How to Grill Hot Dogs Perfectly

Hebrew National is here to help you take the first step to becoming a certified pro at grilling hot dogs. Say “no more” to burnt beef frank casings and meat blisters. Those mistakes are overdone. Now is the time to become one with your grill and learn how to cook hot dogs perfectly.

What You'll Need

How to Grill Hot Dogs Perfectly

  • GETTING STARTED
  • Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, the first step to grilling frankfurters is to ensure your grill is ready. Confirm that it’s free from remnants of last season’s grub—and if it isn’t, find a grill brush and start scrubbing.

    Once you have a clean slate, you’ll want to ensure plenty of propane or charcoal is on hand. Then, call your tongs and your beef franks on deck. It’s game time!
  • SPRAY THE GRATES
  • Before you start any grilling recipe, spray the grates with a non-stick grill spray like PAM Grilling. Treat it like any other cooking surface with a few quick blasts.

    This helps keep your franks from sticking to the surface, making them easier to turn and your grill easier to clean.
  • BRING THE HEAT
  • Like a well-seasoned athlete, your grill needs a proper warm-up to deliver its peak performance. Before you throw the hot dogs on the grill, you'll need to let it preheat. For gas, preheat on high for 10 to 15 minutes. For a charcoal grill, preheat until the charcoal is covered with a white ash.

    When the grill is hot, reduce the heat to medium for standard beef franks and medium-low for beef franks with lower fat content.

    Pro Tip: Prepare a tray of your favorite hot dog toppings while the grill is heating up.
  • ROLL AROUND
  • Place your Hebrew National Beef Franks onto the grill perpendicular to the grates for the best grill marks possible. Using tongs, roll your beef hot dogs over and cook each side until the ends start to split.

    Grill your hot dogs within a time range of 5 to 7 minutes for standard beef franks, 7 to 10 minutes for jumbo franks, and 15 minutes for quarter-pound franks.
  • TOAST YOUR BUNS
  • Two to three minutes before your beef franks are fully heated, use a pastry brush to spread melted butter onto your hot dog bun. Place your bun face down on the grill, over indirect heat, perpendicular to the grill grates, and toast for one minute.

    Be sure to remove the bun as soon as your minute is up. Leaving the bun on the grill for too long will dry out the bread.

    Pro Tip: Elevate the flavor of your hot dog bun by using melted garlic butter.
  • FIX ’EM UP
  • Place your perfectly grilled beef frank in its bun, and dress up your dog with your favorite tasty toppings. You can't go wrong with Hunt’s 100% Natural Ketchup, classic yellow mustard, tangy relish, or freshly chopped onions. Now, you’re ready to enjoy a 100% beef frank.

    Happy grilling!