This Gourmet Hot Dog Recipe with Cornichons and Pickled Onions blends tangy cornichons, spicy Dijon mustard, and sweet pickled onions into a gourmet variation of the Chicago-style recipe that everyone loves.
If you like this recipe, you may also love our Homemade Hot Dog Chili.
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.
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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.
- The Best 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.
Gourmet Hot Dog Recipe 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.
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.
- 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.
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How to Make a 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.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳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 meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Toast the buns for a crispy texture that holds the toppings well.
✔️ DO Skewer the toppings securely to keep everything in place.
Storage
Store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by grilling or microwaving until hot.
Recipe FAQ's
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.
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📖 Recipe
Gourmet Hot Dog with Cornichons and Pickled Onions
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.
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