Smoked Hot Dogs

If you are new to using your smoker, then I would start with this hot dog recipe. Regular hot dogs are seasoned with a simple dry rub seasoning and then smoked. Smoking hot dogs takes about and hour and the results is a flavorful hot dog served with your favorite toppings.

Instead of grilling your favorite hot dogs, place them in the smoker. You will love the smoky flavor and makes for the perfect meal for family and friends. Check out more Smoker Recipes for Beginners. If you love this recipe, make sure to check out these Campfire Pigs in a Blanket and Hot Dog Burnt Ends.

What is the Best Hot Dogs to Smoke?

There are certain kind of hot dogs that are best for smoking. These are some of our high quality favorites.

• Hebrew National Beef Franks – This option gives you the best smoky flavor and grill marks.
• Nathan’s Skinless Beef Franks – These smoke plump and juicy and has the best flavor.
• Ball Park Franks – We use these hot dogs the most to smoke. They are easy to find at the store and cook perfectly.
• Applegate Natural Uncured Beef – This is an organic choice but is pretty pricey.
• Oscar Meyer Beef Franks – Another family favorite choice and full of flavor.

Ingredients 

For the full recipe and ingredients scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

Additions and Substitutions

• BBQ Sauce – Instead of rubbing a dry rub on the hot dog, you can spread BBQ sauce on the hot dogs. This makes the best sweet and savory taste.
• Wrapping in Bacon – Wrap the hot dogs in bacon before smoking. Bacon gives the hot dog so much flavor.
• Mustard Rub – Before adding the dry rub seasoning, rub the hot dog with Dijon mustard or honey mustard.

How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Smoker

• Step 1 – Prepare Smoker – Preheat a smoker with a water pan to 225 degrees.

Step 2 – Combine Seasoning – Mix the rub ingredients together in a shallow bowl.  

Step 3 – Slice Hot Dogs – Score the hot dogs by cutting an “X” pattern into the hot dogs. Cut with a small sharp knife. 

Step 4 – Roll Hot Dogs – Then roll the hot dogs in the seasoning mixture. 

Step 5 – Add hot dogs to smoker – Place the hot dogs directly on the grill grate in the smoker. Then cook them for approximately 1 hour until they reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.  

• Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve the smoked hot dogs on the buns with your favorite toppings and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Prepare Smoker – Make sure to preheat smoker to 225 degrees before placing hot dogs in the smoker.
• Slice Hot Dogs – Make sure to slice the hot dogs before adding the seasoning. This allows the seasoning to really enhance the flavor of the hot dogs.
• Cooking Hot Dogs – Cook hot dogs until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees. You can smoke as many hot dogs that will fit in your smoker.
• Change the Hot Dogs – Feel free to use different types of hot dogs. You can even use turkey dogs.

The Best Wood for Smoking Hot Dogs

For the best smoky flavored hot dogs we recommend the following wood chips for your pellet grill.

These are the best type of wood:

• Apple
• Cherry
• Oak

You can even combine wood chips for different flavors. We do recommend sticking with one of these wood options instead of using hickory wood.

Hot Dog Topping Ideas

Hot dogs are great served the way it is but you can also add your favorite toppings. These condiments add color and flavor to your delicious hot dogs and hot dog bun.

• Relish
• Yellow Mustard
• Pickles
• Sauerkraut
• Ketchup
• Shredded Cheese
• Chili
• BBQ Sauce
• Slice Jalapenos
• Salsa
• Sliced Avocado
• Chopped Bacon

What to Serve with Smoked Hot Dogs?

Hot dogs can be served with many different side dishes. Hot dogs are perfect to feed a crowd or for a weeknight meal. These are our favorite sides to serve with hot dogs.

• Mac and Cheese – Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food to serve. It is loaded with flavor and this copycat recipe will be your go-to mac and cheese recipe.
• French Fries – These french fries are the best side dish. They are easy to cook on the grill and loaded with flavor.
• Smoked Corn on the Cob – This Smoked Corn on the Cob Recipe is made with simple seasoning and easy to make. Smoky flavored corn makes the best side dish.