Smoked Hot Dogs

Smoked hot dogs are one of the easiest, tastiest smoking recipes you can make. Bursting with flavor, these smoked hot dogs only require a handful of ingredients, are beginner-friendly, and come together in just 45 minutes.

Be sure to smoke up a batch of these smoked hot dogs at your next BBQ gathering!

How To Make Smoked Hot Dogs

Smoked hot dogs are a beginner-friendly smoking recipe.

All you need are hot dogs, buns, some seasoning and BBQ sauce, and your hot dog toppings.

Then you toss them on your pellet smoker for 45 minutes, and boom—you've got delicious smoked hot dogs for the whole family to enjoy.

The Ingredients

• Hot dogs (8 hot dogs). I recommend a high-quality brand like Hebrew National or Nathan's.
• Hot dog buns (8 buns). I like using a niche brioche bun. 
• BBQ sauce (1.5 tbsp). I love to slather my hot dogs in homemade BBQ sauce for an awesome, sweet flavor.
• BBQ seasoning (1.5 tsp). Add a little sweet rub to your dogs for even more flavor.
• Condiments of choice. My favorite hot dog toppings are white onions, ketchup, and dijon mustard.

The Directions

1. Remove the hot dogs from the packaging and preheat your smoker to 225F.

2. Using a sharp knife, score the hot dogs in a cross-section on all sides. This increases the surface area of the hot dog, which will allow more smoky flavor to be exposed.

3. Lather your hot dogs in your favorite BBQ sauce. For this recipe, I used my BBQ sauce for ribs. 

4. Apply your favorite BBQ rub to the hot dogs. For this recipe, I used my sweet and spicy dry rub, which includes brown sugar and jalapeño powder.

5. Place the hot dogs on your smoker for 45 minutes of indirect heat. Turn over after 25 minutes to allow the smoke to hit all sides.

6. Serve immediately on a hot dog bun with your favorite toppings, and ENJOY!

Cooking Temperature & Time

• Cooking Temperature. We smoked these hot dogs at 225F until they became warm inside. 
• Cooking Time. We smoked these hot dogs for 45 minutes on our Traeger.

Best Hot Dogs For Smoking

Choosing a good quality brand when you're smoking hot dogs. Here are a few of my favorites.

Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs: This all-beef variety, renowned for its robust flavor, truly shines when smoked. With fewer fillers, the natural taste of the beef comes forward.

Ball Park Franks: A mix of pork, turkey, and beef gives these hot dogs a distinctive flavor profile. The combination harmonizes well with the smoky notes introduced during smoking.

Applegate Farms Organic Hot Dogs: For the health-conscious, these organic hot dogs offer a clean, meaty flavor, standing up well to the smoky infusion from the smoking process.

Hebrew National Hot Dogs: These all-beef, kosher hot dogs pack a savory punch, which becomes even more complex and appealing when smoked.

Sabrett Skinless Hot Dogs: Known for their 'snap', Sabretts have a nice texture and retain their juicy nature when smoked, giving you a delicious, flavorful hot dog.

Best Pellet Flavors For Smoked Hot Dogs

Here are the best pellet flavors for smoking hot dogs:

• Applewood pellets: For a mild, fruity sweetness, providing a delightful contrast to the savory hot dog.
• Hickory pellets: Known for a strong, traditional BBQ flavor that pairs well with all types of hot dogs.
• Mesquite pellets: For a hearty, earthy flavor profile, best for those who enjoy a strong smoke taste.
• Cherry and maple blend: A unique combination that results in a rich, nuanced smoky sweetness.
• Oak pellets: For a medium smoky flavor that enhances the hot dog without overpowering, making them a safe and popular choice.

Best Toppings For Smoked Hot Dogs

You can put whatever you like on your smoked hot dogs, but here are some popular options:

Mustard: A classic hot dog topping, its tangy flavor cuts through the smoky richness of the hot dog.

Ketchup: The sweet and tart notes of ketchup complement the smokiness of the hot dog.

Relish: Sweet or dill relish adds a crunchy texture and an additional layer of flavor.

Onions: Fresh chopped onions or caramelized onions can provide a sharp or sweet taste respectively.

Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage adds tanginess and crunch, a classic pairing with smoked meats.

Chili: A hearty topping that turns a hot dog into a meal. It pairs well with cheese.

Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a cheese sauce makes for a creamy addition.

Jalapeños: For those who like a kick, fresh or pickled jalapeños add heat.

Bacon: A few pieces of crispy bacon add a crunch and an extra level of smokiness.

Coleslaw: This provides a creamy and tangy crunch that contrasts well with the smoked hot dog.

BBQ Sauce: For an extra layer of smoky sweetness, a good quality BBQ sauce is a great choice.