Chilean Completo

Posted on April 22, 2025

Chilean Completo

Difficulty

Easy

Prep time

10 min

Cooking time

10 min

Total time

20 min

Servings

4

Forget everything you know about hot dogs—Chilean Completo is here to steal the show! 🎉 This is no ordinary street snack — it’s a bold, flavor-loaded creation topped with creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, zesty sauerkraut, and a hearty swirl of mayo. Messy? Absolutely. Delicious? Without a doubt!

Bigger, bolder, and bursting with flavor, the Completo is Chile’s ultimate street food indulgence. One bite, and you’ll be hooked! 🤤 Have you tried one yet? Let me know in the comments! 👇


Ingredients

  • 4 hot dog buns, ideally soft with a hint of sweetness

  • 4 beef or pork sausages (or high-quality hot dogs)

  • 1 ripe avocado, mashed (or use prepared palta, the traditional Chilean-style avocado spread)

  • ½ cup sauerkraut (or Chilean chucrut)

  • 1 large tomato, finely diced

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp mustard (optional)

  • ¼ cup chopped pickles (optional)

  • Hot sauce or pebre (Chilean salsa, optional)

  • Salt & pepper to taste


Execution

  1. Cook the sausages:

    • Cook the sausages thoroughly by grilling, pan-frying, or boiling them.

  2. Prepare the toppings:

    • Mash the avocado with a pinch of salt (or make palta by blending avocado with a bit of lemon and salt).

    • Dice the tomatoes and chop pickles if using.

  3. Assemble the Completo:

    • Place a sausage in each bun.

    • Spread mashed avocado generously on top.

    • Add diced tomatoes, sauerkraut, mayo, and mustard.

    • Finish with pickles or hot sauce if desired.


Additional Tips

  • For an authentic touch, use Chilean-style buns (larger and softer than regular hot dog buns).

  • Variations:

    • Italiano: Avocado, tomato, and mayo (colors of the Italian flag).

    • Dinámico: Adds chopped hot dogs, green sauce, and more.

  • Serve with pebre (Chilean salsa) for extra flavor.


Q&A About Chilean Completo

What is a Chilean Completo?

A Completo is Chile’s iconic take on the hot dog, generously topped with ingredients like avocado (palta), diced tomatoes, sauerkraut (chucrut), mayonnaise, and mustard. It’s bigger, bolder, and far messier than your typical hot dog.

Why is it called “Completo”?

The name means “complete” in Spanish, referring to its fully loaded toppings. Some joke that it’s “complete chaos” due to its messy eating experience!

What are the classic toppings?

  • Avocado (palta): Mashed with salt (key ingredient!).

  • Tomatoes: Freshly diced.

  • Sauerkraut (chucrut): Adds tanginess.

  • Mayonnaise: Creamy and abundant.

  • Mustard: Optional but common.

What’s the most popular version?

The Completo Italiano (named for Italy’s flag colors):

  • Green: Avocado.

  • White: Mayo.

  • Red: Tomatoes.

Are there other variations?

Yes! For example:

  • Dinámico: Adds chopped hot dogs, green sauce, and sometimes cheese.

  • Alemán (“German”): Sauerkraut + mayo.

  • Americano: Ketchup, mustard, and relish.

What type of sausage is used?

Traditionally, beef or pork sausages (thicker than U.S. hot dogs). Popular brands include Pfanner or Super Perro.

Is the bun different?

Yes! Chilean pan de completo is soft, slightly sweet, and larger than a regular bun—perfectly designed to hold all the generous toppings.

How do you keep it from being messy when you eat it?

  • Tip 1: Hold it over a plate (it will drip!).

  • Tip 2: Wrap the base in a napkin.

  • Tip 3: Eat it fast before it falls apart!

Is it served with anything else?

Often served with pebre (Chilean salsa) or ají verde (a spicy green sauce), the Completo pairs perfectly with a cold Chilean beer or a glass of mote con huesillo, a traditional sweet drink.

Where did the Completo originate?

It evolved from German immigrants’ influence (sauerkraut) in the early 20th century, merging with local flavors like avocado.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Use a plant-based sausage and keep the classic toppings.

Is it a meal or a snack?

Both! It’s street food but hearty enough for lunch. Chileans eat it any time—even after a night out.


Why You’ll Love This Chilean Completo

  1. Bursting with Bold Flavors – The combo of creamy avocado, tangy sauerkraut, fresh tomatoes, and rich mayo creates an explosion of taste in every bite.

  2. Easy & Quick to Make – Ready in 20 minutes with simple ingredients—no fancy techniques needed!

  3. Customizable to Your Taste – Prefer it spicy? Add pebre (Chilean salsa). Want extra crunch? Throw in pickles or jalapeños.

  4. A Fun, Messy Eating Experience – Unlike a plain hot dog, the Completo is over-the-top delicious chaos—perfect for food lovers who enjoy hands-on meals.

  5. Authentic Street Food Vibes at Home – Bring the flavors of Chile’s bustling food stands to your kitchen with this iconic dish.

  6. Great for Gatherings – An instant crowd-pleaser at BBQs, game nights, or casual dinners.

  7. Vegetarian-Friendly Option – Swap the sausage for a plant-based version and keep all the tasty toppings.

  8. Kid-Approved (Yet Sophisticated Enough for Adults) – The playful presentation wins over kids, while the gourmet twist keeps grown-ups happy.

  9. Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.

  10. A Taste of Chilean Culture – More than just a hot dog—it’s a bite of Chile’s culinary heritage!

Perfect for when you crave something hearty, fresh, and just a little bit wild.

 

 

 

Happy Cooking

Diana

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