Seattle Dog
A late-night legend born from Emerald City street carts. This gloriously weird creation features a grilled hot dog nestled in a bun spread with cream cheese and topped with sweet caramelized onions. Trust us - it works.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Start the onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-35 minutes until deeply caramelized and sweet.
Prep the cream cheese: Let cream cheese come to room temperature so it's easily spreadable. You can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften if needed.
Heat the grill: Heat a grill or griddle to medium-high heat. You want those beautiful grill marks on your dogs!
Grill the hot dogs: Grill hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and heated through. Some cart vendors split them lengthwise first for more char surface.
Toast the buns: Toast buns on the grill cut-side down until lightly golden, about 1 minute. This prevents sogginess.
Spread the cream cheese: This is the key step! Generously spread softened cream cheese on both sides of the toasted bun. Don't skimp - use about 2 tablespoons per dog.
Add the hot dog: Nestle the grilled hot dog into the cream cheese-lined bun. The cream cheese will warm slightly from the hot dog.
Top with onions: Pile a generous amount of caramelized onions on top. Be generous - they're essential to the Seattle Dog experience.
Add optional toppings: Drizzle with Sriracha for heat, add sauerkraut for tang, or keep it classic with just the cream cheese and onions.
Serve: Serve immediately, preferably while standing on a Seattle street corner at 2 AM after leaving a bar. Just kidding - they're delicious anytime! But the authentic experience involves eating this at a street cart after a concert or night out.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Seattle cart history: Seattle Dogs have been a street food staple since at least the 1980s, sold from carts in Pioneer Square and Capitol Hill.
- Why cream cheese? Nobody knows for sure who invented it, but the creamy tanginess perfectly complements the sweet onions and salty dog.
- Quality dogs: Use all-beef hot dogs for the best snap and flavor. Hebrew National or local craft dogs are great choices.
- Jalape no or yes: Many carts offer jalape nos - the heat cuts through the richness nicely.
- Polish sausage option: Some carts use Polish sausage instead of hot dogs for a heartier option.
- Best enjoyed after midnight: There's something magical about a Seattle Dog at 2 AM. Science can't explain it.