Here's What's Really On A Seattle-Style Hot Dog

Some things just go together. Like peanut butter and jelly. Or cheese and crackers. Or, in this case, baseball and hot dogs. At every baseball stadium across the country, you'll find more than your fair share of juicy franks and brats sizzling on the grills of tailgates and kiosks alike. But while many may agree that a hot dog is about as Americana as it gets, it's a little more difficult to agree about what goes on top. There are those that eat them plain (bun only, please), those that keep it simple with just a drizzle of ketchup or mustard, and those that swear by "the works" complete with relish and chopped onions.

How you eat your frankfurter might also depend on where you live. Just as pizza has certain "styles" (like New York thin-crust or Chicago deep-dish), so do hot dogs. Some of the more popular include the Chicago-style dog with pickles and peppers and the Coney Island with chili (via First We Feast). But have you ever heard of the Seattle-style hot dog? It's nothing if not unique.

The Seattle-style hot dog sets itself apart from average sausages. The base starts out normal: a hot dog on a toasted bun. (Note: First We Feast says you can also swap in a Polish sausage for a regular dog.) But the toppings are where it starts to get a little, well, interesting. While the Washington state dog has mustard, it also has at least one very unusual ingredient you may never have considered putting on a sausage. According to Allrecipes, the Seattle-style hot dog is topped with warm cream cheese, thinly sliced grilled sweet onion, brown mustard, and sauerkraut (or grilled cabbage). First We Feast reports that some places also serve the dogs with jalapenos, pico de gallo, or hot sauce for added flair and flavor.

Cream cheese ... on a hot dog?! Don't knock it before you try it, fans say. The Today Show likened the concoction to "jalapeño poppers and stadium-style hot dogs rolled up into one tasty bite."