Grilled Western Hot Dogs
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Grilling season is in full swing, and I’ve been having a blast exploring fresh and creative twists on classic hot dogs. One of my favorite discoveries so far? These Western Hot Dogs—also known as Cowboy Hot Dogs – are loaded with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a generous drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce. They bring smoky, savory goodness to every bite and were such a hit, I’m already planning to make them again for our next cookout!
To take these Western Hot Dogs to the next level, try adding a generous helping of sautéed onions and bell peppers. This extra topping brings a caramelized sweetness and savory depth that perfectly complements the smoky bacon, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce. I piled them onto mine, and it truly elevated every bite—bold, flavorful, and totally irresistible!
Best part? It’s one of those easy dinners. These come together fast. If you’ve got grilled hot dogs and cooked bacon on hand, all you need is a few minutes to place them on the buns, add cheese, and drizzle on the barbecue sauce. Make these, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients for Grilled Western Hot Dogs
- ALL BEEF FRANKS
- BACON
- HOT DOG BUNS
- AMERICAN CHEESE
- BBQ SAUCE
- SAUTÉED PEPPERS AND ONIONS, OPTIONAL
Instructions for Grilled Western Bacon Hot Dogs
Fire up the Grill – Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the hot dogs until they’re heated through and have those classic grill marks—about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Assemble the Western-Style Dogs – To serve, lay a slice of cheese (cheddar works too!) inside each hot dog bun, followed by a strip of crispy cooked bacon. Nestle a grilled hot dog into each bun, then finish it off with a generous drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce for that smoky, tangy kick.
Serve hot with chips, slaw, or grilled corn for the ultimate backyard vibe!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cheese works best for these hot dogs? American cheese gives that nostalgic creamy finish. However, cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its bold flavor and meltability, or pepper jack adds a spicy kick.
Can I cook the bacon on the grill too?
Yes! Lay bacon strips on a grill-safe pan or foil over indirect heat. Cook until crispy, then transfer to paper towels to drain before assembling the hot dogs.
What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite! Sweet and smoky sauces pair well, but spicy or tangy varieties can add a fun twist. You can even offer a few options for guests to choose from.
Can I prep these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely. Grill the hot dogs and cook the bacon in advance, and store them in the fridge. Then reheat gently before serving. Assemble just before guests arrive for the best texture.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Grilled Western Hot Dogs
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon cooked
- 8 all beef hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- 8 slices American Cheese
- bbq sauce I use Sweet Baby Ray’s
- additional optional topping sauteed pepper and onion
Instructions
- Heat your grill to medium. Place hot dogs on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly charred and heated through.
- In each hot dog bun, layer: 1 slice of cheese, 1 slice of cooked bacon, and 1 grilled hot dog. Drizzle with BBQ sauce, top with peppers and onions if using, and serve immediately. Serves 8.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Fluster Buster.
