If you have a smoker, you need to make smoked spiral hot dogs. They are quite different than regular ole grilled dogs. Not only do they pick up a great smoke flavor, they have a slightly different texture… a little denser. Cutting them into spirals not only makes for a great presentation, it also makes sure your topping stick to the dogs.
The first time or two that you try and cut a hot dog into a spiral you might not have great success. I can’t say my first few came out super-duper pretty, but after that I got the hang of it and they came out just like I’d hoped. The same technique can of course be used for grill dogs too.
I marinate my hot dogs before cooking them. It definitely adds flavor and moisture, and is something people don’t expect when they take that first bite.
Also try my other version of yummy smoked spiral hot dogs.
Smoked Spiral Hot Dogs
Ingredients
- 4 Hot dogs
- 1 wood skewer
- Hot dog marinade I used my easy hot dog marinade
- 4 Hot dog buns
- Your favorite toppings
Instructions
- Working one at a time, slide the skewer through the center of a dog, lengthwise. If you get it crooked just carefully pull it back and try again. I've found that laying the hot dog on a counter and sliding the skewer in while keeping it perfectly horizontal helps. Alternatively you can buy a hot dog spiralizer. See the post text for more information.
- Take a sharp knife and starting at one end, slice into the dog until you hit the skewer while keeping a 30-45 degree angle. Rotate the dog until you've sliced all the way to the other end. Don't worry if they aren't perfect and don't worry if you have to sacrifice a dog or two until you get them the way you want them. Remove the skewer and slice the remaining hot dogs.
- Place dogs into a container. Add the marinade and refrigerate while you fire up your smoker for 250 F using a light wood such as hickory or maple.
- Transfer the dogs onto the smoker and smoke for 1 hour.
- Remove dogs and serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate.
