Forget Plain Old Grilling: Cook Your Hot Dogs This Way For The Best Flavor
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The humble hot dog is a cookout staple, but it can get a little boring. No shade intended; just brutal honesty. We've experimented with the two-ingredient stuffed hot dog "glizzburger" and had lots of fun, but that isn't quite a wiener anymore. No, what we crave is a good, old-fashioned, American hot dog ... just cooked a different way to break up the monotony. To that end, friends, we say that you need to try smoking your dogs.
"Smoked hot dogs?!" you might say, interrobang included. But, hear us out — cooking hot dogs in your smoker makes for a welcome change in both texture and taste, adding delightful nuance and complexity to a meat that can be rather pedestrian. All you need to do is score your hot dog to create more surface area for big flavor (some folks make crosshatched diamonds; some cut the hot dog in half; others cut a long slit). Taking this extra step will really allow the smoke to penetrate past the casing of the hot dog and seep into the meat. Season with your favorite BBQ rub or sauce(s), and stick those bad boys on the smoker.
About 225 degrees Fahrenheit is just right, but you have flexibility here if you need your temp higher or lower to accommodate other cooking going on at the same time. Your preferred level of smoke and char will dictate how long you leave the glizzies on the grates. We've seen recipes call for as short a time as 45 minutes, and also seen social media users claim that two hours is a perfectly cromulent waiting period to get real smoke penetration and depth of flavor.
There are a few things to keep in mind when smoking hot dogs
When it comes to smoked hot dogs, the first great decision you can make is buying the best meat you can afford. Real beef and/or pork hot dogs are an important investment in the taste of your finished product. If you can source hot dogs from a local butcher or farm, all the better!
Topping your smoked hot dogs is a big part of the fun of summertime barbecues. Feel free to experiment with gourmet ketchups, like this no artificial flavors version by Così Comè made with golden tomatoes from Italy, or try mustards that pack more personality than plain yellow, like Dijon or whole grain. But you needn't stop there. Chili dogs will be more memorable when you put a smoked hot dog at the base, crisp slaw will provide even more of a pleasing contrast, and a nice slice of smoked cheese will be absolutely mouthwatering.
Sides shouldn't be neglected — deviled egg potato salad is the best of 2 all-star side dishes, or consider making some Dr. Pepper baked beans. Smoked dogs and funs sides give your cookout upscale pizazz and real culinary bonafides that your guests won't soon forget!