You’ve Been Cooking Hot Dogs Wrong: Here’s How to Smoke Them for the Best Flavor and Texture

Hot sunny days and hot dogs were practically made for each other. But this year, I decided to kick things up a notch with smoked hot dogs! I’ve had my fair share of boiled, pan-fried and grilled and those will always be reliable. But smoking hot dogs infuses them with a deep, rich flavor that'll have you wondering why you ever settled for bland before. And if you’re worried about timing, don’t be: they take under an hour to make. Plus, I’m sharing the best tips for using your smoker that makes it even easier. Here’s how to smoke hot dogs.

Why you should smoke your hot dogs

Smoking your hot dogs adds a whole new dimension of flavor that grilling just can’t match. The low and slow cooking process infuses the hot dogs with a rich, smokey taste that enhances their natural savory goodness. This method not only gives them a delicious, complex flavor but also makes the exterior slightly crispy while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Plus, smoking allows you to experiment with different types of wood chips, such as hickory, apple, or mesquite, each imparting unique flavors to the hot dogs. It’s a fun and easy way to elevate a simple backyard cookout into a gourmet experience that will impress your guests and make you the star of any gathering.

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Pro smoking tips for the best smoked hot dogs

I'll be the first to say I'm not a pro smoker. But when it comes to taking hot dogs to the next level, I had to test my luck. Turns out, hot dogs are easy, if not one of the easiest, foods to smoke. And you don't even need to check the internal temperature like you would a steak. Here are some tips for success:

1. Choose quality hot dogs

Start with high-quality, all-beef hot dogs for the best flavor and texture. Gourmet or artisan hot dogs often have a more robust flavor that stands up well to smoking.

2. Preheat your smoker

Ensure your smoker is preheated to around 225°F before adding the hot dogs. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and ensures even cooking. Any smoker will work for this recipe.

3. Score your hot dogs

Scoring your hot dogs, especially in a crosshatch pattern, makes a big impact on how much smoke and flavor is absorbed into your hot dogs.

4. Smoke for the right amount of time

Smoke the hot dogs for at least 30 minutes minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of smokiness. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and develop a beautiful, smoky crust.

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Easy smoked hot dogs recipe

I followed this easy recipe from Hey Grill Hey and I don't think I'll ever make hot dogs any other way again. The best part is scoring them and adding your own BBQ rub for added flavor.

Ingredients:

• 8 jumbo bun-length hot dogs
• 8 hot dog buns
• 4 Tbs. Gold BBQ Sauce or yellow mustard
• 2 Tbs. spice rub of choice
• Assorted toppings as desired

Directions:

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F with your favorite hardwood. Any wood flavor profile works with hot dogs.
2. Using a knife, cut 4 shallow, diagonal slots into the top of each hot dog. Turn the hot dog 180 degrees and cut an additional 4 slits creating a diamond pattern on top of the hot dogs. Flip the dogs over and repeat on the opposite side until you’ve got all of the hot dogs prepared.
3. This is an optional step for those who want an extra punch of flavor. Drizzle the hot dogs with yellow mustard and spread it lightly across the hot dogs. Sprinkle each with a dusting of your favorite BBQ rub.
4. Set the hot dogs on the grill grates, close the lid, and smoke for 45 minutes, flipping the dogs after 20 minutes. As they cook, the slits will open up and the hot dogs will start taking on more smoke.
5. Once cooked, remove hot dogs and serve on buns with your favorite hot dog toppings.

More BBQ recipes you'll love:

Shortcut Smoked Brisket Recipe Cooks Up Juicy + Tender in Half the Time — Perfect for Father’s Day

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends: You’ll Love These Smoky Meaty Bites — BBQ Champion’s 5-Ingredient Recipe

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