Chilean Completos (Hot dogs with avocado)
Hot dogs might feel familiar, but once you’ve tried them Chilean-style, you’ll never look at them the same way again! Chilean Completos are loaded with creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and plenty of mayo. They’re an over-the-top street food that’s just as fun to make at home as it is to eat out in Santiago!
What are Chilean Completos?
Completos are Chile’s form of a hot dog, but they’re more than just a sausage in a bun. The word “completo” means “complete,” and that’s exactly what these hot dogs are: complete meals with layers of toppings that make them messy, satisfying, and delicious.
The most famous version is the completo italiano, named for the colors of the Italian flag: green avocado, white mayo, and red tomato. But there are countless variations across Chile, from simple versions with just avocado and mayo to fully loaded ones with pickled onions, sauerkraut, or even cheese. They’re one of the most popular street foods in Chile, eaten everywhere from tiny carts to fast-food chains, especially at lunch or late at night.
Ingredient Notes
- Avocados: In Chile, avocado purée is called palta, and it’s creamy, slightly tangy (thanks to lime), and spread generously over the hot dog.
- Lime: Adds freshness and helps prevent the avocado from browning.
- Oil: A drizzle makes the purée smoother, but you can skip it for a chunkier mash.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the avocado topping.
- Hot dog buns: Any soft buns will work. Toasting them lightly adds flavor and keeps them from getting soggy.
- Hot dog sausages: Use your favorite! Classic beef or pork, chicken, or even plant-based sausages all work.
- Tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a pop of color.
- White onion: Brings sharpness. You can use red onion or green onion if you prefer.
- Sauerkraut: A key Chilean topping. It adds tang and crunch that balances the creaminess of the avocado and mayo.
- Mayonnaise: Chileans love mayo! It’s often spread directly on the bun and then added again on top. Use as much or as little as you like.
- Additional condiments: Things like ketchup, mustard or hot sauce. Optional but common. Pick what you love.
- Pickled red onions: Optional! While not always traditional, they add color and a nice tangy bite.
Tips for the Best Chilean Completos
- Go big with toppings: Completos aren’t meant to be neat. Don’t be shy with the avocado or mayo, that’s what makes them authentic.
- Toast the buns: A quick toast or grill keeps them sturdy enough to handle all the toppings.
- Cook the sausages how you like: Grilling adds smoky flavor, while boiling keeps it simple. Both are authentic.
- Prep toppings ahead: Dice onions, chop tomatoes, and mash avocado before cooking the sausages so assembling is quick.
- Keep avocado fresh: Add lime juice right away and cover with plastic wrap pressed against the surface if you’re prepping in advance.
- Make it your own: Swap sauerkraut for shredded lettuce, add cheese, or drizzle with hot sauce. Completos are endlessly adaptable.
How to Serve Them
Chilean style completos are usually served as a casual meal or snack, often for lunch, dinner, or late-night eats. Because they’re loaded, one completo can be filling enough, but don’t be surprised if you want a second. They pair well with fries, chips, or even a simple salad on the side.
For drinks, in Chile you’ll often see them enjoyed with a soda, beer, or fresh juice. If you’re serving completos for a crowd, set out all the toppings and let people build their own, it’s fun and keeps everyone happy with their favorite combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called “completos”?
Because they’re “complete” with toppings! A completo isn’t just a hot dog, it’s a fully loaded meal in a bun.
Can I make them vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based sausages, vegan mayo, and skip the cheese-based toppings. The avocado and sauerkraut keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Is sauerkraut always used?
Not always, but it’s very common in Chile. If you don’t like it, replace it with shredded lettuce or cabbage.
Chilean Completos (Hot dogs with avocado)
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados peeled and cut into chunks
- ½ lime
- 1 teaspoon of oil – optional
- Salt to taste
- 6 hot dog buns
- 6 hot dog sausages your choice
- 2 tomatoes diced
- 1 white onion diced
- ½ to 1 cup of sauerkraut
- Mayonnaise to taste
- Additional condiments: ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, etc
- Pickled red onions – optional
Instructions
- To make the avocado pure, use a small blender or food processor to blend the ripe avocado chunks with lime juice, oil and salt.
- You can also use a fork for a more rustic mashed avocado topping.
- Cook the sausages, you can either grill them over low heat until or cook them in hot water for 5-7 minutes. You can also grill or toast the hot dog buns.
- Smear mayonnaise on the hot dog buns, add the reheated/grilled sausages to the bun and add the additional toppings (ketchup, sauerkraut, diced onions, etc).
- Top with a generous amount of the avocado pure and add the diced tomatoes on top.
- You can also add extra mayonnaise and pickled onions (optional) on top.
Notes
- Feel free to add or omit the toppings based on your personal preferences.
- Mayonnaise is used very often in Chilean sandwiches, but if you are not a fan you can use mustard/ketchup instead.
- Same applies to other toppings (you can replace the sauerkraut with shredded lettuce, etc).
- You can also make this recipe using chicken or veggie sausages.
Step by step preparation for Chilean Completos or Hot Dogs with Avocado:
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