Denver Dog
Hot dog topped with chopped red onions and a green chile sauce, often with jalapeños and sour cream, a signature style from Denver, Colorado.
The Denver Dog is a hearty, bacon-wrapped hot dog that pays tribute to the Mile High City’s bold food culture. Typically grilled and served in a bun, it’s topped with green chile (or green chile salsa), onions, and occasionally jalapeños or shredded cheese. The green chile topping is a nod to Colorado’s signature ingredient, which features heavily in the state’s cuisine. This dog likely evolved from the state’s love of Tex-Mex and Southwestern flavors fused with classic American comfort food. It’s not uncommon to find versions at food trucks, sports events, or local diners across Denver. Like the city itself, the Denver Dog balances ruggedness with a creative culinary twist.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 All-beef hot dogs
- 4 Hot dog buns
- 4-6 Roasted green chiles (Hatch or Pueblo preferred, chopped)
- 1 medium Yellow onion (Diced)
- 1 cup Chicken stock
- 1/2 medium Red onion (Finely chopped for topping)
- 2-3 Jalapeños (Finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
Instructions
- Make Colorado green chile sauce: Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook diced yellow onions until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add chopped green chiles, chicken stock, and salt to taste.
- Bring to boil, then simmer 15 minutes until thickened into a sauce consistency.
- Grill hot dogs until heated through with light char marks.
- Toast buns lightly.
- Place hot dogs in buns.
- Top generously with warm green chile sauce.
- Dollop 1 tablespoon sour cream on each hot dog.
- Sprinkle with chopped red onions and jalapeños.
- Serve immediately. This is Colorado's signature Mile High dog!
Related Styles (kinda)
4 similar styles
Foot-long frankfurter served with grilled peppers, sauerkraut, and onions, a style found in Colorado.
Tiny hot dog in a three-inch roll, topped with spicy meat sauce, chopped onions, and mustard, a regional style from Troy, New York.
Hot dog topped with green or red chile sauce, cheese, and onions, a style popular in New Mexico.
Thick grilled hot dog topped with chili, salsa, shredded cheese, and jalapeños, a Tex-Mex inspired style from Texas.