A traditional grilled hot dog can’t be beat—or can it? Smoking hot dogs always turns out better; you get that deep, smoky flavor.
Perfect for a cookout or weeknight meal, as both kids and adults love them. Make sure you have some buns and all the different toppings you like to use ready to go. This is the best way to take something we know and make the flavor epic with a bit of smoke.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot dogs are a crowd favorite, and most people prefer eating them fresh off the charcoal grill! However, using your pellet smoker will give you an even better flavor. The smokiness gives the hot dogs a new flavor and will even cause adults to fight for the last one!
Also, they’re super easy. Just throw them on the smoker, set your timer, and you’re ready! Ensure you have enough buns and toppings, and everyone can serve themselves.
What You’ll Need to Cook Smoked Hot Dogs
Ingredients
- Hot dogs
- Buns
- Butter
- Olive Oil
- Your favorite dark beer
Toppings (optional)
- Grain mustard
- Chopped raw yellow onion
- Sweet relish
- Coleslaw
- Sauerkraut
How to Make Smoked Hot Dogs
Step 1: Prepare the hot dogs
- Remove the hot dogs from the packaging and gently carve slits into the hot dogs with a sharp knife.
- Submerge the hot dogs in the beer to soak in the flavor.
Step 2: Smoke The Hot Dogs
- Load the pellets and preheat the grill temperature to 300°F. Remove the hot dogs from the beer. Dry off excess beer with a paper towel. Lightly roll each hot dog in olive oil.
- Insert a temperature probe into the thickest point of the largest hot dog.
- Place hot dogs directly on the cooking grate.
- Smoke until an internal temperature of 140°F. This should take roughly half an hour to 45 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare The Toppings
- Use this point in the smoking process to prepare any toppings you have.
Step 4: Grill The Hot Dogs & Toast The Buns
- When the hot dogs have an internal temp of 140°F, set the grill temperature to 375°F.
- Flip the hot dogs to ensure even grill marks on each side.
- When the hot dogs reach 160°F, rub melted butter on the inside of the buns and place on the grill grates for 2 minutes.
- Remove the buns & hot dogs from your pellet grill.
Step 5: Take The Hot Buns And Coat Mustards On The Bottom.
Place hot dogs into buns and cover with chopped onions or your favorite toppings and enjoy.
What Are The Best Smoked Hot Dog Toppings?
So many delicious toppings will complement the incredible flavor of these hot dogs. Here are some of our favorite options:
- Grain or yellow mustard
- Yellow or white onion
- Sweet relish
- Coleslaw
- Sauerkraut
- Chili
- Shredded cheese
- BBQ sauce
- Grilled peppers
Can I Use A Dry Rub For Smoked Hot Dogs?
Using a dry rub on hot dogs can add extra delicious flavor. This is a great idea if you want to amplify the flavor of your dogs!
Most people have never tried a hot dog grilled with a dry rub. Why not be the one to introduce this spectacular combination to them?
What Is The Best Type Of Hot Dog?
Beef franks are usually higher quality than other types of hot dogs. And they’re a bit “healthier” than some other options. This is especially true if you choose organic grass-fed beef hot dogs.
A lot of people have brand loyalty. Some prefer Oscar Mayer, while others prefer Ballpark or Hebrew National.
While some hot dogs are superior to others, the delicious smoke flavor will improve their taste. Once you add the assorted toppings, nobody can complain about the flavor of this food!
What Temperature to Smoke at
Smoke the hot dogs at 300°F. This low temp will allow the smoky flavor to permeate the hot dogs. If you cut the dogs in a crosshatch pattern, there will be more area for the smoke to flow.
Near the end, we’ll increase the smoker temperature to 375°F. This burst of heat will yield a tastier result!
You could use a higher or lower cooking temperature. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What Internal Temperature You Need to Reach
Hot dogs should reach an internal temp of 160°F. Use a trusty meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Some hot dogs are already cooked. In that case, you don’t need to reach a safe temperature. However, cold hot dogs don’t taste as good as warm ones!
How Long to Smoke Hot Dogs
Smoke the hot dogs for about an hour. This is the proper length when the smoker is set to 300°F, and we increase it to 375°F.
If you use a higher temperature, the hot dogs will take less time to smoke. A lower temperature will require a longer cooking time.
The important thing is that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
How To Store Leftovers
Store hot dogs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can freeze them for even longer! Hot dogs are a good food for freezing.
You can keep the buns in the original packaging until the best-by date. You can also freeze them to extend the shelf life.
My Favorite Wood Chips for Smoked Hot Dogs
You can use any wood chip for hot dogs. Cherry or applewood is good for a mild flavor, while hickory or mesquite wood chunks are good if you prefer a stronger flavor.
What To Serve With Smoked Hot Dogs
A variety of grilled side dishes go well with smoked hot dogs. Here are some of our favorite recipes:
Elevate your hot dogs this summer by using your pellet grill! This is an easy way to please a crowd. And it might be your new go-to hot dog recipe!
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Smoked Hot Dogs
Equipment
- pellet grill
Ingredients
- Hot dogs
- Buns
- Butter
- Olive Oil
- Your favorite dark beer
Toppings (optional)
- Grain mustard
- Chopped raw yellow onion
- Sweet relish
- Coleslaw
- Sauerkraut
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the hot dogs
- Remove hot dogs from the packaging.
- Gently carve slits into the hot dogs with a sharp knife.
- Submerge the hot dogs in the beer to soak in the flavor.
Step 2: Smoke the hot dogs
- Load the pellets and preheat the grill temperature to 300°F.
- Remove the hot dogs from the beer. Dry off excess beer with a paper towel. Lightly roll each hot dog in olive oil.
- Insert a temperature probe into the thickest point of the largest hot dog.
- Place hot dogs directly on the cooking grate.
- Smoke until an internal temperature of 140°F. This should take roughly half an hour to 45 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the toppings
- Use this point in the smoking process to prepare any toppings you have.
Step 4: Grill the hot dogs & toast the buns
- When the hot dogs have an internal temp of 140°F, set the grill temperature to 375°F.
- Flip the hot dogs to ensure even grill marks on each side.
- When the hot dogs reach 160°F, rub melted butter on the inside of the buns and place on the grill grates for 2 minutes.
- Remove the buns & hot dogs from your pellet grill.
Step 5: Take the hot buns and coat mustards on the bottom.
- Place hot dogs into buns and cover with chopped onions or your favorite toppings.
- Serve straightway!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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