Grilled Hot Dogs - 1 Grilled Hot Dogs - 2

By Becky Hardin

Published May 27, 2023

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Hot Dogs are a staple for every summer BBQ and cookout, and these Grilled Hot Dogs are my favorite way to cook them! It’s quick and easy, and they come out perfectly-charred. Finish by piling on your favorite toppings–ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, the options are endless!

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What’s in Grilled Hot Dogs?

All you need for this easy recipe is your preferred hot dogs, buns for serving, and a grill to make the tastiest, best dogs you’ve ever had! So grab your favorite toppings and get to grilling !

  • Hot Dogs: You can use any type of hot dog for this recipe (I chose jumbo dogs). Pork, beef, chicken, or veggie dogs will all cook up the same.
  • Hot Dog Buns: Look for a hearty bun that can stand up to lots of toppings!

Pro Tip: Try not to turn the hot dogs too frequently, or you won’t get those nice grill marks.

Hot Dog Toppings

There are so many different ways to top off your hot dogs, from simple to complex. Here are some favorites from around the U.S.:

  • New York: Steamed onions and a pale, deli-style yellow mustard.
  • Chicago: Yellow mustard, dark green relish, chopped raw onion , pickle spear , sport peppers, tomato slices, and celery salt. Served in a poppy seed bun.
  • New England: Mustard, relish, and baked beans .
  • Kansas City: Sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese on a sesame seed bun.
  • Sonoran: Pinto beans, grilled onions and green peppers, chopped fresh tomatoes, relish, tomatillo jalapeno salsa , mayonnaise , mustard, and shredded cheese.
  • Texas: Chili , cheese, and jalapeños
  • Cleveland: A kielbasa or hot dog served on a bun covered with a layer of french fries , a layer of sweet southern-style barbecue sauce or hot sauce , and a layer of coleslaw .
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This is a hotly debated topic. However, Merriam-Webster has definitively said that a hot dog is a sandwich because the definition of sandwich is “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.”

Hot dogs are a great source of protein, but they are also high in sodium and fat. Enjoy hot dogs in moderation.

While it’s generally recommended to thaw hot dogs before grilling, you can grill them from frozen if needed. It may take slightly longer for the hot dogs to cook through, so adjust the grilling time accordingly.

That’s up to personal preference. Splitting allows for more surface area to get crispy and adds a nice charred flavor. If you choose to split them, make a shallow cut along the length of each hot dog, being careful not to cut all the way through.

It only takes about 5-6 minutes to grill hot dogs over medium heat.

Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or stovetop grill to cook hot dogs indoors. Preheat the grill pan over medium heat, lightly oil it, and grill the hot dogs until they are heated through and nicely charred.

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze hot dogs in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these grilled hot dogs with your favorite toppings, like onions, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish , mayonnaise , barbecue sauce , hot sauce , chili , coleslaw , baked beans , cheese, salsa , mushrooms , and more!

They pair great with any classic BBQ sides , or make french fries , sweet potato fries , potato chips , cheese fries , corn on the cob , mac and cheese , sautéed vegetables , macaroni salad , street corn , tater tots , 3 bean salad , refried beans , avocado fries , potato salad , or fried pickles .

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 8 jumbo hot dogs
  • ▢ 8 hot dog buns

Optional Toppings

  • ▢ Ketchup
  • ▢ Mustard
  • ▢ Relish
  • ▢ Chopped onion

Instructions

  • Heat the grill to high heat.
  • Make a few pokes in the hot dogs with a fork. 8 jumbo hot dogs
  • Turn the grill heat down to medium.
  • Place the hot dogs over indirect heat (not directly over the flames).
  • Grill for a total of 5-6 minutes, rotating the hot dogs every 1-2 minutes until all sides have grill marks.
  • Place the hot dogs in buns and top with your favorite hot dog toppings like ketchup, mustard, relish, and chopped onion. 8 hot dog buns, Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Chopped onion

Equipment

  • Grill or Indoor Grill Pan

Becky’s Tips

  • You can use this grilling method for any kind of hot dog, including veggie dogs.
  • Try not to turn the hot dogs too frequently, or you won’t get those nice grill marks.
  • Nutritional information does not include optional toppings.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

More Hot Dog Recipes We Love

  • Chili Dogs
  • Pretzel Dogs
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How to Cook Hot Dogs (Grilled)

Equipment

  • Grill or Indoor Grill Pan

Ingredients

  • 8 jumbo hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns

Optional Toppings

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Relish
  • Chopped onion

Instructions

  • Heat the grill to high heat.
  • Make a few pokes in the hot dogs with a fork. 8 jumbo hot dogs
  • Turn the grill heat down to medium.
  • Place the hot dogs over indirect heat (not directly over the flames).
  • Grill for a total of 5-6 minutes, rotating the hot dogs every 1-2 minutes until all sides have grill marks.
  • Place the hot dogs in buns and top with your favorite hot dog toppings like ketchup, mustard, relish, and chopped onion. 8 hot dog buns, Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Chopped onion

Notes

  • You can use this grilling method for any kind of hot dog, including veggie dogs.
  • Try not to turn the hot dogs too frequently, or you won’t get those nice grill marks.
  • Nutritional information does not include optional toppings.

Nutrition

Grilled Hot Dogs - 10

By Becky Hardin

Published Jul 12, 2017

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This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

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Essential Grocery List

It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!

It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.

However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.

In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.

I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

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Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List

What to Buy at the Grocery Store

This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.

When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.

So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Fresh Produce

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries
  • Avocados
  • Bell Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Garlic
  • Lemons/Limes
  • Onion
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes

GRAINS

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Pasta
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Sandwich Bread
  • Tortillas

MEAT/PROTEIN

  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Ground Beef
  • Sliced Turkey
  • Lunch Meat

DAIRY

  • Butter
  • Sliced Cheese
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Milk
  • Sour Cream
  • Greek Yogurt

BAKING GOODS

  • Baking powder
  • Baking Soda
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Brown Sugar
  • Flour
  • Honey
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Dry Yeast
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Powdered Sugar

FREEZER

  • Fruit and Berries
  • Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
  • Juice Concentrate
  • Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
  • Pie Crust
  • Cookie Dough

CANNED/DRIED GOODS

  • Chicken stock/broth
  • Salsa
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Jam/Jelly
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
  • Soups
  • Tuna
  • Green Chiles
  • Canned Veggies
  • Coffee or Tea

Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods

CONDIMENTS/SPICES

  • Black Pepper
  • Chili Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Crushed Red Pepper
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayo
  • Nutmeg
  • Paprika
  • Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
  • Soy Sauce
  • Steak Sauce
  • Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
  • Salad Dressings

OILS/VINEGARS

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Coconut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Vegetable/Canola Oil
  • Red Wine Vinegar
  • White Vinegar
  • Cooking Wine
  • White Wine Vinegar

SNACKS

  • Crackers
  • Nuts
  • Quick Oats
  • Popcorn
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Cereal

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Grilled Hot Dogs - 18

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!

I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!

Stock Your Kitchen

Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

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Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

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Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

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Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

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Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

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Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

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26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

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What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

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Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

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How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

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Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart

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How to Cut Recipes in Half