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Crispy Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with 5 Easy Patriotic Toppings

bacon-wrapped hot dogs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for bacon-wrapped hot dogs grilled to crispy perfection, topped with fresh red, white, and blue patriotic toppings perfect for summer barbecues.

Ingredients

  • Quality all-beef hot dogs (natural casing preferred)
  • Thin-cut bacon strips (enough to wrap each hot dog)
  • Hot dog buns (soft and sturdy, brioche optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes, finely chopped (for cherry tomato relish)
  • Balsamic vinegar (a splash for cherry tomato relish)
  • Sour cream (for creamy horseradish sauce)
  • Prepared horseradish (mixed with sour cream)
  • Lemon juice (a squeeze for horseradish sauce)
  • Fresh blueberries, diced (for blueberry salsa)
  • Jalapeño, finely chopped (for blueberry salsa)
  • Red onion, finely chopped (for blueberry salsa)
  • Lime juice (for blueberry salsa)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for blueberry salsa)
  • Shredded lettuce (optional)
  • Sliced pickles (optional)
  • Crispy fried onions (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to season bacon)
  • Smoked paprika (a pinch to season bacon)
  • Oil or cooking spray (to grease grill grates)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to about 375°F (190°C) to crisp bacon without burning.
  2. Lay one strip of bacon flat, slightly overlapping edges if needed, and wrap tightly around each hot dog spirally.
  3. Secure the bacon with a toothpick or skewer to prevent unraveling during grilling.
  4. Lightly sprinkle smoked paprika and freshly ground black pepper over the bacon.
  5. Use a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs to grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  6. Place bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until bacon is crispy and hot dogs are heated through.
  7. While grilling, prepare the patriotic toppings in separate bowls: combine chopped cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and salt; stir sour cream with prepared horseradish and lemon juice; mix blueberries, jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro.
  8. In the last two minutes of grilling, place buns cut side down on the grill to warm and get light grill marks.
  9. Assemble hot dogs by placing each in a warm bun, adding shredded lettuce if desired, then spooning on the red, white, and blue toppings in layers or side by side.
  10. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

Wrap bacon tightly to prevent curling and ensure even crisping. Turn hot dogs frequently to avoid burning. Prepare toppings just before serving for freshest flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be used for leaner or vegetarian options. Reheat leftovers in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon-wrapped hot dogs, grilled hot dogs, patriotic toppings, summer barbecue, easy hot dog recipe, Fourth of July food