Mini Chicago Style Hot Dogs

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It’s almost 4th of July and we’re planning our menu for the holiday weekend. For me, the 4th always calls for hot dogs! My tribe is voting for ribs, so what’s a girl to do? I’ve got to have my hot dog fix on the holiday, so why not have them as an appetizer? Bring on the mini Chicago-style hot dogs!

Hot dogs are a tradition on the 4th of July. Hot dogs, brats, burgers, and ribs all are the normal fare. There’s nothing like the taste of a Chicago Dog! The key to a Chicago-style hot dog is the celery salt and of course, just mustard—no ketchup allowed!!!

Your friends and family will love these baby dogs. Not only are they the cutest little appetizer, but they are also a one-bite sensation!

Again, as usual, they are super quick and easy to make. I like using the grill to get those char marks. Because they’re minis, make sure you place them horizontally on the grid so they don’t fall through on your grill!

Preparing the Mini Chicago Dogs

While your grill is heating up, take your hot dog buns and use a juice glass to cut out rounds. I got three per side of the bun, so you only need two buns for 12 baby dogs.

I used cherry tomatoes and cut them into tiny bits. I only used about four, and then you need good Kosher Dill Pickles in the Chip Form. Now the secret to a good Chicago Dog is to sprinkle the pickles and the tomatoes with a little celery salt!

Grilling and Assembling the Dogs

After your dogs come off the grill, place a seasoned pickle chip on the round bun, your mini dog, a little spoonful of tomatoes, and drizzle that baby with a little mustard. Try not to eat all of them before you serve them…lol!

Mini Chicago Dogs Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 Cocktail Size Hot Dogs
• 2 Hot Dog Buns, cut into Rounds
• 12 Chip Style Kosher Dill Pickles
• 4 Cherry Tomatoes, cut into tiny pieces
• Yellow Mustard
• Celery Salt to sprinkle on Pickles & Tomatoes

Instructions

1. Grill or Cook Your Hot Dogs
   Grill or cook your hot dogs on the stove or broil them in the oven.
2. Prepare the Buns
   Using a juice glass, cut hot dog buns into small rounds. You should get three rounds per side of each bun.
3. Slice and Season the Toppings
   Slice tomatoes into tiny bites and sprinkle them and the pickles with celery salt.
4. Assemble the Mini Chicago Dogs
   Assemble the dogs by placing a dressed pickle chip on the round bun, followed by the hot dog, and a small bit of tomatoes on one side of the dog. Drizzle the top with yellow mustard and serve.

Cocktails to Pair with Mini Chicago Dogs

Pairing the right cocktails with your mini Chicago-style hot dogs can elevate your 4th of July celebration. Here are some delightful drinks that complement the flavors perfectly:

• Strawberry Rhubarb Sparkler: This refreshing cocktail combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, making it a perfect match for the savory flavors of the mini dogs.
• Patriotic Vodka Slush: A festive blend of vodka, lemonade, and blue curaçao, this slush is not only visually appealing but also provides a cool and refreshing contrast to the hot dogs.
• Classic Margarita: The tangy and citrusy notes of a classic margarita can cut through the richness of the hot dogs, offering a balanced and enjoyable pairing.
• Beer Shandy: For a more casual option, a beer shandy—a mix of beer and lemonade—adds a light and zesty touch that complements the smoky grilled flavor of the hot dogs.

Conclusion

If you’re like me, you can now get your hot dog fix for the holiday!

Fire up that grill, make these little mini Chicago-style hot dogs, and sip on a Patriotic Vodka Slush. Have yourself a wonderful holiday weekend!

These bite-sized delights are sure to be a hit at your 4th of July celebration, combining all the traditional flavors in a fun, new way. Enjoy the festivities and the delicious food!