BBQ Hot Dogs

5 from 5 votes
8 Comments

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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.

Four hot dogs in buns on a plate topped with onions and banana peppers
Featured with this Recipe
  1. Ingredients in BBQ Hot Dogs
  2. Toppings
  3. Recipe Tip
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Round Out Your BBQ Meal
  6. How To Make BBQ Hot Dogs
  7. BBQ Hot Dogs 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
Four hot dogs in buns on a plate topped with onions and banana peppers


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

Four hot dogs in buns on a plate

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

Do you boil hot dogs before cooking?

Sure, you can boil hot dogs before cooking, but for maximum flavor, try heating them in bbq sauce instead. You won’t regret it!

How long do you grill hot dogs on each side?

Since these bbq hot dogs are already cooked, you only need to cook them for about two minutes on each side.

At what temperature do I grill hot dogs?

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

Four hot dogs in buns on a plate topped with onions and banana peppers

BBQ Hot Dogs

5 from 5 votes
These BBQ Hot Dogs are simmered in BBQ sauce before they are grilled. It gives the hot dogs an incredible sweet and savory flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 8 beef hot dogs we like Nathan’s or Hebrew National
  • 8 hot dog buns
  • your favorite hot dog toppings

For the sauce:

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.
    a large pot of bbq sauce
  • Add hot dogs to the pot. Stir to evenly distribute the sauce.
    hot dogs in bbq sauce in a pot before being heated up
  • 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.
    Hot dogs in a pot cooked in bbq sauce
  • 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.
    Four hot dogs in buns on a plate
  • Top with desired toppings.
    Four hot dogs in buns on a plate topped with onions and banana peppers

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

Nutrition Information

Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 1102mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 147IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 2mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Such a hearty snack! We haven’t made hot dogs for ages, need to try out your recipe this week!

  2. 5 stars
    Cooking these hot dogs in the sauce first gave them such an amazing flavor!! This would be the perfect recipe for a summertime picnic!

  3. 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.