Francheezie
Hot dog split, stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon, and deep-fried, a Chicago specialty.
The Francheezie is a decadent Chicago bar food classic that riffs on the traditional Chicago-style dog in the most indulgent way. It starts with a jumbo hot dog that’s split down the middle, stuffed with cheese (usually American or cheddar), then wrapped in bacon and deep-fried. Often served on a bun with additional toppings like onions or relish, it’s a late-night favorite across Chicagoland, especially in greasy spoons and dive bars. The Francheezie likely emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century as a response to the city’s love of bold, greasy comfort food. It’s a maximalist’s dream—crispy, cheesy, salty, and completely over the top. A true heart-stopper in the most affectionate sense.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Jumbo hot dogs (All-beef preferred)
- 8 slices American cheese (Or cheddar cheese)
- 8 Bacon strips (Thin cut works best for wrapping)
- 4 Hot dog buns
- for deep frying Vegetable oil (Heat to 375°F)
- as needed Yellow mustard (Optional)
- 1/4 cup Chopped onions (Optional)
- as needed Sweet pickle relish (Optional)
- as needed Toothpicks (For securing bacon)
Instructions
- Carefully split each hot dog lengthwise, cutting about 3/4 through.
- Stuff 2 slices of cheese into the split of each hot dog.
- Wrap each stuffed hot dog with 2 strips of bacon, securing with toothpicks.
- Heat oil to 375°F in deep fryer or heavy pot.
- Carefully lower wrapped hot dogs into hot oil.
- Deep fry 4-5 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese is melted.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Carefully remove toothpicks.
- Toast buns if desired.
- Place francheezie in bun.
- Top with mustard, onions, and relish if desired.
- Serve immediately. This is Chicago bar food indulgence!
Related Styles (kinda)
4 similar styles
All-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, raw onions, tomato slices, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt; NO KETCHUP.
Grilled Polish sausage topped with grilled onions, yellow mustard, and sport peppers, originating from Chicago's Maxwell Street market.
Cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped hot dog, often deep-fried or grilled, served with mustard, a style from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Hot dog topped with chili, onions, and a scoop of creamy coleslaw, a popular style across the Southern USA.