Seattle Hot Dogs
The Seattle Hot Dog is a unique twist on the classic hot dog, combining rich and savory flavors with a hint of spice. Originating from the vibrant food scene of Seattle, this hot dog is a street food favorite, known for its delicious combination of cream cheese, grilled onions, jalapeños, and bacon. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a gourmet hot dog, this recipe will hit the spot.
Why is the Seattle Hot Dog so Popular?
Seattle’s food culture is all about innovation and blending flavors. The Seattle Hot Dog stands out because it takes the familiar and beloved hot dog and elevates it with bold ingredients. The use of cream cheese adds a creamy, rich texture, while the bacon, onions, and jalapeños bring in smokiness, sweetness, and heat. This combination of flavors and textures makes it a popular choice for anyone looking to try something new.
Can I Customize My Seattle Hot Dog?
Absolutely! One of the best things about the Seattle Hot Dog is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level by using more or fewer jalapeños or even opting for sweet peppers instead. For a smokier flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or using a smoked sausage instead of a beef frank. The cream cheese can be flavored with herbs or garlic for an extra layer of taste. This recipe is all about making it your own, so feel free to experiment!
Ingredients:
•4 beef franks, butterflied (1/4 pound each)
•1 whole white onion, thinly sliced
•2 whole jalapeños, thinly sliced
•2/3 pound bacon, crisped and diced
•4 hotdog buns
•Cream cheese (about 1 tablespoon per bun)
•Salt, to taste
•Garlic pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Bacon and Vegetables:
Start by heating a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lay the bacon strips on the griddle in a single layer. Cook the bacon for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it becomes crispy and browned. Remove the bacon from the griddle and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
In the same griddle with the leftover bacon fat, add the thinly sliced white onion and jalapeños. The bacon fat will help infuse the vegetables with a rich, smoky flavor. Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt and a dash of garlic pepper. Cook the onions and jalapeños over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the onions to caramelize and become translucent while the jalapeños soften. This process should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, move the onion and jalapeño mixture to a cooler part of the griddle to keep warm.
Cook the Hotdogs:
Take each butterflied beef frank and place it cut side down on the hot griddle. Press down gently with a griddle press or a spatula to ensure even cooking. Cook the hotdogs for 90-120 seconds, allowing the cut side to get crispy and browned.
This gives the hotdog a nice texture and enhances the flavor. After 90-120 seconds, flip the hotdogs over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. The goal is to achieve a good sear on both sides while keeping the hotdog juicy inside. Once done, remove the hotdogs from the griddle and set aside.
Toast the Buns:
While the hotdogs are resting, place the hotdog buns, cut side down, on the griddle. Toast the buns for about 1-2 minutes, pressing down slightly with a spatula. Toasting the buns helps them become golden brown and slightly crispy, which adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy and savory hotdog filling.
Assemble the Seattle Hot Dog:
To assemble, take each toasted bun and spread a generous layer of cream cheese sauce on both the top and bottom sides. The warmth of the bun will help soften the cream cheese, making it easier to spread.
Place a grilled beef frank into each bun. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the hotdog, ensuring each bite has a bit of that smoky flavor. Next, spoon a generous amount of the caramelized onion and jalapeño mixture over the bacon. The combination of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and spicy flavors makes this hotdog truly special.
Serve and Enjoy Your Seattle Hot Dogs:
Serve your Seattle Hot Dogs immediately while they’re still hot. These hotdogs are perfect for a casual meal or as a fun addition to a party menu. Pair them with your favorite sides like fries, potato salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal. Enjoy the unique and delicious flavors of this Seattle classic!