Smoked Hot Dogs

Smoked Hot Dogs Recipe

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Smoked hot dogs are a delicious twist on a classic summertime staple that you can make right in your own backyard with just a pellet smoker. This best-smoked hot dogs recipe will have your guests begging for seconds before they’ve even finished their first bite.

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Smoking hot dogs not only adds amazing smoky flavor, but also cooks the hot dogs evenly and slowly, resulting in juicy, tender, and delicious hot dogs that everyone will love. Plus, cooking on a pellet smoker is an easy and convenient way to cook. All you have to do is set the temperature and let the smoker do the rest of the work.

The smoky flavor of the hot dogs pairs perfectly with all your favorite toppings, such as mustard, ketchup, cheese, onions, and pickles. But there are endless options for serving this. We recommend pairing it with homemade french fries, Smoked Mac and Cheese, and a slice of Smoked Gouda for a delicious and filling meal.

So, fire up your pellet smoker and get ready to take your smoked hot dogs to the next level with this mouth-watering recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!

How To Make Smoked Hot Dogs

Step 1: Preheat Your Pellet Smoker

Before cooking your hot dogs, it is important to properly preheat the smoker. This will ensure that the hot dogs cook evenly and the smoker’s temperature stays consistent throughout the cooking process. Set the temperature of the pellet smoker to 225°F.

Step 2: Slice Shallow Diagonal Slits On The Hot Dogs

To allow the smoke to better penetrate the hot dogs, make shallow diagonal slits on the top and bottom of each hot dog. This will also help the hot dogs plump up as they cook.

Step 3: Smoked Hot Dogs For 25 Minutes

Once the smoker is preheated, place the hot dogs on the smoker’s grates. Make sure they are spaced out evenly to ensure they cook evenly.
Close the smoker’s lid and let the hot dogs smoke for 25 minutes. During this time, the smoke will infuse the hot dogs with a rich smoke flavor.

Step 4: Brush the Hot Dogs with BBQ Sauce

After 25 minutes of smoking, open the smoker’s lid and lightly brush the hot dogs with your favorite BBQ sauce. This will add an extra layer of flavor and help the hot dogs caramelize as they cook.

Step 5: Continue to Smoke for an Additional 20 Minutes

Close the smoker’s lid and continue to smoke the hot dogs for an additional 20 minutes. This will allow the sauce to set and the hot dogs to cook fully.

Step 6: Prepare Sauce & Toppings

Whilst your hot dogs are finishing up in the smoker, you can take this time to prepare your favorite toppings. Classic hot dog toppings are ketchup, relish, mustard, and caramelized onions. However, we prefer to elevate our smoked hot dogs by adding a sweet but spicy apricot sauce on top.

In a mixing bowl, combine apricot jam, sweet chili sauce, and lemon juice and mix thoroughly. The sauce should be thick enough that it can be spooned onto the top of your hot dogs for a burst of sweet, spicy flavor.

Step 7: Remove the Hot Dogs From Smoker

After a total cooking time of 45 minutes, or when your hot dogs have reached an internal temperature of 140°F, they’re ready to be taken out of the smoker. Now just Remove hot dogs from the smoker. Place each hot dog in a bun and add your sauces and toppings as desired.

Tips For Making Smoked Hot Dogs

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pitmaster, these tips will help you get the most out of your smoked hot dogs. To get the best smoked hot dogs recipe that can change your thought about making it. You can use turkey dogs, beef hot dogs, or others as you like. Fire up your pellet smoker and let’s get started!

Add Seasonings to Your Hot Dogs:

Before cooking, you can add extra flavor to your hot dogs by seasoning them with your favorite spices and herbs. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Experiment with Toppings:

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your hot dog toppings! Try different combinations of toppings to find your favorite flavor combination. Some popular options include cheese, grilled onions, and pickles.

Keep an Eye on Cooking Time:

It’s important to keep track of the cooking time so that you don’t over- or under-cook your hot dogs. Keep the smoker lid closed for the majority of the cooking time to ensure even cooking and prevent the temperature from fluctuating.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want to make a quick and easy meal, smoked tasting hot dogs are a crowd-pleaser that is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, try out these tips, and let your taste buds be the judge. Happy smoking!

Best Beer To Pair With Smoked Hot Dogs

  • Lager – A crisp and refreshing lager is the perfect pairing for smoked hot dogs. The clean and light flavors of a lager help to cut through the richness of the hot dogs and provide a refreshing contrast. Plus, lagers are easy to drink and pair well with a variety of different flavors, making them a versatile choice for your next BBQ.
  • Pilsner – A pilsner is a light and crisp beer that’s perfect for pairing with smoked hot dogs. The subtle hoppy flavors of a pilsner help to balance the richness of the hot dogs, while the light and refreshing finish is a great way to cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Amber Ale – If you’re looking for a beer that’s a little more full-bodied, amber ale is a great choice. The caramel and toasty malt flavors of an amber ale help to complement the smoky flavors of the hot dogs, while the moderate hop profile provides a nice balance.
Smoked Hot Dogs

Smoked Hot Dogs

Seriously Good Smoked Hot Dogs you can try at home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Hot dogs of your choice
  • Your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup Hot dog buns
  • 1/4 cup Toppings of your choice (e.g. mustard, ketchup, cheese, onions, pickles)
  • 1 cup Apricot Sauce (optional): combine apricot jam, sweet chili sauce, and lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F.
  • Slice shallow diagonal slits on the top and bottom of each hot dog
  • Place the hot dogs on the smoker's grates, making sure they are spaced out evenly.
  • Close the smoker's lid and let the hot dogs smoke for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, open the lid and lightly brush the hot dogs with your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • Close the lid and continue to smoke the hot dogs for an additional 20 minutes.
  • After 45 minutes total cooking time, remove the hot dogs from the smoker.
  • Serve the smoked tasty hot dogs on buns and top with your desired toppings, such as mustard, ketchup, cheese, onions, and pickles.
Keyword hotdogs

Smoked Hot Dog FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Make Smoked Hot Dogs?

If your smoker temperature is at 225ºF, it will take about an hour to smoke the hot dogs perfectly. Preparing your toppings and sauces won’t take longer than 10 minutes. Follow our hot dogs recipe step by step to make it perfect.

Is Smoked Sausage The Same As A Smoked Hot Dog?

Smoked hot dogs and smoked sausages are very similar, though typically hot dogs are prepared with fewer spices, and are more compact and smaller in size. The term sausage is a general term for tubular meat wrapped in a form of casing.

Is It Better To Boil Or Smoke Hot Dogs?

Whilst it’s definitely possible and safe to boil hot dogs if you’re in a time crunch, the result may be flavorless and the texture soggy. Choosing to take the extra time to smoke your hot dogs will make a world of difference to the flavor and texture of the meat.

How Long Are Smoked Hot Dogs Good For In The Fridge?

Smoked hot dogs or leftover hot dogs usually last between 3 and 4 days if covered well and refrigerated after cooking, or 4 months if wrapped thoroughly and frozen.

What temperature should I smoke my hot dogs at?

For best results, smoke your hot dogs at 225°F on your pellet smoker. This temperature will allow the hot dogs to smoke evenly and pick up all the delicious smoky flavors.

What type of wood pellets should I use for smoking hot dogs?

For smoking hot dogs, you can use any mild wood pellets, such as apple or cherry, as they will provide a delicate smoky flavor that complements the hot dogs. You can also experiment with different wood pellets to find your favorite.

What toppings should I use for my smoked hot dogs?

The toppings you use are completely up to you! Some popular options include mustard, ketchup, cheese, onions, pickles, and even chili. Get creative and have fun with it!

Can I use a gas or charcoal grill instead of a pellet smoker for this recipe?

While a pellet smoker is the preferred method for smoking hot dogs, you can also use a gas or charcoal grill. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may vary. You can grill hot dogs if you want to have them within a very short time.

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