and tangy, they provide a nice contrast to the other ingredients.

Sport peppers: These small, spicy peppers add a kick to the hot dog.

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

Sweet pickle relish: This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the mustard.

Celery salt: A finishing touch that adds a unique, savory flavor.

To achieve the perfect grill marks on your all-beef 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 give you those beautiful, diagonal lines that not only look great but also add a slight charred flavor. Rotate the hot dogs halfway through grilling to ensure even cooking and consistent grill marks.

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

• poppy seed hot dog buns - Substitute with whole wheat hot dog buns: Whole wheat buns offer a healthier alternative with added fiber and nutrients.

• chopped onions - Substitute with chopped scallions: Scallions provide a milder onion flavor and add a touch of color.

• tomato wedges - Substitute with cherry tomato halves: Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and easier to manage in a hot dog.

• pickle spears - Substitute with dill pickle chips: Dill pickle chips offer the same tangy flavor and are easier to fit in the bun.

• sport peppers - Substitute with jalapeño slices: Jalapeño slices provide a similar heat and crunch.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a more complex and tangy flavor.

• sweet pickle relish - Substitute with chopped bread and butter pickles: Bread and butter pickles provide a similar sweetness and crunch.

• celery salt - Substitute with celery seed and sea salt: A mix of celery seed and sea salt 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. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped hot dogs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents 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 their freshness. Hot dogs can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their quality.
• To reheat refrigerated hot dogs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot dogs on a baking sheet and 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, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• To maintain the crunch of the pickle spears and the freshness of the tomato wedges, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Add them to the hot dogs just before serving.
• For the best flavor, avoid freezing the vegetables and condiments. Instead, prepare fresh toppings when you're ready to enjoy your Chicago style hot dogs.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. 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, or until they are warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the hot dog on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 30-45 seconds. Check if it's heated through; if not, continue in 15-second intervals.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method will give the hot dogs a nice, crispy exterior.

• To reheat the buns, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

• For the toppings like onions, tomato wedges, and pickle spears, it's best to keep them fresh. If you must reheat, do so separately in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to avoid making them soggy.

• If you have leftover sport peppers, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and celery salt, these can be added fresh to maintain their original flavors and textures.

• 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.

• Grill brush: Essential for cleaning the grill grates before and after cooking.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to chop onions and slice tomatoes.

• Chef's knife: Ideal for chopping onions and cutting tomato wedges.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the chopped onions and tomato wedges.

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

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

• Basting brush: Can be used to lightly butter the buns before toasting them on the grill.

• Hot dog buns: Poppy seed buns specifically, to hold the hot dogs and toppings.

• Hot dogs: All-beef hot dogs, the main ingredient to be grilled.

• Pickle spears: Used as a topping for the hot dogs.

• Sport peppers: Another topping that adds a spicy kick to the hot dogs.

• Celery salt: Sprinkled on top of the assembled hot dogs for added flavor.

Pre-chop ingredients: Prepare onions, tomato wedges, and pickle spears in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-made relish: Buy sweet pickle relish instead of making it from scratch.

Grill in batches: Grill all hot dogs and buns simultaneously to save time.

Assemble efficiently: Line up all buns and add toppings in an assembly line fashion.

Pre-measure condiments: Measure out mustard and celery salt beforehand to streamline the process.