Gourmet Hot Dog with Cornichons and Pickled Onions layers all-beef hot dogs with Dijon mustard, cornichons, pickled onions, and celery salt for a tangy gourmet twist. It's ideal for cookouts, easy lunch recipes, and summer grilling meals. The crisp pickled toppings balance the savory hot dogs with bright acidity and crunch.
If you like this recipe, you may also love our Homemade Hot Dog Chili.
Gourmet Hot Dog Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 10 minutes
- 🧊 Optional Chill: None
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🔥 Cook Method: Grilled or boiled
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): American hot dog recipe
- 👩🍳 Pair With: potato chips, pasta salad, baked beans
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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We skewer the hot dogs before serving to help keep the toppings secure. ~Jami
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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
- ½ cup pickled onions
- Dijon mustard to taste
- celery salt to taste
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 💌
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Notes
- Toast the buns just until lightly golden.
- Pat excess liquid from the pickled onions before topping.
- Use whole cornichons for extra crunch and texture.
- Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
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