Grilled Hot Dogs
Classic American cookout staple! Juicy hot dogs grilled to perfection with a smoky char, nestled in a soft, toasted bun. Ready in minutes, they're perfect for backyard barbecues, game days, and easy summer dinners.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat the grill: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 350-450°F or 175-230°C). Clean the grill grates with a wire brush. Lightly oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prep the hot dogs: While the grill heats up, pat the hot dogs dry with a paper towel. For extra flavor and to prevent them from bursting, you can make a few shallow diagonal cuts on each hot dog.
- 3
Grill the hot dogs: Place the hot dogs on the hot grill
- a.Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning them every minute or so to get even char marks all around. They are done when they are plump, heated through, and have nice grill marks.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toast the buns: During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, place the hot dog buns, cut-side down, on the grill. Watch them closely as they toast quickly. Remove them once they are lightly golden and warm.
- 5
Assemble and serve: Place a grilled hot dog into each toasted bun
- a.Set up a toppings bar with ketchup, mustard, relish, and chopped onions. Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly cooked hot dogs, create two heat zones on your grill. A hot zone for searing and a cooler zone to finish cooking without burning.
- 2Scoring the hot dogs not only looks great but also helps them cook evenly and creates little pockets to hold your favorite condiments.
- 3Never press down on the hot dogs with a spatula! This squeezes out the delicious juices and can make them dry.
- 4Toasting the buns is a game-changer. A soft, warm bun makes all the difference.
- 5If using poultry-based hot dogs, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use certified gluten-free hot dogs and serve them in gluten-free buns or wrapped in lettuce.
vegetarianVegetarian
Substitute the meat hot dogs with your favorite brand of plant-based or vegetarian sausages.
spicySpicy
Add some heat by topping your hot dog with sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of sriracha, or spicy brown mustard.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Keep the toppings simple with just a swirl of ketchup. You can also cut the hot dogs into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier handling by little ones.
