The Jumbo Hot Dog from Portillo's features a juicy, all-beef sausage nestled in a soft, warm bun, topped with tangy mustard, sweet relish, chopped onions, and a dash of sport peppers, delivering a classic Chicago-style flavor bursting with savory and spicy notes.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Tongs
- Steamer or pot with steaming basket
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Squeeze bottle (for mustard)
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 jumbo all-beef hot dog sausage
- 1 soft hot dog bun
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet green relish
- 2 tablespoons chopped white onion
- 2-3 sport peppers
The key to an authentic Jumbo Hot Dog lies in using a high-quality all-beef sausage and a soft, fresh bun that can hold the generous toppings without falling apart. Freshly chopped white onions provide the perfect crunch, while sport peppers add the signature spicy kick typical of a classic Chicago-style hot dog. Use a squeeze bottle for mustard to create an even, tangy layer that balances the sweetness of green relish. Make sure the hot dog is evenly heated on a grill or griddle and warmed in a steamer or pot to achieve the right texture and temperature. Your homemade Jumbo Hot Dog from Portillo's copycat menu will capture the savory and spicy essence that makes this iconic dish so beloved.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Place jumbo all-beef sausage on grill; cook evenly until heated through and slightly charred.
- While sausage cooks, finely chop white onion on cutting board.
- Steam hot dog bun using a steamer or pot with steaming basket until soft and warm.
- Place steamed bun on serving tray or plate.
- Use tongs to place cooked sausage inside bun.
- Add yellow mustard using squeeze bottle, zigzag style.
- Spoon sweet green relish over sausage.
- Sprinkle chopped white onion evenly on top.
- Add 2-3 sport peppers over the toppings.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Jumbo Hot Dog from Portillo's copycat menu replicates the signature all-beef sausage with classic Chicago-style toppings like mustard, relish, onions, and sport peppers. If you can't find sport peppers, sliced jalapenos or pickled banana peppers can be used as a flavorful substitute to maintain the spicy kick. When grilling the sausage, use tongs to avoid piercing the meat and retain its juiciness. For the bun, steaming it briefly in a covered pan or using a steamer basket will keep it soft and warm. Your mustard can be easily dispensed with a squeeze bottle for even application and less mess.
Tips
Ensure your grill or griddle is preheated properly to achieve even cooking and a slight char on your jumbo all-beef sausage, which enhances flavor. Use a sharp knife and stable cutting board to finely chop the white onions for a consistent texture and fresh taste. Steam the bun just before assembling to keep it soft and warm, preventing it from becoming dry or crumbly. When applying mustard with a squeeze bottle, use a zigzag pattern to evenly distribute tanginess without overpowering your taste buds.
Nutritions
Your Jumbo Hot Dog from Portillo's contains approximately 350-400 calories, primarily from the all-beef sausage and soft bun. This classic Chicago-style hot dog provides about 15-20 grams of protein and 20-25 grams of fat, including saturated fats from the beef. The mustard, relish, onions, and sport peppers contribute minimal calories but add valuable antioxidants and micronutrients. Watching portion size can help you enjoy this flavorful meal while managing your daily nutritional intake.
Storage
Store leftover jumbo hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the sausage separate from the bun and toppings like mustard, relish, onions, and sport peppers to avoid moisture mixing and preserve texture. When reheating, use a grill or griddle for the sausage and gently steam the bun to restore the warm, soft quality for your next delicious serving.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute the all-beef sausage with a smoked bratwurst to introduce a richer, smoky flavor. You can swap the yellow mustard for a spicy brown mustard for a bolder taste profile. Instead of steaming the bun, toast it lightly on the grill to add a crisp texture that complements the juicy sausage. To enhance Your experience, try grilling thin slices of jalapeno in place of sport peppers for a fresh and fiery kick.
Allergies
The Jumbo Hot Dog from Portillo's contains common allergens such as wheat in the soft hot dog bun and potential trace amounts of soy or dairy from processed condiments. The all-beef sausage may also contain spices or preservatives that could trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. You should check ingredient labels carefully and consult with the restaurant if you have allergies to gluten, onions, or spicy peppers.
Why this recipe?
Portillo's Jumbo Hot Dog menu is beloved for its generous size, juicy all-beef frankfurter, and classic Chicago-style toppings including mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. The combination of premium ingredients creates a uniquely flavorful and satisfying experience that keeps customers coming back. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic taste at home, tailored to your preferences while saving money. Your homemade Jumbo Hot Dog can deliver the same authentic Portillo's flavor with fresh, customizable ingredients.