Is There A Difference Between Chicago-Style And Alligator-Style Hot Dogs?
People are catching onto the fact that adding a pickle to any dish may also supply the food with an extra crunchiness and salty flavor. Pickle-topped pizza and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are only a few examples of how pickle-lovers have elevated their ordinarily plain meals using the fermented vegetable.
However, Chicagoans have been using pickles for a long time when serving up hot dogs. Not only do they decorate their sausages with ingredients including mustard, white onions, and radishes, but they lay a pickle spear on their "sandwich" as the final touch. This practice was started by Fluky's Hot Dog Stand, which called this creation the "Depression Sandwich" (via Block Club Chicago). The hot dog style's original name reflected the economic crisis of the 1930s, when it was founded, as it was inexpensive to make and perfect to take on the go. So what exactly separates a Chicago-style hot dog from another popular Midwestern hot dog style?
The difference is where the pickle lies
The Alligator-style hot dog is a classic in Ohio, where it is commonly enjoyed alongside some Cincinnati chili while rooting on the Cincinnati Reds. Similar to the Chicago-style hot dog, it includes a pickle, along with other toppings of choice. But what truly differentiates a Chicago-style hot dog from an Alligator-style hot dog seems to be where exactly the pickle lies. Whereas a Chicago-style hot dog is topped with a dill pickle, the pickle is tucked in alongside the dog in an Alligator-style hot dog. Therefore, some people might argue that an Alligator-style hot dog could also be categorized as a Chicago-style hot dog, but not vice versa. Adding the pickle inside of the bun may help provide more contrast between the flavors and texture between the hot dog and the pickle. According to WAFB, a successful Alligator-style hot dog will allow the eater to taste each ingredient in every mouthful.
Either way, if you want to take your hot dog game to the next level, try either of these methods to jazz up any simple sausage.