Smoked Hot Dogs

Smoked hot dog recipes like this are a must for summer or the rest of the year. Give it a try and I guarantee they will be the best hot dogs you've ever tried! Pile on your favorite condiments and enjoy the flavor of these slow-smoked hot dogs. A simple and easy idea for a cookout!

Once the summer heat hits, we do the majority of our cooking out on the pellet grill or charcoal grill. Smoking hot dogs is a family favorite main dish and for good reason. That smoky flavor paired with the saltiness of the cooked dogs creates the perfect bite every time. Not only does this add a ton of flavor compared to a traditional hot dog, but these are juicy and tender, too.

You might as well grill up some great sides to go with your smoked hot dogs. I love these Smoked Baked Beans as my go-to easy recipe for a summer side. Add some potato chips and macaroni salad, and dinner is done!

Ingredients

Hot Dogs - Use whatever type or brand of hot dogs that you like. We typically use beef hot dogs but pork hot dogs or turkey hot dogs are fine. We make score marks on them with a sharp knife. Why? Because scored hot dogs have more surface area for smoke to reach and look cool.

Smoked Onion Relish

• Smoked Onions - The cooked onions help to add an even smokier flavor and taste.
• Pickles - I like using dill pickles but you can use sweet pickles or even bread and butter pickles.
• Mustard - There's nothing quite like the saltiness of the mustard with the flavor of the hot dog.

How To Make Smoked Hot Dogs

Step One: Put the hot dogs on the pellet smoker right on the grill grates for 1 hour at 225°F. A charcoal grill or gas grill can work too if you have a smoker box.

Step Two: Mix the relish ingredients to create the onion relish. Add to your hot dog and enjoy.

Variations

• Toppings - Favorite toppings for a good hot dog can be anything. Try ketchup, yellow mustard, mayo, tomatoes, chili, cheese, diced avocado, barbecue sauce, and/or diced onions. Add whatever hot dog toppings you like!
• Change up the meat - There are other low-fat options for hot dogs such as turkey dogs or even chicken sausage that you can cook up and grill.
• Seasoning - You can rub the dogs down with olive oil and then add your favorite flavor barbecue rub. Any dry rub will work. We like a simple combo if brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Equipment

You'll need a pellet smoker or a grill set up for indirect smoking. A sharp knife is helpful for scoring the hot dogs, and you'll also need a mixing bowl and spoon to prepare the smoked onion relish.

Storage

Store leftover smoked hot dogs and onion relish in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the hot dogs on the grill, in a skillet, or in the microwave until heated through.

You can also freeze the cooked hot dogs for up to 3 months. Let them cool, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Common Questions

Can I Smoke Hot Dogs on a Gas Grill?

Yes! You can use a gas grill with a smoker box filled with wood chips. Keep the hot dogs over indirect heat and aim for a temperature around 225°F.

What Type of Wood Should I Use to Smoke Hot Dogs?

Hot dogs are really versatile, so any type of your favorite wood chips will work. We like to use hickory and pecan, but you can easily use what you have. Cherry wood works well. Change up the type of wood and you'll be amazed at the different flavors that really stand out more than others.

Recipe

Like what you see? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Love this recipe? Leave a comment & a 5-star rating right here! Make sure you don’t miss new recipes by getting email updates! 

Originally Published June 7, 2022. Revised and Republished October 19, 2026.