Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

If you’re in Los Angeles, you might know these deletable handhelds as “danger dogs,” but for the rest of us, we know them as bacon-wrapped hot dogs. Let’s say it right away: Hot dogs wrapped in bacon is definitely gilding the lily. While it may seem like excess for the sake of excess, hear us out! Bacon’s juicy, succulent, savory flavor is the perfect addition to the classic hot dog. It prevents the hot dog from drying out on the grill and provides a delightful chew-crunch. Both meats become greater together than they are alone.

You can now add bacon-wrapped hot dogs to your list of fun hot dog recipes or cookout recipes. Your next summer cookout, picnic or potluck is going to be very popular indeed.

Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

• Hot dogs: Choose your favorite hot dog for this recipe, whether that’s an artisanal hot dog, a store brand (here are our favorite hot dog brands), a turkey dog, or a plant-based hot dog. If you want to try this with mini hot dogs for a bacon appetizer, take a peek at our recipe for bacon-wrapped smokies.
• Bacon: Go for the good stuff, like one of our Test Kitchen’s best bacon brands. If you want a shortcut, you can use precooked bacon. Just skip to step 2 in the recipe.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. (You want it to be flexible enough to bend. It will continue to cook later on.)

Remove to paper towels to drain. Let cool slightly, until you can handle it without burning your fingers.

Step 2: Wind bacon around hot dogs

Wrap 1-1/2 strips of bacon around each hot dog, securing with toothpicks as needed to hold in place. Don’t wrap too tightly or the bacon might tear during grilling. (Think more ribbon-around-maypole and less compression-bandage.)

Step 3: Grill

Grill, covered, over medium heat (or broil 4 inches from heat) six to eight minutes or until bacon is crisp and hot dogs are heated through, turning frequently.

Step 4: Assemble the dogs

Discard toothpicks. Serve hot dogs in buns. Top with onion, sauerkraut and all the condiments of your choice. Enjoy your homestyle danger dog!

Recipe Variations

• Vary the toppings: Secretly love ketchup on hot dogs? Go for it! Hot dogs should be considered a blank slate for whatever toppings you think taste good: minced pickles, fresh or dressed cabbage or other greens, shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, homemade mayo, the best mustard you can get your hands on—it’s all good.
• Serve as an appetizer: Hot dogs wrapped in bacon make a delicious appetizer. Slice each assembled dog into thirds, and skewer with a toothpick.

Can you transport bacon-wrapped hot dogs?

Yes! Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are an absolute hit at tailgates and with other picnic food ideas. To transport, wrap the assembled hot dogs in aluminum foil, then double-wrap with parchment paper. That will hold in both heat and juice. Don’t forget the napkins!

Can you store bacon-wrapped hot dogs?

Leftover bacon-wrapped hot dogs should be stored in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to five days. Ideally, keep the bacon-wrapped dog separate from the buns, and finish assembling just before eating. Any buns in the fridge will likely dry out.

Can you freeze bacon-wrapped hot dogs?

Yes, you can freeze bacon-wrapped hot dogs. Prepare the recipe through step 3. Allow the hot dogs to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil, and seal in an airtight plastic bag or container. They will keep for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheat the bacon-wrapped hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave until heated through.

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog Tips

Taste of Home

Can you use different kinds of hot dogs?

Absolutely, you can use just about any kind of hot dog you like for bacon-wrapped hot dogs. Just make sure you keep track of which dog is which! Artisanal dogs, turkey dogs and even plant-based hot dogs will all be delicious. Here’s our Test Kitchen picks for the best hot dog brands,

How else can you cook bacon-wrapped hot dogs?

Don’t want to grill? No problem! Precook the bacon as instructed, then in step 3, simply cook the wrapped hot dogs using an alternative method. The air fryer will cook them quickly and ensure the bacon gets crispy. You can also cook them in the oven or even a toaster oven. Just don’t cook them in the microwave. The bacon will turn soggy.

What do you serve with bacon-wrapped hot dogs?

Anything you’d eat with a regular hot dog will taste delicious alongside a hot dog wrapped in bacon. Think coleslaw, French fries, potato salad recipes and other classic picnic side dishes. Bacon-wrapped dogs go great with other tailgate recipes, and they fit in perfectly with Game Day potluck recipes!