Gourmet BLT Hot Dogs Recipe

Sizzling Gourmet BLT Hot Dogs Recipe: A Tasty Summer Twist

Sizzling summer barbecues demand a twist on classic blt hot dogs that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

Juicy hot dogs dressed with crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato create a mouthwatering fusion of comfort and gourmet flavors.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple meal into something extraordinary.

Crisp bacon adds a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the tender hot dog.

Ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce bring a burst of freshness to every bite.

Weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts will never be the same with this delectable twist on a beloved classic.

How to Assemble a Perfect BLT Hot Dog

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for some serious hot dog magic.

Step 2: Wrap and Sauce the Dogs

  • Hot dogs
  • Bacon strips
  • BBQ sauce

Lovingly wrap each hot dog in a crispy bacon blanket, securing the ends with toothpicks.

Generously brush the bacon-wrapped dogs with tangy BBQ sauce.

Grill these beauties for about 20 minutes, ensuring the bacon becomes perfectly crisp and golden.

Step 3: Assemble the Gourmet Masterpiece

  • Hot dog buns
  • Lettuce
  • BBQ sauce
  • Tomatoes
  • Ranch dressing

Quickly warm the buns on the grill or in the microwave to make them soft and pliable.

Create a fresh lettuce bed at the bottom of each bun.

Nestle the sizzling bacon-wrapped hot dog right in the center.

Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for extra flavor punch.

Sprinkle diced tomatoes over the top and finish with a creamy ranch dressing cascade.

Pro Tips for a Gourmet BLT Dog

  • Wrap bacon tightly around hot dogs, securing ends with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during grilling and ensure even cooking.
  • Brush BBQ sauce before and after grilling to enhance flavor and create a delicious caramelized exterior on the bacon-wrapped hot dogs.
  • Warm buns briefly on the grill or in the microwave to soften and prevent tearing when assembling the hot dogs.
  • Start with chopped lettuce as a base, place bacon-wrapped hot dog in center, then top with diced tomatoes and ranch drizzle for maximum texture and taste.
  • Maintain consistent 350°F heat to cook bacon thoroughly without burning, ensuring crispy and perfectly cooked hot dogs.

BLT Hot Dog – Creative Variations and Swaps

  • Vegetarian Hot Dog Delight: Replace hot dogs with plant-based sausages, swap bacon for grilled portobello mushroom strips, and use vegan BBQ sauce for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Swap ranch sauce for chipotle mayo, add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese, use spicy BBQ sauce for extra kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hot dog buns, ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free, and replace traditional hot dogs with nitrate-free, gluten-free sausages.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Style: Skip the bun entirely, wrap hot dogs in large lettuce leaves, maintain bacon and original toppings for a carb-conscious meal.

Best Ways to Serve BLT Hot Dogs

  • Picnic Paradise: Serve these loaded hot dogs on a checkered picnic blanket for a classic summer gathering vibe.
  • Backyard BBQ Bash: Pair with crispy potato chips, cold beer, and fresh corn on the cob for a complete grilling experience.
  • Game Day Glory: Arrange on a large platter with extra toppings on the side, letting guests customize their own gourmet hot dogs during sports events or casual parties.
  • Unexpected Twist: Create a build-your-own station with various sauces, chopped herbs, and extra crispy bacon bits to let everyone personalize their hot dog creation.

Storage Guide for BLT Hot Dogs

  • Store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate bacon-wrapped hot dogs and buns to prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap individual hot dogs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. They'll stay fresh for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Place hot dog on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap hot dogs in foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated evenly, ensuring bacon stays crispy.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various bacon types like thick-cut, maple, or peppered bacon to add different flavor profiles to your hot dogs.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

You can cook the bacon-wrapped hot dogs in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven at 375°F, ensuring the bacon gets crispy and fully cooked.

  • Is BBQ sauce the only sauce option?

No, you can experiment with other sauces like honey mustard, spicy sriracha, or even a homemade sauce to customize the flavor of your hot dogs.

  • Can I make these hot dogs ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can pre-wrap the hot dogs in bacon and store them in the refrigerator, cooking them just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

Why Everyone Loves Gourmet BLT Hot Dogs

  • Elevate Backyard Classics: Transform the traditional hot dog into a gourmet experience with crispy bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and fresh toppings that take your summer grilling to the next level.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, cookouts, and family weekends, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation effort and ingredients everyone loves.
  • Customize Your Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by switching up BBQ sauce flavors, trying different ranch dressings, or adding extra toppings to match personal taste preferences and make each hot dog unique.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic grilling techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels who want to impress without complicated methods.

Ingredients for Gourmet BLT Hot Dogs

Main Protein:
  • Hot Dogs: Classic American sausages that serve as the base of this gourmet recipe.
  • Bacon: Savory meat that wraps and adds rich flavor to the hot dogs.
Condiments and Sauces:
  • BBQ Sauce, Ranch Sauce: Tangy and creamy sauces that enhance the overall taste and provide moisture to the hot dog.
Fresh Toppings:
  • Lettuce, Tomatoes: Crisp vegetables that add freshness, texture, and a light contrast to the rich meats.
  • Hot Dog Buns: Soft bread that holds all the ingredients together and provides a classic hot dog experience.
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Gourmet BLT Hot Dogs Recipe

Gourmet BLT Hot Dogs Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Elevated backyard barbecues find new excitement with these gourmet BLT hot dogs, blending classic sandwich flavors into a sizzling grilled favorite. Crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce crown premium frankfurters, creating a mouthwatering twist on summer’s most cherished comfort meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 beef hot dogs
  • 4 slices thick cut bacon

Vegetables and Garnish:

  • 1 head lettuce, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, finely diced

Sauces and Condiments:

  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ranch sauce
  • 4 hot dog buns

Instructions

  1. Ignite the grill to a moderate temperature of 350 degrees fahrenheit, preparing for a sizzling culinary experience.
  2. Meticulously encase each hot dog with a crispy bacon wrap, securing the ends using toothpicks to maintain the perfect bundle.
  3. Generously coat the bacon-wrapped hot dogs with tangy barbecue sauce, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Grill the dressed hot dogs for approximately 20 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve uniform crispiness and guarantee the bacon reaches complete doneness.
  5. While grilling, lightly toast the hot dog buns on the grill or in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance their texture and prevent splitting.
  6. Layer the bottom of each bun with a fresh bed of crisp, chopped lettuce to create a vibrant foundation.
  7. Carefully nestle the sizzling bacon-wrapped hot dog into the lettuce-lined bun, positioning it as the centerpiece of this gourmet creation.
  8. Drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the hot dog for an extra burst of smoky flavor.
  9. Sprinkle diced tomatoes across the top, adding a bright, fresh element to the dish.
  10. Finish by elegantly drizzling ranch sauce, completing this elevated twist on a classic hot dog.

Notes

  • Choose thin-cut bacon for even cooking and crispy texture around the hot dog, ensuring it wraps smoothly without excessive bulk.
  • Remove toothpicks before serving to prevent accidentally biting into them and potential choking hazards.
  • Apply sauce midway through grilling to prevent burning and allow for caramelization without charring the bacon.
  • Replace traditional hot dog buns with lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly version that maintains the delicious flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate intake.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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