Creamy Seattle Style Hot Dogs
Indulge in the unique flavors of the Pacific Northwest with these Creamy Seattle Style Hot Dogs! This delectable twist on the traditional hot dog features creamy, velvety cream cheese paired with richly caramelized sweet onions, all nestled in a warm, toasty bun. The addition of zesty spicy brown mustard and tangy sauerkraut elevates the taste experience, making every bite a flavorful adventure. Though I haven't visited Seattle to confirm its authenticity, I can assure you that this recipe will satisfy your taste buds and quickly become a favorite for lunch or snacks. Perfect for backyard barbecues, casual gatherings, or simply a delightful meal at home!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
sweet onion
1 (thinly sliced)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
hot dogs
4 (cooked)
hot dog buns
4 (toasted)
spicy brown mustard
to taste (for topping)
sauerkraut
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Alternatively, if you don't have a grill, you can boil or steam the hot dogs until heated through.
2
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until the onions are softened and caramelized to a deep brown.
3
In a separate small skillet, warm the cream cheese over low heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes very soft and spreadable.
4
Cook the hot dogs on the grill or in boiling water, heating until warmed through. Meanwhile, lightly toast the hot dog buns on both sides until golden.
5
To assemble, spread a generous layer of warm cream cheese onto each toasted hot dog bun. Add a cooked hot dog on top.
6
Finish by topping the hot dog with the caramelized onions, a drizzle of spicy brown mustard, and a spoonful of sauerkraut. Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Seattle Style Hot Dogs!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Seattle Style Hot Dog unique?
The defining characteristic is the combination of warm cream cheese and caramelized onions on a toasted bun.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
Thinly slice sweet onions and cook them in butter over medium heat for about 15 minutes until softened and deep brown.
What kind of onions should I use?
Sweet onions are recommended because they caramelize beautifully and provide a mild, rich flavor.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 Creamy Seattle Style Hot Dogs.
Can I boil the hot dogs instead of grilling them?
Yes, if you do not have a grill, you can boil or steam the hot dogs until they are heated through.
How do I soften the cream cheese?
Warm the cream cheese in a small skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until it is very soft and spreadable.
What is the recommended topping order?
Spread cream cheese on the bun, add the hot dog, then top with caramelized onions, spicy brown mustard, and sauerkraut.
Do I need to toast the buns?
Yes, lightly toasting the hot dog buns on both sides until golden is a key step for texture.
What type of mustard is best for these hot dogs?
Spicy brown mustard is suggested to provide a zesty kick that complements the creamy cheese.
Is sauerkraut necessary for a Seattle Dog?
While the cream cheese and onions are core ingredients, sauerkraut adds a tangy layer that elevates the overall flavor.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
It typically takes about 15 minutes of slow cooking in a skillet to reach the desired deep brown color.
What heat should I use for the grill?
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for cooking the hot dogs.
Can I use regular yellow mustard?
You can, but spicy brown mustard is preferred for its depth and heat.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is categorized as a Lunch/Snacks recipe and can be prepared relatively quickly.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter to melt in the skillet for the onions.
Should the cream cheese be applied to the bun or the meat?
Spread a generous layer of warm cream cheese directly onto each toasted hot dog bun.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a mix of savory meat, sweet caramelized onions, velvety cream cheese, and tangy mustard and sauerkraut.
Are these good for outdoor gatherings?
Absolutely, they are perfect for backyard barbecues and casual gatherings.
How much cream cheese do I need for 4 hot dogs?
You will need 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Can I use a different type of bun?
Standard hot dog buns are traditional, but any bun that can be toasted and hold the toppings will work.
Do I need to prep the cream cheese ahead of time?
It helps to have it softened at room temperature before warming it in the skillet.
What is the best way to serve these?
They should be served immediately while the buns are toasted, the meat is hot, and the cream cheese is soft.
Can I substitute the sweet onion?
You can use yellow onions, but sweet onions provide the best caramelized flavor for this specific style.
Is this a traditional Pacific Northwest recipe?
Yes, the combination of cream cheese and onions is a classic Seattle street food tradition.
How do I know when the buns are done?
They should be toasted on both sides until they reach a light golden color.
What makes the onions sweet?
Slowly cooking them in butter allows their natural sugars to release and caramelize.
Can I make the onions in advance?
While best fresh, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time and reheat them when ready to assemble.
What if I don't like spicy mustard?
You can use a milder mustard or omit it entirely, though it provides a nice balance to the creaminess.
Is the cream cheese spread cold?
No, the recipe specifies warming it until it becomes very soft and spreadable.
What is the first step in assembly?
The first assembly step is spreading the warm cream cheese onto the toasted bun.