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These BBQ Hot Dogs are simmered in BBQ sauce before they are grilled. It gives the hot dogs an incredible sweet and savory flavor.
Featured with this Recipe
There’s nothing better than a summer cookout with burgers and hot dogs. The other day a thought came to me — we should simmer hot dogs in BBQ sauce BEFORE grilling them rather than putting BBQ sauce on afterwards. We simmer lil’ smokies in BBQ sauce and they are pretty much just little hot dogs, so why not?! We thought we would give it a try to see how they would turn out… the verdict… DELICIOUS! Why didn’t I think of this before? If you’ve ever eaten at J. Dawgs, the barbecue sauce in this recipe tastes like J. Dawgs sauce!
Ingredients in BBQ Hot Dogs
- Hot Dogs – There are a lot of opinions out there when it comes to which hot dogs to try. In some circles, hot dogs get a bad rap. But if you buy high quality hot dogs, and stick with the kinds of meat you really like, you’ll be happy with the outcome. For anyone feeling nervous about the contents of their hot dog, stick with brands that tout “All Beef”. We like Nathan’s or Hebrew National. You can also use turkey dogs.
- Hot Dog Buns – toast the buns for extra flavor
- Toppings
- Ketchup
- Barbecue Sauce – we love Sweet Baby Ray’s honey bbq sauce for these hot dogs
- Brown Sugar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Soy Sauce – can be substituted with Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon Mustard
- Onion Powder
Toppings
When it comes to hot dog toppings, we’ve seen it all. Need some inspiration? Try some of these suggested toppings and topping combinations on your bbq hot dogs.
- Classic Condiments – ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish
- J Dawgs Style – special sauce (our sauce recipe tastes just like it!) onion, sauerkraut, banana peppers, jalapeños and/or pickles
- Sonoran Style – bacon, pinto beans, tomatoes, onion, mustard, mayo, and jalapeños
- New York Style – steamed onions and Dijon mustard
- Chicago Style – mustard, relish, onion, pickle spear, peppers, tomato, and celery salt
- Atlanta Style – coleslaw
- New England Style – mustard, relish, and Boston baked beans
- Texas Style – chili, cheese, and jalapeños
- Seattle style – toasted buns, cream cheese, grilled onions, Sriracha
Recipe Tip
These delicious bbq hot dogs get grilled for just a few minutes after being cooked. For the best char grill marks, place the hot dogs on an angle on the grill grates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure, you can boil hot dogs before cooking, but for maximum flavor, try heating them in bbq sauce instead. You won’t regret it!
Since these bbq hot dogs are already cooked, you only need to cook them for about two minutes on each side.
Medium-high heat is best for hot dogs. It allows the inside to warm up without burning the outside.
Round Out Your BBQ Meal
Want to round out the meal that puts these BBQ Hot Dogs on center stage? Try some of these great sides.
How To Make BBQ Hot Dogs
BBQ Hot Dogs
Ingredients
- 8 beef hot dogs we like Nathan’s or Hebrew National
- 8 hot dog buns
- your favorite hot dog toppings
For the sauce:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Combine sauce ingredients in a large pot. Heat on medium heat and whisk until all the ingredients are combined and the sugar is dissolved. Don't bring to a boil.
- Add hot dogs to the pot. Stir to evenly distribute the sauce.
- Cook on low for about 30 minutes, until the hot dogs are heated through. (don't discard the sauce– you may want to pour extra over your hot dogs before eating). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove hot dogs from pot and grill on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes or so on each side or until desired doneness (I like mine just to have light grill marks). Place in buns and drizzle bbq sauce from pot over the hot dogs.
- Top with desired toppings.
Notes
- You can also make this in a slow cooker. Heat the sauce on the stove, then add the hot dogs and sauce to a crock pot. Cook on high for 2 hours.
- These delicious bbq hot dogs get grilled for just a few minutes after being cooked. For the best char grill marks, place the hot dogs on an angle on the grill grates.
- Our favorite hot dog brands are Nathans and Hebrew National
Such a hearty snack! We haven’t made hot dogs for ages, need to try out your recipe this week!
Love BBQ sauce on hot dogs and the spicier the better I say!
Cooking these hot dogs in the sauce first gave them such an amazing flavor!! This would be the perfect recipe for a summertime picnic!
Love this idea must have become so tasty and smoky
Love this DIY sauce! So good on hot dogs but could totally be used or other foods too!
Hot dogs are nearly as receptive to sauces and recipes as chicken wings, most any sauce tastes fine on hot dog, and they’re an immense vessel for condiments like ketchup and enjoy.