Nothing says summer more than enjoying a good old-fashioned hot dog. Although this classic and purely American invention varies regionally in what it's topped with, there's something universally delicious about biting into a soft bun filled with a plump and snappy sausage. For many people, the preferred way to cook these dogs is to char them over an open flame outside while drinking an ice cold beer.

Unfortunately though, most of us don't have access to an expensive grill all year round — some us don't have access at all — so sometimes we must rely on other types of cookery to get the job done. From pan frying or griddling to oven roasting and even microwaving, hot dogs are so versatile that they can be prepared in many different ways, even if you don't have a grill.

Pan-fried

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Probably the most convenient way to cook these sausages at home is simply in a skillet or good-quality cast-iron pan. Just add a small amount of water to a pan set over medium-high heat. Add the dogs to the skillet once the water starts to gently boil and cook, rolling the hot dogs regularly until evenly brown.

Pro tip: "Want a more decadent flavor? Swap out the water for a generous dab of butter or a few tablespoons of oil." – Nathan's Famous

Griddled

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Iconic hot dog vendor Nathan's Famous always cooks its sausages exclusively on large flattop griddles — and one thing you might not know about trendy Shake Shack is that they use a similar method. This technique ensures that the dogs will sear nicely on all sides, achieving a crisp exterior, but it doesn't overcook them or dry out the center.

Pro tip: Take a note from the culinary geniuses over at Shake Shack and split your hot dogs down the middle, so they open up like a book, before throwing them onto the griddle to cook. This creates the perfect crevasse that can be filled with your favorite condiments so you never have to worry about the toppings falling out.

Oven-roasted

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Roasting your frankfurters in an oven is an easy, mess-free alternative when the craving for these dogs hits but grilling is out of the question. Just place the hot dogs on a baking sheet or oven-proof dish and cook for 15 minutes in an oven preheated to 400 degrees.

Pro tip: Make cleanup easy on yourself by lining the baking sheet with aluminum foil. That way, after you're finished cooking, you can just remove and throw out the used foil, rather than having to scrape and scrub the pan.

Microwaved

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Although this technique may be frowned upon by hot dog purists, desperate times call for desperate measures. There is an upside to microwaving these sausages, though: You can have a ready-to-eat dog in less than a minute.

Pro tip: To microwave a single hot dog, cook on high for 45 seconds. For each additional dog, add 15 to 20 seconds to the cook time. Also, make sure to poke a couple holes in the dogs so the casings don't burst when cooking.

We’ve eaten a million in our lifetimes and this summer alone, we’ll probably have a few hundred more. Here’s some of our tips to make the most of the beloved hot dog.

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Photography by Gayle McLeod

How To Make A Traditional Hot Dog

The act of eating a hot dog is to take part in an American tradition, and how you cook it depends on personal preference. Our preferred methods of cooking hot dogs are boiling, grilling, and in the skillet. Now you’ll need to gather your favorite sides to make this a real meal. We suggest Classic Coleslaw, Macaroni Salad, and a scoop of Dressed Up Baked Beans.

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How To Make A Hot Dog Better

You probably have had a microwaved hot dog, which does the trick, but we’re offering a few more options to level up your hot dog game. Luckily, there’s no wrong way to cook a hot dog, and it’s really about the toppings and where you are when you eat it. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to hosting a backyard hot dog eating contest.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make A Hotdog At Home

• Your favorite brand of hot dog. If you’re on the East Coast it’s likely Nathan’s or Sabrett all beef franks you’re eating. Trader Joe’s makes a good dog. There’s the timeless Oscar Mayer. Applegate and Ball Park are some other big hitters in the hot dog world.
• Hot dog buns.
• Toppings. This can be anything from Homemade BBQ Sauce to Fry Sauce. Hot dogs are your world and we’re just living in it.

How to Make A Good Hot Dog

Keep in mind that all hot dogs need to be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 140°F. Each cooking method has their advantages. Stove top methods can be made all year round, and the skillet method offers a little pan-searing texture. Grilling gets it done fast and offers the most flavor. A good pair of tongs will also be handy, any way you cook them.

• Boil Method – Bring water to boil in a medium saucepan on the stove. Add the hotdogs, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the hot dogs until they appear slightly darker in color, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from water and pat dry with paper towels.
• Grill Method – Preheat the grill on high. Reduce the heat to low and add hot dogs. Cook, rotating often, until the hot dogs are slightly charred, about 1-2 minutes.
• Skillet Method – Set a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is glistening, add a few hot dogs to the skillet. Sear until plumped and beginning to brown on each side, 3 to 4 minutes.

How to Store Hot Dogs + Tips

• Cooked and uncooked hot dogs freeze well. Just make sure everything is tightly wrapped so it doesn’t get freezer burn. Same goes for hot dog buns. Throw them in the freezer!
• Line up all the condiments for service so folks can choose their own toppings. This can be a buffet of items from onions (chopped fresh, Pickled, Crispy Fried Shallots, or Caramelized), ketchup and mustard, Quick Pickled Vegetables. The list goes on, and these are some of our favorite creative hot dog toppings.
• And last, serve them hot! That’s when you’ll get the most bang for your buck.

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How To Make A Hot Dog

May 25, 2023

• Serves: 6
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 6 min
• Calories: 150

Method

Boil Method

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the hot dogs, then reduce to a simmer and cook until hotdogs reach an internal temperature of at least 140°F and appear slightly darker in color, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from water and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a platter and serve.

Grill Method

Preheat the grill on high. Reduce the heat to low and add hot dogs. Cook, rotating often, until the hot dogs are slightly charred, and have reached an internal temperature of at least 140°F, about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and serve.

Skillet Method

Set a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is glistening, add 3 hot dogs to the skillet. Sear, shifting every minute or so, until plumped and beginning to brown on each side, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a platter and serve.

• Calories150
• Protein4 g
• Carbohydrates4 g
• Total Fat13 g
• Dietary Fiber0 g
• Cholesterol35 mg
• sodium550 mg
• Total Sugars3 g

Any questions?

Need to change up some ingredients? Unsure about a step in the method? Click the Ask a Question button above. We’re here for you.

How to cook hot dogs on the stove?

Boil Method – Bring water to boil in a medium saucepan on the stove. Add the hotdogs, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the hot dogs until they appear slightly darker in color, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from water and pat dry with paper towels.

What is the best method of cooking hot dogs?

For the best flavor and texture, Shannon says to opt for the grill, stovetop or campfire. These methods help to caramelize the outside of the sausage and give it great texture and color. If you want to know how to cook hot dogs the easiest way, Shannon recommends the oven, air fryer or slow cooker.

Do you boil or simmer hot dogs?

You can choose to boil your hot dog in water or beer, depending on your preference. Regardless of the your liquid choice, one refrigerated hot dog should be boiled uncovered for four to six minutes. Once it is done, remove the hot dog from the pot and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain the liquid.