How to cook a delicious Chicago hot dog, char dog style. Grilled beef hot dogs recipe with all the best toppings and poppy seed buns. Perfect for a crowd!
If you've never had a Chicago style hot dog, trust me when I say, you need this recipe in your life. I'm not sure I'll ever eat hot dogs any other way after this, that's how delicious they truly are.
The Chicago dog is perfect for grilling season, especially if you're entertaining a crowd. Set up a buffet with all your favorite toppings, and you're set for a mouthwateringly good time.
We'd never actually eaten a char dog until I researched it and came up with this Chicago dog recipe. In fact, the toppings seemed a bit much at first.
But once you take your first bite, you'll understand. It all comes together in a burst of flavor that packs a punch for the taste buds.
Need a side to go with your hot dogs? Grilled corn on the cob and Mexican corn pair really well with char dogs, as do crispy steak cut fries and CrockPot baked beans.
And never underestimate the power of a good burger. This campfire bacon cheeseburger is one in a million and pairs really well with grilled hot dogs!
WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?
If you’d rather skip all of my grilling tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the actual recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.
WHAT IS A CHICAGO HOT DOG?
I learned a lot about what's on a Chicago hot dog while researching for this recipe…
- Real Chicago hot dogs are boiled or steamed; but when they are occasionally grilled, they're called a char dog. They also go by the name Chicago Red Hot.
- Chicago dogs are made with beef hot dogs.
- They come in a poppy seed bun… I'm going to teach you how to easily and simply make your own (don't worry, no kneading or baking necessary).
- It would be considered a travesty to add ketchup to a Chicago dog. In fact, most Chicago hot dog vendors don't even carry ketchup.
- This hot dog is filled to the gills with delicious, crunchy toppings.
The only ingredient I maybe could've done without would've been the Dill pickle spears. Or maybe just trim my pickle spears to be a little less thick.
However, I kinda fell in love with hot dogs made the Chicago way. And it was such a beautiful evening on the back deck, I couldn't help but enjoy every second with my guys.
TIPS FOR HOW TO EASILY MAKE POPPY SEED BUNS
To make your own poppy seed buns, you just need a pack of brat buns or hoagie rolls.
- Brush the tops and ends of the buns with butter.
- Sprinkle on poppy seeds.
- Place the buns on the grill or over the campfire until they start to get just slightly toasty. Then remove them from the heat and set aside.
And that's pretty much it. Easy peasy poppy seed buns that make yummy hot dog buns.
TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE A CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG
Assembling your hot dog is really simple and easy. Of course, you'll want to grill the hot dogs first and make sure they're cooked all the way through.
Also, before you get started, prep the onion and tomatoes so they're ready to go. Chop the onion; wash and slice the tomatoes.
NOW YOU CAN BUILD YOUR DOGS…
- Open up the buns. Place a dill pickle spear on one side and 2 to 3 tomato wedges on the other side. Then place the hot dog in the middle between the tomato slices and the pickle spear.
- Add a spoonful of pickle relish along the top of the hot dog on one side, and give a squirt of yellow mustard along the top of the hot dog on the other side.
And for the finishing touch… Add pieces of pepperoncini (or sport peppers) and a small handful of chopped onion on top, and sprinkle with a dash of celery salt.
And that, my friends, is all there is to creating a very yummy, delicious Chicago hot dog.
My guys pretty much chowed down on all of this deliciousness and washed it all down with a nice big mason jar full of iced tea.
MORE GRILLING RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:
- Maple Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
- Simple and Delicious Grilled Fish Fillets
- Maple Bourbon Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:
GET THE PRINTABLE CHICAGO HOT DOG RECIPE
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Classic Grilled Chicago Hot Dog
Ingredients
- 8 hoagie rolls*
- 4 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 8 beef hot dogs
- 8 dill pickle spears
- 3 to matoes sliced
- 8 tablespoons sweet and spicy pickle relish
- 8 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini
- 1 large white onion chopped or minced
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
Instructions
- Chop the onion; wash and slice the tomatoes. Set aside.
- Grill the hot dogs until they're cooked through.
- Open up the buns. Place 2 to 3 tomato half slices on one side and a dill pickle spear on the other side.
- Place the hot dog in the middle between the tomato slices and the pickle spear.
- Add a spoonful of pickle relish along the top of the hot dog on one side.
- Then squirt yellow mustard along the top of the hot dog on the other side.
- Add pieces of pepperoncini and a small handful of chopped onion on top.
- Sprinkle with a dash of celery salt.
- Serve and enjoy!
As a Chicagoan who makes a lot of these a couple things.
1)The pickle spear is usually removed right away and eaten on. The side like a pickle served with a sandwich.
2) the poppy seed bun on a Chicago dog is steamed. Totally different texture
3) if you cut an X in each end and/or three slits on the sides you get more char.
Happy grilling!
Thank you for the tips, Charlie! I will keep this in mind.
Sorry. No tomatoes on a hotdog.
It’s so delicious!
I am from Chicago and grew up with these dogs. The best was The Weiner Circle on Clark just south of Wrigley Field. Just the same ingredients but without the pepperichinis and tomato. Lots of celery salt. No I live in Missouri. No deep dish pizza here either. Oh well, husband got transferred.
Beth, I am taking note of that place, in case it’s still there if we go for a visit. I’d love to try a real, genuine Chicago dog.
I love to try this recipe for my son.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy.
I never think to make Chicago Dogs! Can’t wait to try these.
Thank you, Leigh! Hope you enjoy if you decide to make them.
In Chicago with all the toppings, we call it dragging the dog “through the garden” – what a great way to eat a dog!!!!!
Judi, I love it! It’s definitely a fantastic way to eat a dog. So good! Thank you!
I can’t believe I’ve been eating hot dogs the wrong way this entire time! I’m only eating them the Chicago-way from now on, thanks for sharing!
Sam, you and me both! Out with my old boring version and in with this… Love Chicago dogs!
Don’t even talk to me about Sam’s Club!!! Those slimy little slugs slither out of Alaska like the slugs they are, leaving us high and dry up here!
Where else can I buy Those ballpark type beef hotdogs?
Oh no, I’m sorry, Cindy! That stinks. Well, you can definitely find them at Walmart. I’ve seen them at other grocery stores too. And if you can’t find them, any all beef hot dog will do.