Weenies, also known as hot dogs or frankfurters, are a classic summertime BBQ favorite. When grilled or cooked over an open flame, weenies get an irresistible smoky, charred flavor that goes perfectly with ketchup, mustard, relish, and other favorite condiments. Making BBQ weenies is easy and fun, whether you are cooking for a large group or just whipping up a quick weekday dinner. With a few simple tricks, you can take ordinary weenies from bland to grand. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to make mouthwatering BBQ weenies.
Ingredients for BBQ Weenies
The ingredients for BBQ weenies are simple, but choosing high-quality options makes a difference in the final flavor.
Weenies
Look for all-beef weenies without artificial colors or flavors. Thicker weenies hold up better on the grill than thin ones. You can use traditional weenies, smoked sausages, bratwurst, or other sausage varieties.
Buns
Standard hot dog buns work well, but look for sturdy buns like pretzel or potato buns to prevent them from getting soggy on the grill. Split-top New England style rolls are great for holding toppings.
Condiments
BBQ weenies are all about the condiments! Classic choices include yellow mustard, ketchup, mayo, and relish, but you can also branch out with spices, sauces, and spreads. Sriracha, barbecue sauce, chili, cheese spread, slaw, and more make tasty toppings.
Veggies
For extra flavor and crunch, chop fresh veggies like onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, pickles, and lettuce to pile on your BBQ weenies. Grilled veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and corn on the cob also pair well.
Extras
Consider fun add-ons like bacon, chili, grated cheese, and crushed chips or Fritos to make your BBQ weenies signature.
BBQ Weenie Cooking Methods
You can cook BBQ style weenies in a few different ways, both indoors and outdoors. Choose the technique that works best for your situation.
Grilling
Grilling over an open flame is the classic way to make BBQ weenies. The char from the grate gives them great flavor. You can grill them over charcoal, gas, or even a wood/pellet grill.
Pan Broiling
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can mimic the BBQ flavor by cooking the weenies in a ridged grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop. Get it nice and hot before adding the weenies.
Baking
For large batches, bake weenies in the oven at 400°F until browned and plump, about 15-20 minutes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment.
Microwaving
Microwaving is the fastest way to cook weenies for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner. Cook them for 45 seconds to 1 minute on high until heated through.
Campfire or Fire Pit
For camping trips, parties, or evenings by the fire, use skewers or sticks to roast weenies over an open flame. Kids love this hands-on cooking method.
How to Grill BBQ Weenies
Grilling over direct high heat on a barbecue is one of the best ways to achieve that irresistible char while cooking the weenies thoroughly. Here is a simple process for grilling flawless BBQ weenies.
1. Heat Your Grill
For charcoal: Light your coals and let them burn until covered with gray ash, about 20-30 minutes. Bank the coals to one side.
For gas: Turn all burners to high. Close the lid and preheat for 10-15 minutes. Leave one burner on high and turn others to low.
2. Cook the Weenies
Place the weenies directly over the hot side of the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned with nice grill marks, 4-6 minutes total. Move them to the cooler side if they are browning too fast.
3. Toast the Buns
In the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, add the buns cut-side down to toast over indirect heat. Remove everything once the buns are lightly browned.
4. Add Toppings
Slip your grilled weenies into the toasted buns and pile on your favorite condiments and toppings. Enjoy immediately!
Grilling Tips for BBQ Weenies
Use these grilling tips for the very best results when cooking BBQ weenies outdoors:
- Let the weenies come to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
- Use a grill basket or skewers to easily maneuver and turn the weenies.
- Grill over direct high heat first to get grill marks, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
- Cut a few slashes in the weenies before grilling so they don’t burst.
- Try soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Brush or spray the grill lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Resist the urge to press or smash the weenies, which can make them dry.
BBQ Weenie Recipe Ideas
Plain grilled weenies are great, but don’t be afraid to get creative with fun recipes and toppings! Here are just a few tasty ideas:
Chili Cheese Weenies
Top grilled weenies with chili, shredded cheddar, and chopped onions for a deliciously messy dog.
Mac and Cheese Weenies
Pile piping hot mac and cheese on a grilled weenie for comfort food bliss.
Mexican Street Corn Weenies
Brush weenies with mayo, roll in crumbled Cotija cheese, and top with grilled corn, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro.
Philly Cheesesteak Weenies
Can’t choose between Philly cheesesteak and hot dogs? Why not both? Top grilled weenies with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese sauce, peppers, and fried onions.
Breakfast Weenies
For an eye-opening twist, top your dogs with bacon, cheese, and a fried egg. Hash browns on the side complete the meal.
BBQ Brunch Weenies
For a fun brunch, brush grilled weenies with maple syrup and serve on toasted buns with bacon and scrambled eggs.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to pimping your BBQ weenies!
How to Make BBQ Weenies on a Campfire
Cooking hot dogs or weenies over a campfire is a fun outdoor tradition. With a few supplies and safety precautions, you can easily roast picture-perfect weenies at your next camping trip or backyard fire pit gathering.
Supplies
- Hot dogs or weenies
- Hot dog buns
- Skewers or sticks
- Campfire roasting sticks (or use sturdy branches)
- Condiments
- Plate, napkins, etc.
Campfire Safety Tips
- Supervise children at all times near the fire.
- Make sure sticks and skewers do not have sharp points which can cause injuries.
- Avoid clothing or hair catching on fire. Keep away from the flames.
- Have a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
How to Cook
- Light your campfire and let it burn down to red hot embers, or position your cooking grate over the flames.
- Skewer the hot dogs lengthwise onto sticks or skewers.
- Hold the weenies over the embers, turning frequently to brown evenly. Avoid direct flames which can burn them.
- Cook to your desired doneness, 5-10 minutes for hot dogs.
- Toast buns if desired by placing cut-side down for just a minute near the fire.
- Remove weenies from sticks, place in buns, and add your favorite condiments!
Cooking weenies over a crackling campfire under the stars is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. Just take safety precautions and watch your dinner over the flames for a fun and memorable experience.
How to Make BBQ Weenies in the Oven
The oven is a great way to quickly cook up tasty BBQ-style weenies when outdoor grilling isn’t an option. With the right seasonings and technique, oven-cooked weenies can have plenty of smoky, charred flavor too.
What You Need
- Weenies or hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with oil or spray.
- Arrange weenies on prepared pan and lightly coat with more olive oil. Sprinkle desired seasonings generously over the top.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes until browned in spots and plump. Rotate pan halfway through for even cooking.
- Turn on the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes to get crispy charred bits. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- While weenies broil, quickly toast buns if desired.
- Remove weenies from oven, add to toasted buns and top with desired condiments.
The high heat helps give the weenies a nice sear while seasonings like smoked paprika and chili powder provide BBQ flavor even without the grill. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Make BBQ Weenies on the Stovetop
You don’t need an outdoor grill or campfire to make tasty barbecued weenies. You can quickly pan-fry or broil them on the stovetop for hot, crispy dogs packed with smoky BBQ flavor.
What You Need
- Weenies or hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Oil or butter
- Seasonings: brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
Instructions
- Prepare your skillet or grill pan by adding just enough oil or butter to lightly coat the bottom. Heat over medium high.
- Add weenies and cook undisturbed until browned on one side, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip dogs and cook until browned on the second side, 1-2 minutes more.
- Turn heat to low. Sprinkle desired BBQ seasonings evenly over weenies in pan. Cook 1 minute more, turning to evenly coat in spices.
- For extra char, you can also finish them briefly under the broiler.
- Remove weenies from pan, place into buns, and top with your favorite condiments.
The stovetop method gives you that nice char and smoky flavor without having to go outside! Play around with spices like chipotle powder, cayenne, dry ranch mix, or Cajun seasoning for adventurous BBQ weenies.
BBQ Weenie Topping Ideas
The condiments and toppings are what take BBQ weenies from boring tomouthwatering. Here are some fun topping ideas to spice up your dogs:
- Classic yellow mustard, ketchup, and relish.
- Diced onions, tomatoes, pickles, and shredded lettuce.
- Sauerkraut, chili, and shredded cheddar.
- Bacon, pineapple, and teriyaki sauce.
- Chili-lime cream, Cotija cheese, pickled jalapenos, and cilantro.
- Mac and cheese with crispy fried onions.
- Cole slaw, french fries, and special sauce.
- Hummus, feta, olive, red onion, lettuce, tomato.
- Barbecue pulled pork and coleslaw.
- Refried beans, green chiles, guacamole, cotija.
- Kimchi, sriracha mayo, sesame seeds, scallions.
The options for creative toppings are endless. Browse the condiment aisle and fridge for inspiration to take your BBQ weenies up a notch.
BBQ Weenie FAQs
How do you keep BBQ weenies warm?
- Nestle them in a slow cooker set on low.
- Place them in a chafing dish or warming tray.
- Keep cooked weenies in a 170°F oven on a baking sheet until ready to serve.
Can you grill frozen weenies?
Yes, you can grill frozen weenies! Just be sure to cook them over fairly low heat and turn them frequently. Add about 5 extra minutes to the cook time.
How long do you cook weenies on a grill?
Cook over direct medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes total, turning occasionally, until browned with nice grill marks. Move to indirect heat on a gas grill to finish cooking until up to temperature (160°F).
How do you keep weenies from drying out on the grill?
- Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for 160°F.
- Cut small slashes down the length before grilling so steam can escape.
- Brush with oil or marinade to keep moist.
- Move to indirect heat on a gas grill to finish cooking.
Can you grill weenies on a charcoal grill?
Yes! Light coals and cook over direct heat until you have grill marks. Then move weenies to indirect heat above drip pan to finish cooking. Add fresh coals as needed to maintain heat.
What do you serve with BBQ weenies?
Great sides include potato salad, coleslaw, beans, mac and cheese, chips, watermelon, corn on the cob, and baked beans.
Conclusion
With the right techniques and topping combinations, BBQ weenies can be so much more than just hot dogs. Backyard grilling, campfires, oven roasting, and stovetop sizzling all put a flavorful spin on this classic summer fare. Apply the tips in this guide to make everyone at your next cookout say “ooh and ahh” with your sensational smoky weenies. Just don’t forget the mustard!