Grilled Chicago-Style Hot Dogs | Arteflame Recipe

The Chicago-Style Hot Dog is a beloved classic, famous for its all-beef hot dog and a unique combination of toppings that create a symphony of flavors. Grilling the hot dogs on the Arteflame grill gives them a perfect char while allowing you to toast the buns and warm the toppings on the cooktop. This recipe stays true to the traditional ingredients while adding a smoky twist from the grill!

Ingredients

• 8 all-beef hot dogs
• 8 poppy seed hot dog buns
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (preferably neon green)
• 1 small white onion, finely diced
• 8 dill pickle spears
• 16 pickled sport peppers
• 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Start by lighting the Arteflame grill with three vegetable-oil-soaked napkins placed under the firewood. Ignite them and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to heat up. The center grate will be perfect for grilling the hot dogs, while the flat cooktop is ideal for toasting buns and warming ingredients.

2. Grill the Hot Dogs

Place the all-beef hot dogs on the center grill grate, where the heat is strongest. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they have a nice char and are heated through.

3. Toast the Buns

Butter the poppy seed buns lightly and place them on the outer flat cooktop. Toast the buns cut-side down for about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

4. Assemble the Chicago Hot Dogs

Place the grilled hot dog in each toasted bun. In this specific order, add the following toppings:

1. Yellow mustard
2. Neon green sweet relish
3. Finely diced onions
4. A couple of tomato wedges nestled on one side of the bun
5. A dill pickle spear on the opposite side
6. Two sport peppers on top
7. Finish with a generous sprinkle of celery salt.

5. Serve

Serve the hot dogs immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if you want an added touch. Enjoy the crisp, juicy, tangy flavors of a classic Chicago-style hot dog!

Tips

• Poppy Seed Buns: If you can't find poppy seed buns, you can lightly brush regular hot dog buns with water and sprinkle poppy seeds on them before toasting.
• Sport Peppers: These small pickled peppers are a must for an authentic Chicago dog, but you can substitute pickled jalapeños if necessary.
• No Ketchup!: In Chicago, it's a tradition not to put ketchup on a hot dog, so stick to the classic toppings!

Conclusion

Grilling Chicago-style hot dogs on the Arteflame adds a rich, smoky flavor to an already iconic dish. With mustard, neon relish, pickles, tomatoes, sport peppers, and celery salt, this hot dog is a delicious blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfect for any BBQ or family gathering!

5 Variations

1. Spicy Chicago Dog: Add grilled jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery twist on the classic.
2. Cheesy Chicago Dog: Melt cheddar or American cheese onto the hot dog before adding the toppings.
3. Chicago-Style Chili Dog: Top the hot dog with homemade chili, then add mustard, onions, and pickles.
4. Vegetarian Chicago Dog: Swap out the hot dog for a veggie dog and use the same toppings for a vegetarian option.
5. Double Dog: Place two grilled hot dogs in a single bun for an extra hearty version, keeping the classic toppings intact.

Best Pairings

• French fries or tater tots
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and lime
• Fresh coleslaw or potato salad
• A cold beer or lemonade
• Chocolate milkshake for dessert