An American Story

The history of grilling at Kingsford is a classic American story. It all started in 1919 when Edward G. Kingsford helped Henry Ford procure a stretch of timberland to supply wood for his auto plants.

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Kingsford® Preserve the Pit

Kingsford remains committed to celebrating Black barbecue culture by launching the second year of Preserve the Pit and doubling the investment in aspiring barbecue professionals.

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American Pride

An American-made company founded over 100 years ago, Kingsford has a lot to be proud of. Our employees have been continuing the family tradition in backyards across the nation.

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Recipes

Chicago-Style Char Dogs

This decked-out hot dog is an original Windy City creation. Add the extra step of grilling, and it’s a backyard sensation.

Grill-friendly weather alert! It’s the perfect week to make brisket *weather forecast provided by Openweathermap.org
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Cooking for 4 people

Ingredients

  • 4 all-beef hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns

Hot Dog toppings

  • 2 tbsp. yellow mustard
  • 0.25 cup bright green sweet pickle relish
  • 0.5 small white onion, diced
  • 2 small Roma tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
  • 4 dill pickle spears
  • pickled sport peppers, to taste
  • celery salt, to taste

1 Food Prep

  • First, butterfly the hot dogs by slicing them lengthwise without cutting all the way through. 

  • Next, get your hot dog toppings together so they’ll be ready when the hot dogs come off the grill. Cut the 2 small Roma tomatoes into thin wedges, and dice ½ of a small white onion.

2 Grill Prep

3 The Cook

  • When you’re at temp, put cooking oil on a folded paper towel. Grab the oiled paper towel with long-handled tongs and oil the grate thoroughly.

  • Gently open the butterflied hot dogs and lay them flat on the grill.
  • Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until charred in spots and hot throughout.
  • Grill the buns quickly over the coals for about 1 minute, until they’re lightly toasted.
  • Place 1 hot dog on each bun and top with ¼ of the toppings. Add sport peppers to taste, then sprinkle with the celery salt.
  • Repeat with the remaining hot dogs and serve immediately — hot off the grill.

For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.

Reviews
4.7
39 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Oh Yeah Where I'm from, it's not really a bbq without the tubular meats. From hot dogs to extra long, extra hot metts, there is always something to choose. But my favorite way to serve freshly grilled dogs are with a well stocked toppings bar. Providing the necessary ingredients for a proper Chicago-Style Char Dog gets you a satisfied bunch every time.
Date published: 2023-11-21
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Delicious!! So good, I followed recipe exactly and was amazed! Delicious!!
Date published: 2023-11-15
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy and perfect I love Chicago dogs and this so easy to make. I liked cutting the dog partially to spread them better.
Date published: 2023-11-14
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Amazing taste I made this recipe for a quick lunch and it turned out great. I always fry these up, never thought about grilling. It made such a Hugh difference doing it this way
Date published: 2023-11-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Chicago dogs! Just because it's a hot dog, doesn't mean it can't be a good meal. All the extra fixin's really make this a decent meal anytime you're pressed for time. !
Date published: 2023-11-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great taste and fun to serve These were great and grandkids loved them. will definitely serve them again.
Date published: 2023-10-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Change Char to Star These are the best dogs I have ever eaten. Even my wife, who usually isn't a fan of dogs, think these are the bomb.
Date published: 2023-08-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from so yummy i made this at our company picnic and everyone loved it.
Date published: 2023-08-21
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Dogliscous Great recipe. Always a fan favorite. Tailgate time.
Date published: 2023-08-15
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Grilled Chicago Style Hot Dogs My wife loves grilled hot dogs, I like Chicago style hot dogs, a recipe made in heaven. Very easy and tasty!
Date published: 2023-08-14
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Excellent for the whole Family! This was my first attempt at making Chicago Style Char Dogs and wow they turned out great! My whole family really enjoyed this meal and was a perfect choice for a warm summer night! I will be making these again in the near future.
Date published: 2023-07-25
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Husband's favorite We were looking for a recipe to spruce up hot dogs and this one is the best we've tried.
Date published: 2023-07-20
Rated 4 out of 5 by from A classic! Of course all toppings are optional but I love how easy this classic recipe is to follow!
Date published: 2023-07-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Dog!!! Butterflying the hot dog makes it!!!! Add what you like it works!
Date published: 2023-07-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love it Nothing beats a Chicago style dog. And love that this recipe calls for celery salt.it’s been a family classic ingredient for years. Turned out perfect.
Date published: 2023-07-10
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