A Chicago-style hot dog is a must-have for those looking to experience the Windy City in all its glory. The traditional hot dog consists of an all-beef Vienna beef hot dog topped with onions, a pickle spear, yellow mustard, tomato wedges, a dill pickle slice, sweet relish, and a dash of celery salt. While this combination of toppings is a Chicago mainstay, there are certain things that just don’t belong on a Chicago-style hot dog.
Ketchup is a big no-no and is strictly prohibited on a Chicago-style hot dog. This isn’t to say that ketchup can’t be used in other recipes and meals, but it just doesn’t have a place on a traditional Chicago-style dog. For those looking for a more flavorful condiment, yellow mustard is the preferred choice.
Cheese is another item that you won’t find on a Chicago-style hot dog. While cheese may be a great topping for other types of hot dogs, it just doesn’t fit the flavor profile of a classic Chicago-style dog. For those looking to add a bit of cheesiness to their hot dog, a sprinkle of celery salt helps to give it an extra kick.
Vegetables such as lettuce, peppers, and cucumbers are also not typically included on a Chicago-style hot dog. While these vegetables may be a great addition to other types of hot dogs, the flavor of a Chicago-style hot dog is best enjoyed with the traditional toppings of onion, pickle spear, yellow mustard, tomato wedges, dill pickle slice, sweet relish, and celery salt.
The traditional Chicago-style hot dog is a unique and flavorful treat that should be enjoyed as is. While there are certainly variations of the classic recipe, the traditional combination of toppings is the best way to enjoy this Windy City staple. So, when it comes to the perfect Chicago-style hot dog, stick to the basics and you’ll be in for a delicious treat.
Knowing the No-Nos of Chicago Hot Dog Toppings
Chicago hot dogs are an iconic staple of the city and a favorite for many people around the world. As with any type of food, there are certain topping that should not be used on a Chicago hot dog. Not following these rules can lead to a less than ideal hot dog eating experience.
The most important topping in the Chicago style hot dog, is the classic “drag it through the garden” combination of mustard, onions, relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Anything more than that starts to ruin the delicate balance of flavors in the hot dog. Ketchup should never be added to your traditional Chicago hot dog. It has been looked down upon for decades, and Chicago purists will not stand for it.
In addition, some places like to top their hot dogs with lettuce, shredded cheese, mayo, and celery seed. While these are all good ingredients on their own, they do not belong on a Chicago style hot dog. The tried and true combination of ingredients should take precedence over any other combinations you might come up with.
There are also variations on the traditional Chicago hot dog that include different sauces and toppings. While these variations can be tasty, they should never be confused with the classic Chicago style hot dog. The toppings of a Chicago style hot dog will always remain the same, and no substitutes or replacements should ever be made.
Chicago hot dogs are a beloved food by many, and to keep them as authentic as possible, it’s important to know which toppings do and do not belong on them. Be sure to stick to the traditional toppings, and you’ll be sure to get the best possible experience out of your hot dog.
Recognizing What Not to Put on an Authentic Windy City Dog
If you’ve ever been to Chicago, you know that there’s only one way to make a true Windy City Dog—the Chicago-style hot dog. It’s a classic that’s remained unchanged for decades, so it’s important to know what not to put on a Chicago-style dog. Here’s a look at the key things that will have you missing out on the authentic Windy City experience.
When it comes to toppings, there are some hard and fast rules. Ketchup is strictly forbidden. Yellow mustard is essential, but don’t go overboard. You can add some extra flavor with a few dashes of celery salt, but that’s it. Anything more than that is a definite no-no.
As for veggies, the only acceptable must-haves are a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, and chopped onions. Anything else, like lettuce or jalapeños, just isn’t authentic. In fact, if you’re looking for a true Chicago-style experience, you should go without the relish, too.
Finally, the hot dog itself is a critical part of the equation. You should always go for an all-beef hot dog. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, don’t settle for anything less than a Vienna Beef hot dog.
The next time you’re craving a Windy City Dog, remember these rules. If you’re looking for the real deal, make sure you’re stocking up on the right toppings and an all-beef hot dog. You’ll be glad you did!
| Topping | Acceptable |
|---|---|
| Mustard | Yes |
| Ketchup | No |
| Celery Salt | Yes (in moderation) |
| Pickle Spear | Yes |
| Tomato Slices | Yes |
| Chopped Onions | Yes |
| Relish | No |
| Lettuce | No |
| Jalapeños | No |
| Hot Dog | Vienna Beef |
A Chicago-style hot dog typically features an all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, neon green relish, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, tomato wedges, and a dash of celery salt.
Common ingredients not found on a traditional Chicago-style hot dog include ketchup, cheese, bacon, and lettuce.
Yes, it is possible to find a Chicago hot dog with ketchup, though it is not traditional.
The traditional toppings for a Chicago-style hot dog are yellow mustard, chopped white onions, neon green relish, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, tomato wedges, and a dash of celery salt. It is not traditional to put ketchup, cheese, bacon, or lettuce on a Chicago-style hot dog.
It is not traditional to put ketchup, cheese, bacon, or lettuce on a Chicago-style hot dog.
The traditional condiments for a Chicago-style hot dog are yellow mustard, chopped white onions, neon green relish, and a dill pickle spear.
Yes, other non-traditional toppings such as sport peppers, tomato wedges, and celery salt may be added.
No, lettuce is not part of the traditional toppings for a Chicago-style hot dog.
No, cheese is not part of the traditional toppings for a Chicago-style hot dog.
Yes, chopped white onions are traditionally included as a topping for a Chicago-style hot dog.