Bacon wrapped hot dogs are the kind of summer dinner that stops everyone in their tracks the moment they hit the grill. The smoky bacon crisps up around each juicy hot dog, and when you pile on sauteed onions, peppers, and jalapeno, it becomes something truly special. I first had these at a late-night street cart after a concert, and I have been making them at home ever since.
There is something about the sizzle of bacon on a hot grill that just smells like summer. These bacon wrapped hot dogs come together fast, need just a handful of ingredients, and feed the whole family without any fuss. The sweet peppers and spicy jalapeno topping takes them way beyond your average cookout dog. Fire up that grill!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
I always keep these ingredients on hand during grilling season because they are simple, affordable, and come together in under 25 minutes. I recommend using thick-cut bacon here since it wraps snugly and holds up beautifully on the grill without burning too fast.
- 6 hot dogs (I usually go with a good quality all-beef brand for the best flavor)
- 6 slices bacon, regular or thick-cut — I recommend thick-cut for best results
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon ends)
- 6 hot dog buns
- Butter or mayonnaise (for grilling the buns) — my preference is mayo for a golden, crispy finish
- Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise for serving
For the Onion and Pepper Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 green pepper, sliced into bite-size strips
- 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (membrane and seeds removed for less heat) — in my experience, leaving a few seeds in gives a nice kick without overpowering
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend reading through all the steps before you start since the topping and hot dogs cook at the same time. Good timing here makes everything land on the plate hot and fresh.
Step 1: Heat your grill to low heat. Low and slow is key here so the bacon has time to cook through and crisp up without burning before the hot dog is warmed.
Step 2: Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each hot dog in a spiral. Secure both ends with a toothpick, pushing them in as far as possible so they do not burn on the grill.
Step 3: Place the bacon wrapped hot dogs on the grill over low heat. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes so all sides of the bacon get evenly golden and crispy. Watch for flare-ups from the bacon drippings and move them if needed.
Step 4: While the hot dogs cook, start the topping. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, green pepper, and jalapeno. Saute for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: When the hot dogs are nearly done, spread your buns with butter or mayonnaise. Place them cut-side down on the grill for 1 to 3 minutes until they have nice golden grill marks. Keep a close eye so they do not burn.
Step 6: Remove toothpicks before serving. Top each bacon wrapped hot dog with the onion and pepper mixture, then add your favorite condiments and serve immediately.
Best Sides to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
The best sides for bacon wrapped hot dogs are ones that balance the smoky, savory flavors with something fresh, crunchy, or lightly sweet. Here are some crowd-pleasing options:
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of these fries pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon and spicy jalapeno topping. They are easy to make in the oven while your grill is going.
Turkish Potato Salad: A cool, tangy potato salad is one of the best sides for bacon wrapped hot dogs at any backyard cookout. It balances the richness of the bacon beautifully.
Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted veggies add color and nutrition to the plate without any extra effort, making this a well-rounded summer dinner.
Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks: Pull-apart cheesy breadsticks are always a hit at family gatherings and pair well with the savory, smoky flavors of these grilled dogs.
Easy Vegetable Soup: On a cooler evening, a light vegetable soup served alongside makes this a surprisingly comforting and complete dinner for the whole family.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: Double down on the bacon theme with a creamy pasta salad that doubles as a hearty side dish. It travels well for picnics and potlucks too.
How to Store and Reheat Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Store any leftover bacon wrapped hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the onion and pepper topping separately so it does not make the buns soggy.
To reheat, pop them in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until the bacon crisps back up. You can also use an air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 3 minutes for the best crispy results. Pro tip: skip the microwave if you want to keep the bacon texture intact.
These also work great sliced up and served over rice or tucked into a wrap the next day. The flavors get even better overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bacon wrapped hot dogs in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes. Bake them on a wire rack set over a sheet pan at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through. The bacon will crisp up nicely without a grill.
What type of bacon works best for wrapping hot dogs?
Regular sliced bacon works well for standard-size hot dogs. For larger or jumbo hot dogs, thick-cut bacon is a better fit since it covers more surface and crisps up without falling apart.
How do I keep the bacon from falling off during grilling?
Secure both ends of each bacon strip firmly with toothpicks and push them in as deep as possible. Grilling on low heat also helps the bacon bond to the hot dog as it slowly renders and crisps rather than cooking too fast and pulling away.
Conclusion
Bacon wrapped hot dogs are one of those simple recipes that always gets a big reaction with very little effort. Whether you are hosting a backyard cookout or just want to upgrade a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers serious flavor every single time. Grab your tongs, fire up the grill, and give these a try tonight. Your family is going to love them!
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs (Grilled)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat your grill to low heat.
- Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each hot dog in a spiral. Secure both ends with toothpicks pushed in as far as possible.
- Grill the bacon wrapped hot dogs on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes until the bacon is evenly crispy and golden on all sides.
- While the hot dogs cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion, green pepper, and jalapeno. Saute for 6 to 8 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- When hot dogs are nearly done, spread buns with butter or mayonnaise and place cut-side down on the grill for 1 to 3 minutes until golden with grill marks.
- Remove toothpicks. Top each hot dog with the onion and pepper mixture and your preferred condiments. Serve immediately.
