Get ready for the most addictive appetizer to ever come off your grill. This hot dog burnt ends recipe transforms the humble hot dog into sweet, smoky, and savory bites of pure magic. Often called poor man’s burnt ends hot dogs, this dish is budget-friendly, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes at any party or tailgate.
Forget everything you think you know about a standard hot dog. We’re going to show you how to make tender, caramelized burnt ends hot dogs using your smoker, or even your oven or grill for a perfect result every time.
What Are Hot Dog Burnt Ends?
Inspired by traditional brisket burnt ends, this dish uses a hot dog as a delicious shortcut. Whole hot dogs are smoked or cooked, sliced into bite-sized pieces, tossed in a sweet and tangy bbq sauce, and then returned to high heat to caramelize. The result is a pile of snackable morsels that are crispy, chewy, sweet, and smoky all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Hot Dogs:
- 2 packages (16 total) all-beef hot dogs
- 2-3 tbsp Yellow Mustard (as a binder)
- ¼ cup of your favorite BBQ Dry Rub
For the Burnt End Sauce:
- ½ cup of your favorite BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp butter, cubed
Method 1: How to Make Smoked Hot Dog Burnt Ends
This is the classic method for achieving an authentic, smoky flavor. This recipe is perfect for any of the best wood pellet grill models.
Step 1: Prep and Smoke
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you ever feel your pellet grill doesn’t have enough smoke, a smoke tube can help boost the flavor.
- Pat the hot dogs dry. Place them in a large bowl or pan and coat them lightly with yellow mustard. Sprinkle the BBQ dry rub all over, tossing to coat evenly.
- Place the seasoned hot dogs directly on the smoker grate. Smoke for 60-90 minutes, or until they have taken on a deep red color.
Step 2: Slice and Sauce
- Remove the hot dogs from the smoker. Let them cool just enough to handle, then slice them into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Place the sliced hot dog pieces into a disposable aluminum pan.
- Add the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and cubed butter to the pan. Stir gently to coat all the pieces in the sauce.
Step 3: Caramelize the Glaze
- Increase your smoker’s temperature to 375-400°F (190-204°C).
- Place the pan of sauced hot dog pieces back into the smoker. Cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and caramelized onto the pieces. The edges will get dark and sticky – these are the perfect burnt hot dog ends.
Method 2: Easy Oven or Grilled Hot Dog Burnt Ends
No smoker? No problem! You can still make this amazing hot dog burnt ends recipe in your oven or on a gas grill.
Step 1: Cook the Hot Dogs Instead of smoking, you’ll cook the hot dogs first. You can make burnt grilled hot dogs by grilling them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until heated through and lightly charred. Alternatively, pan-sear them in a skillet.
Step 2: Slice, Sauce, and Bake
- Preheat your oven or set up your grill for indirect heat at 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the cooked hot dogs into 1-inch rounds and place them in an oven-safe pan or skillet.
- Add the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and cubed butter. Stir to coat.
- Place the pan in the oven or on the grill. Bake/cook for 25-35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
A Note on Backyard Safety
While you’re enjoying your delicious cookout food, remember to keep your pets safe! Not all human food is good for our furry friends. For example, many people wonder, “can dogs eat raw bacon?” It’s always best to be informed and keep people food away from your pets.
Serving and Storing
Serve these burnt ends hot dogs warm with toothpicks as the perfect game-day appetizer. They are fantastic alongside other grilled favorites like how to grill oysters or a simple grilled catfish recipe. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Watch The Video!
For a great budget-friendly version of this recipe, check out this video on making Dollar Tree Poor Man’s Smoked Hot Dog Burnt Ends.
Hot Dog Burnt Ends Recipe Conclusion
Whether you call them poor man’s burnt ends or just plain delicious, this is one of the most fun and satisfying appetizers you can make. It’s a fantastic way to use a simple ingredient and create something truly special for your friends and family. Considering a new grill for recipes like this? Check out our guide on the best time to buy a grill.
FAQs About Hot Dog Burnt Ends
How do you make hot dog burnt ends?
The process is simple: smoke or grill whole hot dogs, slice them into bite-sized pieces, toss them in a pan with BBQ sauce and brown sugar, then cook at a higher temperature until the sauce caramelizes into a sticky glaze.
How long to smoke hot dogs at 350°F?
You can easily make them in the oven or on a grill. First, cook the hot dogs by grilling or pan-searing. Then, slice and toss them in the sauce as directed in the recipe, and bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes until the glaze is thick and bubbly.
How to make hot dog burnt ends without a smoker?
If you’re just smoking hot dogs without making burnt ends, it takes very little time as they are pre-cooked. At 350°F, they would only need 10-15 minutes to heat through and get some smoke flavor.
Can you make hot dog burnt ends in the oven?
Yes, absolutely. Follow Method 2 in our guide. After grilling or pan-searing the hot dogs, slice them, toss them in the sauce, and bake in an oven-safe dish at 375°F for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How to make hot dog burnt ends in the oven?
To make them in the oven, first cook whole hot dogs (you can pan-sear them for a little texture). Slice them and place them in a baking dish. Add BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and butter, and stir to coat. Bake at 375°F, stirring every 10 minutes, until the sauce is thick and caramelized, about 25-35 minutes total.