Seattle-style hot dog

The Seattle-style hot dog is a Pacific Northwest street food classic, featuring a grilled all-beef frankfurter in a soft, steamed bun. It's defined by its signature toppings: cream cheese spread on the bun, grilled onions, and often jalapeños, with optional additions like sautéed mushrooms or a drizzle of Sriracha. This unique combination originated from late-night food carts in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.

🍳 View the full Seattle-style hot dog recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This is a high-fat and high-carb meal, with the hot dog and cream cheese providing significant saturated fat and the bun offering refined carbohydrates. A typical serving with standard toppings ranges from 450 to 600 calories, offering a substantial amount of protein from the sausage and some calcium from the cream cheese.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	35 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	7 g
Sodium	1200 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Niacin (B3)	4 mg
Selenium	15 mcg
Iron	2.5 mg
Zinc	2 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg
Sodium	1200 mg
Potassium	200 mg

Per 1 hot dog with bun and toppings (approx. 200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The use of cream cheese is the defining and surprising twist, creating a rich, tangy contrast to the savory dog and sweet onions—a combination that baffles outsiders but is beloved locally. It represents a perfect example of regional American food innovation, transforming a simple hot dog into a distinct culinary icon.