Chicago Dog Recipe

I had never had a Chicago Dog before meeting my husband. My father-in-law is from Chicago and he grew up eating them, no now anytime we are there as a family, we make sure a visit to get a Chicago dog is on the itinerary. I wouldn’t consider it a “girl’s food,” and honestly, I don’t typically eat hot dogs, but these are just too good to pass up. When I was in Chicago last weekend for a girl’s weekend, we didn’t pass one single stand that was open which surprised me (insert sad emoji). I was telling my husband that when I got home and his response “we will get one when we’re back in June, but for now, let’s make one at home.” BOOM. Smart man.

A true Chicago dog has SEVEN toppings and ketchup is NOT one of them. No one puts ketchup on a Chicago Dog, it’s like breaking the law or something. This would be such a fun play on a typical BBQ for summer. Here is what you need:

1. Sesame buns or rolls. Aaron actually picked these up from the bakery section, they were called “Chicago Rolls”
2. All Beef Hot Dogs
3. Pickle spears (we cut our in half)
4. Tomato Wedges
5. Yellow Mustard
6. Sweet Relish
7. One small white onion
8. Celery Salt
9. Sport Peppers

Once hot dogs are cooked (we grilled ours, but boiling water works too). Use the pickle spear and tomato slices to surround the hot dog, then top with mustard, the peppers, onion and celery salt. Voila- you have yourself a proper Chicago Dog. Is it as good as the real thing? Close, but is anything ever really? It’s all about the experience, so next time you’re there, make sure to find a stand and indulge, and don’t forget the fries.

Have you ever had one? Like, dislike? I’d love to hear.