Bacon wrapped hot dogs are the ultimate comfort food that combines the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon with the juicy, savory flavor of a hot dog. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a quick snack, or just craving something indulgent, learning how to cook bacon wrapped hot dogs is a game-changer. In this article, we’ll walk you through easy methods to cook these tasty treats perfectly every time, plus some tips on seasoning and serving.
What You’ll Need
– Hot dogs (beef or your favorite kind)
– Bacon slices (thin or regular cut works best)
– Toothpicks (to secure bacon)
– Optional seasonings: garlic powder, chili powder, or your favorite spice blends
– Hot dog buns and toppings of your choice
Preparing Your Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Before cooking, it’s important to prep your hot dogs and bacon properly:
– Score the hot dogs: Make shallow diagonal slits about an inch apart on each hot dog. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from bursting while cooking.
– Wrap the bacon: Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each hot dog. Secure the ends with toothpicks to keep the bacon from unraveling.
– Season: Sprinkle your wrapped hot dogs with garlic powder, chili powder, or any spices you like for an extra flavor kick. Some people enjoy brushing a little maple syrup on the bacon for a sweet-savory combo.
Cooking Methods for Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
1. Oven-Baked Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe rack on top.
– Arrange the bacon wrapped hot dogs on the rack.
– Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden.
– Remove from the oven, place in buns, and add your favorite toppings.
This method is great for cooking multiple hot dogs evenly and with minimal fuss.
2. Grilling Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
– Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-375°F).
– Place the bacon wrapped hot dogs on the grill grates.
– Grill, turning occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until the bacon crisps up nicely.
– Serve immediately with buns and toppings.
Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the bacon perfectly.
3. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
– Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
– Place the bacon wrapped hot dogs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
– Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to crisp both sides evenly.
– Optional: For crispy buns, add the hot dogs back to the air fryer in buns for 1-2 minutes.
– Serve hot with your favorite condiments.
Air frying is a quick and convenient way to get crispy bacon without heating up the whole kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
– Use thin or regular cut bacon rather than thick cut to ensure it crisps up before the hot dog overcooks.
– Don’t skip scoring the hot dogs; it helps prevent bursting and allows heat to penetrate evenly.
– Secure the bacon well with toothpicks to keep it from unraveling during cooking.
– Experiment with spices like garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, or even a brush of maple syrup for unique flavor twists.
– Serve with a variety of toppings such as pickled jalapeños, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, sriracha mayo, or even avocado for a gourmet touch.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon wrapped hot dogs are a versatile treat that can be dressed up or down:
– Classic: Hot dog bun, ketchup, mustard, and relish.
– Spicy: Add pickled jalapeños, sriracha mayo, and chopped red onions.
– Gourmet: Top with avocado slices, queso fresco, cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
– Side ideas: Serve with potato chips, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Setting up a toppings bar lets everyone customize their hot dogs to their liking, making it perfect for parties and family gatherings.
Bacon wrapped hot dogs are easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. With these simple steps and tips, you’ll be cooking up crispy, flavorful hot dogs wrapped in bacon like a pro in no time. Enjoy!
Ready to try? Grab your bacon and hot dogs, and get cooking!