How to Cook Hot Dogs (Grilled)

Hot Dogs are a staple for every summer BBQ and cookout, and these Grilled Hot Dogs are my favorite way to cook them! It’s quick and easy, and they come out perfectly-charred. Finish by piling on your favorite toppings–ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, the options are endless!

overhead view of 4 topped hot dogs on a white plate.

What’s in Grilled Hot Dogs?

All you need for this easy recipe is your preferred hot dogs, buns for serving, and a grill to make the tastiest, best dogs you’ve ever had! So grab your favorite toppings and get to grilling!

Hot Dogs: You can use any type of hot dog for this recipe (I chose jumbo dogs). Pork, beef, chicken, or veggie dogs will all cook up the same.
Hot Dog Buns: Look for a hearty bun that can stand up to lots of toppings!

Pro Tip: Try not to turn the hot dogs too frequently, or you won’t get those nice grill marks.

Hot Dog Toppings

There are so many different ways to top off your hot dogs, from simple to complex. Here are some favorites from around the U.S.:

New York: Steamed onions and a pale, deli-style yellow mustard.
Chicago: Yellow mustard, dark green relish, chopped raw onion, pickle spear, sport peppers, tomato slices, and celery salt. Served in a poppy seed bun.
New England: Mustard, relish, and baked beans.
Kansas City: Sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese on a sesame seed bun.
Sonoran: Pinto beans, grilled onions and green peppers, chopped fresh tomatoes, relish, tomatillo jalapeno salsa, mayonnaise, mustard, and shredded cheese.
Texas: Chili, cheese, and jalapeños
Cleveland: A kielbasa or hot dog served on a bun covered with a layer of french fries, a layer of sweet southern-style barbecue sauce or hot sauce, and a layer of coleslaw.

overhead view of 6 grilled hot dogs on a white plate.

Is a hot dog a sandwich?

This is a hotly debated topic. However, Merriam-Webster has definitively said that a hot dog is a sandwich because the definition of sandwich is “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.”

Are hot dogs bad for you?

Hot dogs are a great source of protein, but they are also high in sodium and fat. Enjoy hot dogs in moderation.

Can I grill them from frozen?

While it’s generally recommended to thaw hot dogs before grilling, you can grill them from frozen if needed. It may take slightly longer for the hot dogs to cook through, so adjust the grilling time accordingly.

Should I split them before grilling?

That’s up to personal preference. Splitting allows for more surface area to get crispy and adds a nice charred flavor. If you choose to split them, make a shallow cut along the length of each hot dog, being careful not to cut all the way through.

How long does it take to grill hot dogs?

It only takes about 5-6 minutes to grill hot dogs over medium heat.

Can I use a grill pan or stovetop grill?

Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or stovetop grill to cook hot dogs indoors. Preheat the grill pan over medium heat, lightly oil it, and grill the hot dogs until they are heated through and nicely charred.

overhead view of a hot dog wit toppings on a white plate with potato chips.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze hot dogs in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these grilled hot dogs with your favorite toppings, like onions, ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, chili, coleslaw, baked beans, cheese, salsa, mushrooms, and more!

They pair great with any classic BBQ sides, or make french fries, sweet potato fries, potato chips, cheese fries, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, sautéed vegetables, macaroni salad, street corn, tater tots, 3 bean salad, refried beans, avocado fries, potato salad, or fried pickles.