Chicago-Style Char Dog Recipe | Illinois Grilled Hot Dog

Introduction

Nothing beats the bold flavors of a Chicago-style char dog, and when cooked on an Arteflame grill, it reaches new heights of perfection. Grilling on the Arteflame ensures a crisp, juicy bite with a perfectly even char. Get ready to create an authentic taste of Illinois right in your backyard with this iconic char dog recipe!

Ingredients

• 4 all-beef hot dogs with natural casing
• 4 poppy seed hot dog buns
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup neon green relish
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 8 sport peppers
• 4 tomato slices
• 4 pickle spears
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop and center grill grate are ready for grilling.

Step 2: Grill the Hot Dogs

1. Place the all-beef hot dogs on the center grill grate for about 1-2 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve a deep, crispy char.
2. Move the hot dogs to the flat cooktop griddle near the center to cook evenly without burning for another 3-5 minutes.
3. Once the hot dogs reach an internal temperature 15°F below the final desired doneness, remove them from the grill.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

1. Spread butter on the inside of each poppy seed bun.
2. Place the buns face-down on the griddle, close to the center for a quick toast.
3. Toast for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Assemble the Char Dog

1. Place each grilled hot dog inside a toasted poppy seed bun.
2. Top each dog with yellow mustard, neon green relish, chopped onions, and sport peppers.
3. Add a fresh tomato slice and a crunchy pickle spear.
4. Finish with a dash of celery salt for the perfect Chicago-style flavor.

Tips

• Use an all-beef frank with a natural casing for that signature snap.
• Always apply the condiments in order to stay true to the authentic Chicago-style char dog.
• Position your food strategically on the Arteflame flat griddle to take advantage of different heat zones.

Variations

1. Spicy Char Dog: Add sliced jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Char Dog: Wrap the hot dog in crispy bacon before grilling for a smoky twist.
3. Cheese-Stuffed Char Dog: Cut a slit in the hot dog and fill it with cheddar before grilling.
4. BBQ Char Dog: Brush the hot dog with barbecue sauce while grilling for a smoky-sweet flavor.
5. Tex-Mex Char Dog: Add guacamole, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Homemade coleslaw
• Crispy French fries
• Ice-cold root beer
• Classic Chicago-style potato chips

Conclusion

With crispy char, juicy flavors, and delicious toppings, this Chicago-style char dog brings authentic Illinois flavors right to your backyard. Grilling on the Arteflame ensures a perfect cook every time, making this a must-try dish!