When it comes to one of America’s favorite barbecue staples, there’s definitely more than one way to cook a hot dog. Once you’ve selected the best hot dog brand for your meal, what’s the ideal way to prepare them? If you’re making franks indoors, your oven is actually one of the best appliances to give you a fantastic final dog, complete with a crisp exterior and sumptuous interior.
Food Republic reached out to Nicole Hunn, recipe developer and founder of Gluten Free on a Shoestring, for insider tips on getting the best results when oven-roasting frankfurters. “If you’re aiming for that snap with a juicy center in the oven, start by scoring the hot dogs lightly, just a few shallow diagonal slashes,” she shared. “This helps prevent splitting and allows heat to penetrate more evenly.” The boosted evenness also aids in cooking your franks more quickly. Cutting score marks into your dogs additionally increases their surface area, enabling the skin to better crisp up.
Any baking pan will work for cooking them, as long as it’s rimmed to contain the juices. You can also line your baking dish with aluminum foil for quick cleanup and to help your hot dogs brown. “Bake them at around [400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes], or until the skin blisters slightly and the juices start to sizzle,” Hunn instructed. “For even more flavor, give them a quick broil at the end to crisp the exterior.”
Additional tips for a great hot dog experience
Once your dogs are perfectly roasted, various toppings with main character energy can help take your meal over the top. Nicole Hunn shared a couple of favorite additions she likes to incorporate into a hot dog feast. “If you want to level up your hot dogs even more, wrap them in bacon before baking, or lay them in a foil packet with onions and peppers,” she shared. “If you’re using gluten-free hot dogs, treat them the same way — just keep an eye on labels for any hidden binders or flavorings. A good GF hot dog will cook and crisp just like a traditional one.”
If you want to create a fun indoor picnic for guests or your family, consider creating a full hot dog smorgasbord with your oven-roasted wieners. A selection of sauce condiments nicely arranged in ramekins, for instance, can be an enjoyable part of an attractive buffet display. There are lots of options in terms of mustard alone to intrigue your dinner companions, ranging from whole grain and Dijon to spicy brown and honey mustard. Give your guests lots to choose from!
Toppings like raw and caramelized onions can join the spread, along with various cheeses, sauerkraut, different types of pickles and relish, chopped bacon, peppers, and lots more. Hot chili and nacho sauce can be served crockpot-style for a chili dog option, and fresh herbs and spice condiments can be set out as choices, too. Suddenly, a simple layout of hot dogs becomes a genuine feast!
