Whether you’re at a barbecue, the ballpark, the beach, or the backyard, there’s no wrong time or place to enjoy a summertime hot dog. Quick-cooking, affordable, kid-friendly, and always delicious, hot dogs might be the official food of the season. While just about anyone can open a package and heat up some franks, a little know-how can elevate this simple meal from good to outstanding. We’re talking hot dogs that are plump and juicy, lightly charred, with just the right amount of snap. Plus, fun toppings to mix things up. Follow these easy tips for perfect results every time and be top dog this grilling season.
How to Cook the Best Hot Dogs
Grill over medium heat
Hot dogs can dry out, burst, and/or become too charred over high heat. If you’ve ever eaten a burnt-tasting or slightly shriveled hot dog, chances are that it was cooked over too high a flame. Grilling directly over medium to medium-high heat will crisp the skin and produce just the right amount of char.
Rotate dogs
Once the grill is hot, place hot dogs on the grill perpendicular to the grates to achieve the best grill marks and prevent rolling. Cook hot dogs for a total of five to seven minutes, flipping every couple of minutes with tongs until they are plump, lightly charred, and just beginning to split at the ends. This helps with even cooking and well-distributed grill marks.
Use an instant-read thermometer
Though hot dogs are sold precooked, it’s best to grill them to an internal temperature of 150 – 160° to eliminate any possible bacteria and ensure they’re totally safe to eat. This temperature range is also ideal for coaxing out maximum flavor and creating a snappy texture on the skin.
Other cooking methods
If you don’t have a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, you can mimic the texture of a grilled hot dog by cooking it on the stovetop. Melt two to three tablespoons of butter in a heavy pan over medium heat and pan-fry franks until well-crisped and golden brown, turning occasionally, about five to seven minutes. The air fryer can also be used to achieve flavorful hot dogs with a snappy, appetizing texture. Preheat the air fryer to 400° and cook the hot dogs in a single layer for six minutes, no flipping required. Avoid boiling hot dogs, which can make them soggy and bland.
Create the perfect texture
To achieve maximum crispy, golden-brown edges and crevices that hold more toppings, spiral-cut hot dogs before grilling. Begin by inserting a wooden skewer lengthwise through the center of a hot dog and placing it on a cutting board. Insert the tip of a paring knife until it reaches the skewer. Hold the knife at an angle and rotate the hot dog, creating evenly spaced spirals about one inch apart.
Toast the buns
To ensure buns that are up to the task of holding a hot, fully loaded dog without getting soggy, toast them on the grill. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the buns, cut side down, for one minute. Toasting buns also enhances their flavor.
Go over the top with toppings
Ketchup and mustard are just the beginning when it comes to delicious ways to dress up grilled dogs. Experiment with fresh or pickled veggies, bottled sauces or salad dressings, melted cheese, or any of the fully loaded dog recipes below.
Grilled Hot Dogs with Homemade Relish
Capture summer in a jar with this easy, versatile homemade relish made with peak-season veggies. The combination of cucumber, bell pepper, and onion in a sweet-and-sour brine is a tangy, crunchy complement to savory franks hot off the grill.
Get the recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs with Homemade Relish
Michigan Coney Dogs
This regional favorite from the Midwest brings on the beef to satisfy serious appetites. Hearty beef chili, diced onions, and spicy brown mustard layer up to more than your average chili dog.
Get the recipe: Michigan Coney Dogs
Caesar Salad Hot Dogs
Serve a curveball at your next cookout with this recipe that moves crowd-pleasing Caesar salad from side dish to star. Crisp lettuce in a homemade creamy dressing adds flavor and cool crunch to grilled dogs finished with crumbled Parmesan croutons.
Get the recipe: Caesar Salad Hot Dogs
Marinated Spiral Hot Dogs
It’s not just toppings that add big, bold flavor to these one-of-a-kind dogs. A four-ingredient marinade with cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce amps up spiral-cut franks, delivering crispy, savory smokiness in every bite.
Get the recipe: Marinated Spiral Hot Dogs
Reuben Hot Dogs
The inspo for these backyard dogs comes from the deli counter. Tangy sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and lots of melty Swiss cheese turn grilled hot dogs into a riff on Reuben sandwiches.
Get the recipe: Reuben Hot Dogs
Buffalo Hot Dogs
Wing lovers will get fired up for these franks that bring the heat. Turkey hot dogs get the full Buffalo treatment, slathered in your favorite bottled sauce and finished with shredded carrots, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing.
Get the recipe: Buffalo Hot Dogs
Bacon Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs
This recipe proves you can teach an old dog new tricks. Macaroni and cheese, crumbled bacon, and optional toppings like scallions and jalapenos earn this recipe a place in the comfort food Hall of Fame.
Get the recipe: Bacon Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs
Loaded Chilean Dogs
Take your taste buds to South America with this regional favorite that serves a bold blend of flavors and textures. Just add avocado, sliced tomato, sauerkraut, and chipotle mayo for classic grilled dogs served Chilean-style.
Get the recipe: Loaded Chilean Dogs
Southern Slaw Dog
Don’t forget the sweet tea, or maybe a mint julep, to sip with these franks inspired by Southern tradition. Store-bought coleslaw, scallions, and yellow mustard are a trifecta of flavor and crunch atop grilled dogs served on lightly toasted buns.
Get the recipe: Southern Slaw Dog
