This Easy Gourmet Hot Dog Recipe with Cornichons and Pickled Onions brings together unique flavors in a simple, quick dish that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With its blend of tangy cornichons, spicy Dijon mustard, and sweet pickled onions, this gourmet variation of the Chicago-style recipe is for someone who appreciates a well-crafted hot dog.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
Gourmet hot dogs improve the traditional hot dog experience with high-quality ingredients and creative toppings. Unlike typical hot dogs, gourmet versions often feature all-beef franks, artisan buns, and unique condiments that add flavor and texture.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Deliciously Unique Toppings: The combination of cornichons, pickled onions, and Dijon mustard adds a gourmet twist to the classic hot dog.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy parents looking for a fast, yet impressive weeknight meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: This recipe uses all-beef hot dogs and fresh, flavorful toppings.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These hot dogs are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings and casual entertaining.
If you like this Lunch recipe, you may also love our Gourmet Chili Dogs or our Homemade Hot Dog Chili.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- All-Beef Hot Dogs: You should purchase high-quality all-beef hot dogs for the best flavor.
- Hot Dog Buns: Use plain buns or poppyseed buns lightly toasted for added texture.
- Cornichons: These tiny pickles add a tangy crunch to your hot dog.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a sophisticated, spice.
- Pickled Onions: These provide a sweet and sour element that complements the other toppings.
- Celery Salt: A classic Chicago-style seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make Best Easy Gourmet Hot Dog Recipe with Cornichons and Pickled Onions
STEP ONE: Prepare the Hot Dogs
Grill or boil the all-beef hot dogs until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
STEP TWO: Toast the Buns
Lightly toast the hot dog buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
STEP THREE: Assemble the Hot Dogs
Place each hot dog in a toasted bun. Spread Dijon mustard on each hot dog. Top each hot dog with three whole cornichons. Add a portion of pickled onions on top.
STEP FOUR: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle a dash of celery salt over each assembled hot dog. Skewer each hot dog with toothpicks to secure the toppings.
Substitutions & Variations
- Hot Dogs: Substitute with pork franks for a different protein option.
- Cornichons: Use sliced pickles or gherkins if cornichons are unavailable.
- Pickled Onions: Swap with fresh onions.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Diet: Use gluten-free buns and nitrate-free hot dogs for a healthier version.
- Flavor: Add jalapeños for a spicy kick or sauerkraut for a tangy twist.
- Equipment: Use an air fryer to cook the hot dogs for a different texture.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Grill or boiling pot
- Toaster or grill for buns
- Knife and cutting board
Storage
Store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
The hot dogs should be thoroughly cooked but not overdone.
Toast the buns for a crispy texture that holds the toppings well.
Skewer the toppings securely to keep everything in place.
Reheat by grilling or microwaving until hot.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover Dijon mustard in a salad dressing.
- Add pickled onions to sandwiches for extra flavor.
- Enjoy cornichons as a snack with cheese.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with crispy fries or our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy with a cold beer or a lemonade.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Classic Chicago-Style Hot Dog
- BBQ Bacon Hot Dogs
- Spicy Jalapeño Hot Dogs
Related
More lunch recipes you will love:
FAQ
A Chicago hot dog is unique due to its specific combination of toppings: an all-beef frankfurter served in a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
Yes, you can make a Chicago-style hot dog without a poppy seed bun. While the poppy seed bun is traditional, using a plain bun still allows you to enjoy the iconic combination of toppings that define a Chicago-style hot dog, such as mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
No, Chicago-style hot dogs are traditionally never served with ketchup. In fact, adding ketchup to a Chicago hot dog is often taboo. Instead, the combination of mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt provides a balanced flavor.
📖 Recipe
Best Gourmet Hot Dog with Cornichons and Pickled Onions: Unique Chicago-Style Recipe
Equipment
- Grill or boiling pot
- Toaster or grill for buns
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 all-beef hot dogs
- 4 plain or poppyseed hot dog buns
- 12 whole cornichons
- Dijon mustard
- ½ cup pickled onions
- celery salt
Instructions
- Grill or boil the all-beef hot dogs until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Lightly toast the plain hot dog buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
- Place each hot dog in a toasted bun. Spread Dijon mustard on each hot dog.
- Top each hot dog with three whole cornichons. Add a portion of pickled onions on top.
- Sprinkle a dash of celery salt over each assembled hot dog. Skewer each hot dog with toothpicks to secure the toppings. Serve immediately.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
Notes
- Hot Dogs: Substitute with pork franks for a different protein option.
- Cornichons: Use sliced pickles or gherkins if cornichons are unavailable.
- Pickled Onions: Swap with fresh onions.
Nutrition
Try this Best Easy Gourmet Hot Dog Recipe with Cornichons and Pickled Onions for a delicious and unique variation on a classic favorite.
Share your results and explore more related posts for continued inspiration.
Always cook hot dogs to an internal temperature of 165°F. Store leftovers promptly to avoid bacterial growth.
Comments
No Comments