Easy Smoked Hot Dogs
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Hot dogs are a classic summer staple. I love cooking them on the grill. However, I recently tried them on our pellet smoker. Easy smoked hot dogs taste amazing and would be perfect for your summer cook out!
One key thing for these is to make sure you use a good quality hot dog. I used Ball Park Prime All Beef Franks. I picked some up from my local Costco. Here are some other reasons why it’s best to use a good quality beef hot dog.
Fat Content
These franks typically have a balanced fat content, which is crucial when smoking. Fat not only helps retain moisture, preventing the franks from drying out, but also contributes to flavor. The fat can absorb smoky aromas better, enriching the final flavor.
Structural Integrity
The casings on these franks are durable, which is important when smoking. They need to withstand the heat without bursting or becoming too tough, and a good quality casing helps ensure that the franks maintain their shape and texture.
Another important thing, the flavor of pellets you use can vary the flavor of the hot dogs. Pick pellets for the electric smoker that work well for beef. There are MANY to choose from!
I used a mixture called BBQ Select to get that delicious smoke flavor. This is one of our favorite combinations of pellets. It includes hickory, oak, and maple.
Ingredients for Easy Smoked Hot Dogs
- GOOD QUALITY ALL BEEF HOT DOGS (I USE FULLY COOKED)
- HOT DOG BUNS
- DESIRED HOT DOG TOPPINGS
To score or not to score, that is the question!
Scoring the hot dogs with a sharp knife helps the smoke flavor penetrate deeper and make them tastier. I find that turning the hot dogs halfway through the cooking process can give you an even smoke flavor for the hot dog.
Scoring can help cook the hot dogs more evenly, preventing the outer skin from bursting while ensuring the inside is fully cooked. However, as mentioned above, since I use the high quality beef dogs I haven’t had the outer skin burst on mine, except at the ends.
Cutting meat before smoking makes it crispy on the edges, giving a nice texture contrast to the juicy inside. They also have a decorative look once cooked. It’s totally up to you whether you choose to take the extra step of scoring them. I find it to be an extra step that I don’t want to do.
How to Make Easy Smoked Hot Dogs
Preheat the pellet smoker to 250 degrees. If desired, score the hot dogs. I don’t score mine.
Place the hot dogs directly on the grill grates of your pellet smoker. If scored place with score marks facing side up.
Smoke at 250 for 60 minutes, roating half way though. If you score them, you don’t need to turn them.
The cook time may vary depending on the type of hot dogs you use. I use fully cooked hot dogs and 60 minutes is enough. I love that you can basically set ’em and forget ’em on the smoker.
If using uncooked hot dogs it can take up to 90 minutes. You will also want to make sure you check the internal temp to ensure doneness. They need to be at 160 degrees.
Remove from the grill and serve on buns. Top with your favorite toppings like cheese, chili, barbecue sauce, onions, ketchup, yellow mustard, relish, sauerkraut, or baked beans. You are gonna love the smoky flavor of these dogs!
Frequently Asked Question
How long does it take to cook hot dogs on a pellet grill?
At 250°F, it typically takes about 60-90 minutes. At 300°F, it usually takes 30-40 minutes. Hot dogs reach an internal temperature of 160°F when they are done. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
Do I have to preheat the pellet smoker before adding the hot dogs?
Before cooking the hot dogs, make sure to preheat your pellet smoker to the right temperature for even cooking.
Should I use any specific type of wood pellets for smoking hot dogs?
Any wood pellets will work, but hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry pellets add great flavor to hot dogs.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Easy Smoked Hot Dogs
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 8 good quality all beef hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- desired toppings
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 250°F.
- If desired, score the hot dogs (optional). Place them directly on the grill grates of your pellet smoker with the score marks facing up if scored.
- Smoke the hot dogs at 250°F for 60 minutes, rotating halfway through. If scored, there’s no need to turn them. Cooking time may vary based on the type of hot dogs used. Fully cooked hot dogs usually take 60 minutes. For uncooked hot dogs, it can take up to 90 minutes. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove the hot dogs from the smoker and serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
