Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs on the BBQ
Simple Recipe Turns Ordinary Franks Into Barbecue Cookout Treats
Aug 22, 2008
A simple technique for stuffing hot dogs with cheddar cheese and then wrapping them with strips of smoky bacon turns ordinary frankfurters into a gourmet grill recipe.
Who said that the words “plain old” had to precede “hot dog” when you talk about grilling. By slitting and stuffing your favorite hot dogs and then wrapping them in smoked bacon, you can quickly turn them into gourmet hot dogs that will be the sensation of your backyard barbecue.
Try this hot dog recipe at your next big cookout!
Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar-Stuffed Hot Dogs Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 good-quality plump hot dogs
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into thin strips
- 4 strips smoked bacon
- 4 good-quality hot dog buns, split open but not separated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your grill for medium-hot cooking. Put 8 sturdy wooden toothpicks into a bowl of cold water to soak for several minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the hot dogs. With the tip of a small, sharp knife, make a slit along each hot dog’s entire length, cutting down about two-thirds of the way through its diameter. Evenly place the cheese strips inside the slit in each hot dog.
- Drape the end of a bacon strip of the slit at the end of a stuffed hot dog; with the bacon at a 45-degree angle to the hot dog, carefully wrap the bacon in a spiral around the dog, taking care not to let the cheese fall out. Secure the end of the bacon at each end of the hot dog by passing one of the soaked toothpicks through both the bacon and the hot dog. Set aside and repeat with the remaining bacon and hot dogs. Set aside.
- Brush the split interiors of the hot dog buns with the melted butter. Set aside.
- Carefully oil the grill rack. Place the hot dogs on the grill rack and cook, turning once with tongs, until the bacon is evenly browned and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes total. Take care not to overcook or burn the bacon.
- During the last 2 minutes or so, carefully place the split hot dog buns buttered sides down on the grill to toast just until golden, taking care not to burn them.
- With the tongs, place a hot dog in each toasted bun. Shielding your fingertips with a kitchen towel or paper towel, pull out the toothpicks from the ends of each hot dog. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use your favorite type of hot dog: pork hot dogs, beef hot dogs, turkey hot dogs, or a blend.
- Don’t use hot dogs that are too thick, such as knockwursts, because the bacon wrapping will burn before the hot dog is completely heated through.
- If you like, smear a favorite condiment into the slit before you stuff the hot dog with cheese. Dijon mustard, sweet honey mustard, or yellow ballpark-style mustard are all good choices. Or try a little hot pepper jelly instead.
- Vary the type of cheese as you like. Try mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or smoked Gouda.
- Finish them off like Chicago-style hot dogs, topping each one with chopped onion, fresh tomato, and dill pickle spears.
You’ll never again think of hot dogs as plain old backyard barbecue fare.
Looking for other great grilling recipes? Check out Grilled Chicken Fajitas, Italian Grilled Steaks, and How to Grill Pizza!
The copyright of the article Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs on the BBQ in Barbecue/Picnic Foods is owned by Norman Kolpas. Permission to republish Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs on the BBQ in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
 |
