Hot dogs are a quintessential summer food. Grilling up plump, perfectly charred hot dogs is a treat at barbecues, picnics, and backyard cookouts. But determining the ideal grilling time can be tricky. Overcook your hot dogs, and you’ll end up with dry, chewy tubes. Undercook them, and they’ll be less than appetizing. So how long should you grill hot dogs to achieve that ideal blend of snap, juiciness, and char? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about getting your hot dogs grill-ready.
Factors That Affect Hot Dog Grilling Time
Several key factors impact how long it takes to grill hot dogs to perfection:
Type of Hot Dog
- Beef hot dogs take the longest to cook since beef has a higher fat content than other hot dog types. Beef hot dogs usually need 7-12 minutes on the grill.
- Turkey and chicken hot dogs cook faster than beef, usually in 5-10 minutes. They have a lower fat content.
- All-beef hot dogs land in the middle at 6-10 minutes. They have more fat than chicken or turkey but less than pure beef hot dogs.
- Thin hot dogs cook faster than thick hot dogs, as there’s less total meat to heat through. Thick hot dogs may need a couple minutes longer on the grill.
Grilling Method
- Direct, high heat over flames cooks hot dogs fastest, in about 5-8 minutes. The flames char and sear the hot dogs.
- Indirect heat with hot dogs off to the side can take 8-12 minutes or more since the hot dogs don’t directly contact flames.
- Smoking hot dogs “low and slow” can take up to 30 minutes or more depending on temperature. The low heat gently cooks the hot dogs while infusing smoky flavor.
Doneness Preference
- For slightly pink hot dogs, grill just long enough to heat through, about 5-7 minutes.
- If you prefer fully cooked hot dogs with no pink, grill for the higher end of the time range.
- Charred hot dogs left on the grill for 8-12 minutes will develop darker grill marks and deeper flavor.
Size and Quantity
- Individual hot dogs will cook faster than extra-long or foot-long dogs, which can take a couple minutes longer due to more total meat.
- Cooking a large batch of hot dogs may require slightly longer time; having more on the grill can lower the temperature slightly.
How to Grill Hot Dogs Perfectly
Follow these simple tips for grilling hot dogs with the ideal snap and juiciness:
- Preheat your grill on high heat, around 400-450°F. The high heat helps sear the hot dogs.
- Use long-handled tongs to place the hot dogs directly over the hot grill grates. Grill them perpendicular to the grates to get those iconic char lines.
- Rotate the hot dogs occasionally as they cook to evenly brown on all sides. This creates great char flavor.
- Check temperature using an instant-read thermometer. Hot dogs are fully cooked at 165°F but can be removed a little earlier if you prefer them on the pinker side.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Leave some space between each hotdog for optimal heat circulation.
- Near the end, add your favorite toppings like ketchup, mustard, or chili! The residual grill heat warms the toppings.
Estimated Grill Times by Hot Dog Type
These are general estimates for how long you can expect to grill different types of hot dogs to full doneness based on thickness. Thinner hot dogs will cook faster.
- Beef hot dogs: 8-12 minutes
- Beef and pork (all-beef) hot dogs: 7-10 minutes
- Turkey or chicken hot dogs: 6-10 minutes
- Plant-based hot dogs: 6-10 minutes
For slightly undercooked hot dogs with a hint of pink, shave 1-2 minutes off the cooking time. For an extra char, add 1-2 minutes.
Doneness Indicators
Visually and texturally assessing your hot dogs on the grill can help determine when they’re cooked to perfection:
- 145-160°F – Hot dogs are plump and warmed through but still pink/red in center. Good if you prefer a little undercooked.
- 160-165°F – Juicy, bright pink interior. Safely cooked through but still moist.
- 165°F – Cooked through without any pink in the center. Juicy with snap.
- 170°F+ – Well-done with browned exterior. Still safe to eat but can be drier.
- Split casing – Sentinel that they may be getting overcooked.
- Charred, blackened exterior – Ideal level of grill char for amplified flavor.
Use an instant-read thermometer for the most precise doneness. But visually inspecting interior and exterior color offers good insight too.
Common Hot Dog Grilling Mistakes
It’s easy to commit hot dog grilling gaffes, but learning how to avoid them will help you achieve flawlessly cooked dogs every time:
Undercooking
Failing to cook hot dogs long enough can leave the middle underdone with unpleasant texture and dangerous bacteria. Use a thermometer to ensure the interior reaches safe temperature.
Overcooking
It’s just as easy to overshoot and end up with shriveled, dried-out franks. Keep a close eye on those dogs and don’t leave them unattended.
Uneven Cooking
Rotating periodically prevents burning one side while the other is still cold. Flip those franks for all-around lovely grill marks.
Poking
Piercing hot dogs with a fork to flip or move them causes juices to escape. Use tongs to keep those tasty juices locked in.
Flare-Ups
Excess grease dripping onto the flames creates flare-ups that can char hot dogs. Trim fat first and discard used grease to avoid this.
Poor Placement
Crowding wieners too closely doesn’t allow proper air flow for even cooking. Leave space between each dog.
Grilling Tips for Picture-Perfect Hot Dogs
Grilling hot dogs over a hot fire may seem simple, but these pro tips will take your cookout dogs to the next level:
- Natural casing wieners have the quintessential “snap” when bitten. Choose these for the most authentic hot dog experience.
- Leave any a/c on while grilling. Air circulation prevents food from sticking.
- Preheat grill for 15-30 minutes first for an ultra hot fire.
- Clean the grill grates thoroughly. Leftover debris and fat can cause flare-ups.
- Brush or wipe dogs with oil or mustard before grilling. This adds flavor and encourages charring.
- Use long-handled tongs to flip dogs. Forks pierce the casing.
- Angle the hot dogs diagonally across grates for those postcard-perfect char lines.
- Resist pressing down on the hot dogs. Doing so squeezes out the juices.
- Add cheese in the last 1-2 minutes so it melts but doesn’t slide off.
How Long to Grill Different Types of Sausage
The grilling times for sausages are similar to hot dogs, but the ideal time varies slightly by type based on size and ingredients:
Pork Breakfast Sausage
- Uncooked: 8-12 minutes
- Pre-cooked: 4-5 minutes
Bratwurst or Bockwurst (Veal and Pork)
- Uncooked: 8-12 minutes
- Pre-cooked: 4-6 minutes
Italian Chicken, Turkey, or Veggie Sausage
- Uncooked: 6-10 minutes
- Pre-cooked: 4-5 minutes
Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage (Pork and Beef)
- Uncooked: 8-10 minutes
- Pre-cooked: 6-8 minutes
Rotate occasionally and move links away from any flare-ups. Use tongs, not a fork, to avoid puncturing the casings.
How Long to Grill Hot Dog Buns
The hot dogs aren’t the only thing that need grilling! Toasting the buns adds warmth, texture, and flavor. Here are bun grill times:
- 30-60 seconds per side for standard size buns
- 1-2 minutes per side for larger buns like ciabatta or sandwich rolls
Butter or oil the cut sides first for extra browning and brash the exteriors with melted butter too. Avoid over-toasting or buns can burn. Grill buns just before dogs are done.
Top Tips for Grilling Hot Dog Buns
- Choose sturdy buns like potato rolls. Delicate buns fall apart on the grill.
- Slice buns rather than pulling apart to maintain structure.
- Quickly butter the cut sides for flavor and moisture.
- Use tongs to gently flip buns halfway through grilling.
- If using ciabatta or thick buns, consider slicing in half before grilling for more even toasting.
- Watch closely to avoid burning. Burnt buns ruin all your hard hot dog work!
What if Hot Dogs Split on the Grill?
It happens from time to time – you hear a pop and suddenly there’s a split hot dog on your grill! What causes this, and can you still eat split hot dogs?
Why Hot Dogs Split
Hot dogs split open when:
- The collagen casings rip as they heat and shrink.
- Built up steam bursts open the casing.
- They’re scored before grilling.
- They’re overcooked.
Are Split Hot Dogs Safe to Eat?
Split hot dogs are totally safe to eat! The split itself doesn’t affect food safety whatsoever. As long as the dogs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F, they’re good to go.
Just be aware if hot dogs split early in grilling, they’ll dry out quicker without the casing sealing in moisture. Keep a close eye on split dogs.
How to Prevent Hot Dogs Splitting
To help hot dogs maintain their structural integrity on the grill:
- Score diagonally before grilling if cooking over high heat. This allows steam to gradually escape.
- Don’t poke hot dogs with forks, which can cause weak points. Use tongs.
- Rotate frequently so sides cook evenly. Uneven cooking makes splitting more likely.
- Remove dogs as soon as they’re fully cooked to avoid overcooking splits.
So embrace split hot dogs in all their ruptured glory. Just take care not to overcook them to a dried out demise.
How Long to Grill Hot Dogs Based on Doneness Preference
Hot dogs are safe to eat as soon as they reach 165°F internally. But grill times can vary if you prefer your franks on the pinker or more well-done side.
For Pinker Hot Dogs:
- Grill for just 5-7 minutes until plumped and warmed through.
- Check temperature early and remove at 145-160°F for pale pink centers.
For Well-Done Hot Dogs:
- Grill for the higher end of the time range, 8-12 minutes.
- Ensure the interior reaches 165°F+ and shows no pink color.
For Charred Hot Dogs:
- Maximize flavor by grilling for 10-15 minutes.
- Allow the exterior to blacken and char for amplified barbecue taste.
Choose your ideal doneness based on preference. Just be sure cooked hot dogs reach safe eating temperature.
How Grill Temperature Affects Cook Time
The heat level of your grill significantly impacts how quickly hot dogs cook. Here’s how:
High Heat
- 425-450°F
- Hot dogs directly over flames
- Creates sear char
- Cooks through in 5-8 minutes
Medium-High Heat
- 375-425°F
- Hot dogs off direct flames
- Less searing; moderate charring
- Takes 8-12 minutes
Medium Heat
- 300-375°F
- Hot dogs off direct flames
- Light charring
- Cooks in 10-15 minutes
Low Heat
- 225-300°F
- Hot dogs off direct flames
- Very light charring
- Takes 15-30+ minutes
For best results, preheat your grill to high (400-450°F) to create that nice snappy char on the hot dogs. Keep heat high the entire time for fastest cook times.
How to Grill Hot Dogs on an Electric Grill
Don’t have a charcoal or propane grill? You can achieve tasty hot dogs on an indoor electric grill too:
- Rub the grate with oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat on high 5-10 minutes to reach max temperature.
- Place dogs diagonally across grates for grill marks.
- Cook uncovered to avoid steaming. Allow any smoke to escape.
- Flip and rotate dogs every 2-3 minutes for even browning.
- Check for doneness at thickest part. Cook 6-8 minutes for most dogs.
- Add buns cut-side down for a quick toast in final minutes.
While you won’t get the true smoky barbecue flavor, electric grills can cook hot dogs with nice char and snap indoors year-round.
How to Grill Hot Dogs on a Stovetop Grill Pan
Don’t have any grilling equipment on hand? You can make tasty charred hot dogs right on your stovetop with a grill pan:
- Use a cast iron or nonstick grill pan with raised ridges to mimic a grill.
- Preheat on medium 5 minutes. Higher heat = better char.
- Rub hot dogs with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Place diagonally across ridges for marks; press lightly.
- Cook uncovered, rotating every 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Check temperature if concerned about doneness. Cook 5-10 minutes.
While you won’t achieve the distinct smoky flavor, a grill pan offers a quick, convenient way to char dogs for a cookout feel without an actual grill.
Grilled Hot Dog Recipe Ideas
Hot dogs don’t have to be boring! Mix up your cookouts with these fun grilled hot dog inspirations:
Mexican Street Corn Dog
Coat hot dog in Mexican street corn mixture (cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro, lime juice). Grill until charred.
Mac n’ Cheese Dog
Slather grill with mac n’ cheese then nestle dog inside. Grill until cheese is melty.
Banh Mi Dog
Top grilled dog with sriracha mayo, pickled carrots/daikon, cucumber, and cilantro.
Caprese Dog
Top charred hot dog with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
Philly Cheesesteak Dog
Cover hot dog with provolone, sautéed peppers and onions, then grill until cheese melty.
Dessert Dog
Coat hot dog in brown sugar glaze and crushed graham crackers. Grill until caramelized.
Get creative with unique toppings and glazes! Elevate your cookout hot dogs into gourmet grub.
Grilled Hot Dog Safety Tips
Safer grilling leads to tastier eating. Follow these tips to grill and serve hot dogs safely:
- Defrost frozen hot dogs fully in the refrigerator before grilling. Never thaw at room temperature.
- Pre-cook hot dogs if they were previously frozen and will be grilled over high heat. Frozen dogs can split.
- Use one set of tongs for raw hot dogs and another for cooked. Avoid cross-contamination.
- Discard any hot dogs that have been sitting out raw for longer than 2 hours. Do not refreeze or grill.
- Cook hot dogs to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.
- Do not partially grill dogs to finish later. Fully cook through at one time.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat fully to 165°F before serving again.
Proper handling and thorough cooking kill any dangerous bacteria for safe summertime hot dog enjoyment.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Grilled Hot Dogs
Planning hot dog leftovers? Here are some storage and reheating tips:
- Let cooked hot dogs cool slightly before refrigerating in a sealed container.
- Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for peak quality. Freeze for longer storage.
- Frozen hot dogs last 2-3 months in a tightly sealed freezer bag.
- Thaw frozen hot dogs gradually in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat fully to 165°F on the stove, in the oven or microwave, or on the grill.
- Avoid reheating more than once. Discard if hot dogs smell or look spoiled.
With proper refrigeration and reheating, you can safely enjoy yesterday’s grilled dogs for several days post-BBQ.
How Long Can Cooked Hot Dogs Sit Out?
Grilled hot dogs are tasty straight off the barbecue, but take care not leave them sitting out too long:
- Hold hot dogs for serving on a platter at a food-safe temperature above 140°F.
- Cooked hot dogs should not sit out at room temperature beyond 2 hours. Toxin-producing bacteria can grow.
- In hot outdoor temperatures of 90°F and above, limit time to just 1 hour before discarding.
- For potlucks or cookouts, keep hot dogs warm in a chafing dish or **