Grilled Hot Dogs

My grilled hot dogs use a spiral cutting method to get crispy edges while still staying juicy, smoky, and savory. They are super easy to make and really amp up the taste of those summertime BBQs!

My Easy Way for Grilling Hot Dogs

Let’s be honest. Hot dogs are the ultimate summertime BBQ food, so when someone comes over, you need to have the best ones. Or, at least that’s how I tested my grilled hot dogs. I didn’t stop until they were crispy, juicy, and just amazing.

And, it turns out all that’s needed are hot dogs, a knife, and wooden skewers. No fancy ingredients! The spiral cuts do just enough to bring out the crispiness while keeping the juiciness of the hot dog there.

The grill does all the work using both the hot and cool sides to cook them perfectly without any extra work from you.

If you love hot dogs as much as me, try out my hot dogs in the air fryer that are perfect for quick hot dogs when the grill isn’t an option or my hot dogs in the oven when you need a lot cooked at the same time.

What type of hot dog should I choose?

My family loves using beef frank hot dogs because they have that salty, savory flavor and actually turn juicy when cooked on the grilled. I typically lean toward skinless hot dogs because they’re easier to slice and catch more of that grill flavor.

How to Grill Hot Dogs

STEP ONE: Set up a two-zone gas grill or charcoal grill and allow it to preheat to a medium-high temperature of 400-450F. This means one hot side of the grill is set at medium high and the other is kept off or “cold.”

STEP TWO: Insert one skewer lengthwise through the center of each hot dog, pushing through from end to end.

STEP THREE: Use a sharp knife to cut a continuous spiral pattern into each hot dog. Hold the knife steady at an angle against the hot dog, then slowly rotate the hot dog with one hand.

STEP FOUR: Next, grill the links on the hot side of the grill for 2 to 3 minutes. Then move them to the cold side of the grill and let them cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

STEP FIVE: Carefully remove the skewers, then load the grilled hot dogs with condiments and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Soak the wooden skewers before using them. I find that the wooden ones tend to burn when on the hot grill, so soaking them helps keep them wet so they won’t burn.
• Use the two-zone grill method. It can be tempting to skip this, but this is what makes the hot dogs cook perfectly without getting burnt. Too long on the hot grill and they burn.
• Turn the hot dogs as they grill. The heat comes from the bottom, so it’s important to rotate them every minute or so to make sure all sides are cooked evenly.

Grilled Hot Dog Topping Ideas 

• Add BBQ sauce to the hot dogs. They call it a summer BBQ for a reason because BBQ sauce is perfect on everything. You can find my full recipe for BBQ dogs on the site.
• Sauerkraut is one of my go-to toppings. Its salty, pickled flavor adds depth and gives a satisfying crunch to each hot dog.  
• Onions are a popular topping. I prefer grilled onions for their sweet, caramelized flavor, but raw onions are ideal if a sharper, earthier crunch is preferred. 
• Chili and cheese are a classic duo, turning hot dogs into a hearty meal with a melty, creamy layer on top. I have a recipe for hot dog chili that never fails!
• Toasting the buns on the grill is an easy way to add texture and flavor to every bite.

What to Serve with Hot Dogs

Grilling hot dogs is meant to be an easy dinner, so I keep my side dishes simple too. I add either a scoop of easy mac salad or loaded potato salad along with some baked beans and watermelon salad.

Grilled Hot Dogs FAQs 

What’s the best temperature for grilling hot dogs?

I like to set up two different heat zones for the best results. The hot zone of the grill should be around 400 degrees F, which is where I start the hot dogs, and I keep the cooler zone closer to 300 or 350 degrees F. This zone is helpful for flare ups or if the links are cooking too quickly.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover hot dogs can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. It’s best to store them unassembled, since the toppings will make the buns soggy.

How do I reheat a leftover grilled hot dog?

If the grill is still on, I reheat my hot dogs for 2 to 3 minutes on the cool side of the grill. If it’s the next day, the oven or air fryer can also do the job. They’ll be warmed through in about 5 minutes at 350 degrees F.

More Easy Cookout Recipes

• Grape jelly BBQ meatballs
• Crockpot pulled pork
• Grilled wings
• Air fryer BBQ chicken legs
• Pulled pork sandwich recipe
• Crispy grilled chicken legs

Are you making my grilled hot dogs for dinner? Please leave it a quick star rating and/or comment to let others know what you thought about it!