Description
It’s impossible to resist a good ol’ summer hot dog – they’re super affordable, infinitely customizable, & always delicious, always a crowd-pleaser. This one is for my fellow hot dog lovers out there!
Learning how to grill hot dogs perfectly comes down to one game-changing trick: spiral cut hot dogs. Slicing with a spiral cut results in a crispy & charred grilled hot dog that’s tender & juicy throughout – wayyy better than classic boiled hot dogs! – & the nooks & crannies of a spiral hot dog cradle whatever toppings you love most, making each bite even more delicious.
Quick, easy, & perfect for summer entertaining, backyard BBQs, game day, & more!
Be sure to refer to the blog post, above, for everything you need to know about how to grill hot dogs, plus inspiration for a build-your-own hot dog bar (complete with classic hot dog toppings ideas & specialty grilled hot dog inspiration!). Happy grilling! ♡
Ingredients
- wooden skewers
- 5 Simply Nature Uncured Beef Hot Dogs (see Recipe Notes, below)
- Simply Nature Grapeseed Oil Spray
- for serving, as desired: toasted Specially Selected Brioche Hot Dog Buns or L’oven Fresh Hot Dog Buns, condiments of choice (ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, sweet relish, dill pickles, giardiniera, pickled peppers, hot sauce, etc.), grilled vegetables, dips & spreads of choice, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare the grill: Prepare the grill for medium direct heat grilling, about 400-450 degrees F. Once preheated, clean the cooking surface by firmly brushing a wire brush over the grates. (If you do not have access to an outdoor grill, you can also preheat a grill pan over medium heat.)
- Spiral cut the hot dogs: Pierce a skewer through the center of a hot dog lengthwise, pushing the skewer all the way through the frank. Place the skewered hot dog on a work surface in front of you. While holding the skewer in one hand, use your other hand to press a paring knife into the tip of the hot dog at a slight angle off of perpendicular to the hot dog & skewer. Press the blade of the knife through the hot dog, until it hits the skewer. While rotating the skewer, run the paring knife down the length of the hot dog, slicing the hot dog in a thin spiral pattern. (This motion can take some getting used to, but the presence of the skewer makes it virtually fool-proof – just take your time!) Carefully remove the hot dog from the skewer – it should have a beautiful coiled shape. Transfer to a large plate or quarter sheet pan. Repeat with the remaining hot dogs.
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- Grill the hot dogs: Just before grilling, lightly spritz the hot dogs with cooking spray – I like grapeseed oil spray. Place the hot dogs on the preheated grill, gently stretching them as you set them down & arranging them such that they are perpendicular to the grill grates or at a slight angle. Close the lid. Grill for 5-7 minutes, rotating 4-5 times as they cook, until the hot dogs are warmed through & as golden & charred as desired. Transfer to a clean plate or platter. (For perfectly toasty buns, lightly spritz the inside of a hot dog bun with cooking spray & place on the grill about 30 seconds – 1 minute. Keep a close eye on the buns as they toast to prevent burning.)
- Serve: Nestle the grilled hot dogs in a toasted bun & load on all of your favorite toppings. See the blog post, above, for some festive ideas – classic & creative – for the ultimate hot dog bar. Enjoy!
Notes
- Hot dogs: Use whatever hot dogs you love most for your grilled hot dogs – the spiral cut method detailed above works beautifully with any fully cooked sausage. I love the Simply Nature Uncured Beef Hot Dogs available at ALDI. They’re certified USDA organic & made with 100% grass-fed beef. For a vegan & vegetarian option, try the Earth Grown Meatless Hot Dogs available at ALDI, which are made with soy protein (each frank has 13 grams of protein!) & grill up beautifully.