Let’s talk about bacon-wrapped hot dogs – a combination that just makes sense. Growing up, hot dogs were always a backyard staple, but wrapping them in bacon? That’s when things get interesting. I started making these for my family’s weekend cookouts, and now they’re the most requested item on our menu.
These aren’t your standard ballpark hot dogs, but they’re just as easy to make. When friends ask me for the recipe, they’re always surprised by how simple it is. Just a few ingredients, a grill (or even your oven), and about 15 minutes are all you need. And trust me, once you try them this way, plain hot dogs might not cut it anymore.
Whether you’re planning a casual BBQ or just want to jazz up your regular dinner routine, these bacon-wrapped dogs are sure to be a hit. The best part? You can dress them up with any toppings you like – from classic ketchup and mustard to grilled onions and jalapeños.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
- Quick and easy – With just 4 ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can turn regular hot dogs into something special that everyone will talk about.
- Simple ingredients – You only need hot dogs, bacon, and a couple of basic seasonings – items you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Kid-friendly favorite – These hot dogs take a classic kid favorite and make it even better with crispy bacon wrapped around each one.
- Perfect for gatherings – Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, game day, or casual get-together, these hot dogs are always a crowd-pleaser and can be made in big batches.
What Kind of Hot Dogs Should I Use?
When it comes to hot dogs, you’ve got quite a few options at the grocery store. All-beef hot dogs tend to have the best flavor and texture for this recipe, though turkey or chicken dogs can work if you prefer those. The standard-sized hot dogs (about 6 inches long) are ideal since they match up well with regular bacon strips – just avoid the jumbo or extra-long varieties as they’ll be trickier to wrap. For the best results, pick hot dogs with natural casings, which give that satisfying snap when you bite into them. If you’re shopping at the deli counter, brands like Hebrew National, Nathan’s, or Vienna Beef are solid choices that hold up well to grilling.
Options for Substitutions
This simple recipe can work with several substitutions if needed:
- Hot dogs: While regular beef hot dogs are classic, you can use turkey dogs, chicken sausages, or even plant-based hot dogs. Just keep in mind that turkey or chicken options might cook a bit faster, so watch them carefully.
- Bacon: Regular pork bacon works best here, but turkey bacon can work too – though it won’t get as crispy. If using turkey bacon, spray it lightly with oil to help with browning. Avoid thick-cut bacon as it takes too long to crisp up.
- Garlic seasoning: Out of garlic seasoning? Mix a pinch of garlic powder with a tiny bit of salt, or use minced fresh garlic mixed with a drop of oil.
- Chili seasoning: You can swap this with paprika, cayenne pepper (use less!), or even taco seasoning. If you’re not into heat, simply skip it or use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Grilling
The biggest challenge when making bacon-wrapped hot dogs is keeping the bacon from unwrapping during cooking – secure each end with toothpicks and wrap the bacon tightly, slightly overlapping each turn around the hot dog. Another common mistake is cooking these over direct high heat, which can cause the bacon to burn before it’s fully crispy – instead, use medium heat and rotate the hot dogs frequently for even cooking. To prevent flare-ups from bacon drippings, keep a spray bottle of water handy and create a “safe zone” on your grill where you can move the hot dogs if the flames get too intense. For the best texture, let the bacon-wrapped hot dogs rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking, allowing the bacon to crisp up further and the juices to redistribute throughout the hot dog.
What to Serve With Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs?
These bacon-wrapped hot dogs are perfect for backyard cookouts and pair really well with all your favorite classic hot dog sides. A scoop of cold, creamy coleslaw or potato salad makes a great companion to these savory dogs. For some crunch, a side of crispy french fries or potato chips hits the spot – and don’t forget to put out some pickles and raw onions for people to pile on top! If you’re feeding a crowd, you might want to set up a toppings bar with different mustards, ketchup, relish, and maybe even some spicy jalapeños to let everyone customize their dogs just the way they like them.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Got leftover bacon-wrapped hot dogs? Pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make a quick and easy lunch the next day, though they might not be quite as crispy as when first cooked.
Make Ahead: You can wrap the hot dogs in bacon up to 24 hours before cooking. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This is super handy when you’re planning a cookout or party!
Warm Up: To get these tasty dogs back to their glory, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The microwave works too, but the bacon won’t be as crispy. For best results, I like to wrap them in foil before reheating to keep them from drying out.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1300
- Protein: 60-70 g
- Fat: 100-110 g
- Carbohydrates: 8-12 g
Ingredients
- 8 regular hot dogs
- 8 strips of bacon
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon chili seasoning
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Appliance
For the oven method, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
If you’re using the grill method, preheat your grill to medium heat, which is about 350 degrees F.
If you have chosen to use the oven, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place an oven-safe rack over the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs and Bacon
Take each hot dog and cut diagonal slits about an inch apart along the length.
This helps the bacon adhere better and allows flavors to penetrate more effectively.
Wrap each hot dog with a strip of bacon, securing both ends with toothpicks to keep the bacon in place while cooking.
Step 3: Season the Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Sprinkle garlic powder and chili powder over the bacon-wrapped hot dogs.
This will add additional flavor and a slight kick to your dish.
Step 4: Cook via Your Preferred Method
Oven Method: Place the seasoned bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the rack over the baking sheet.
Bake them in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy to your liking.
Grill Method: Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs directly on the grill.
Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the bacon is crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bacon is crispy and cooked to perfection, remove the hot dogs from the oven or grill.
Allow them to cool slightly and then serve.
Enjoy these flavorful treats as a great addition to any barbecue or casual meal!
