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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes

    Hot Dog Burnt Ends

    Published: May 4, 2022 · Modified: Jun 18, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 6 Comments

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    Hot dog burnt ends, also called poor man's burnt ends, are cooked low and slow with a dry rub and barbecue sauce to create a crispy caramelized hot dog treat.

    I love hot dogs and hot dog appetizers. I've made them in all kinds of ways. One of my favorites is to cook them up on the grill like this to create a sweet, crispy, caramelized appetizer treat.

    Poor Man's Burnt Ends

    This was inspired by my other smoked hot dogs recipe on this site and pairs well with this amazing smoked BBQ beans recipe.

    Ingredients

    You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. You'll find them all easily at your local grocery store.

    Overhead photo of ingredients for Hot Dog Burnt Ends on a marble surface.

    For the Hot Dogs

    • Hot dogs
    • Mustard
    • Sweet rub (listed below)
    • Brown sugar
    • Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce
    • Butter cut into pieces

    For the Sweet Rub

    • Brown sugar
    • Salt
    • Smoked paprika
    • Onion powder
    • Garlic powder
    • Black pepper
    • Dry mustard
    • Cayenne pepper

    See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change these poor man's burnt ends.

    • Any hot dog brand - You can use any brand of your favorite hot dog.
    • Your favorite BBQ sauce - Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe.
    • Spicy - Add red pepper flakes to the dry rub for a kick of heat.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy these smoked brats or these Baked Chili Dogs!

    Instructions

    It only takes a few simple steps to make these tasty hot dog treats.

    Overhead photo of a resealable bag containing hotdogs and mustard. The resealable bag is open and standing upright. Ingredients in white bowls surrounding the bag.
    Overhead photo of a resealable bag containing hotdogs and mustard. The bag is sealed and lying down. The bag needs to be sealed and shaken to allow each hotdog to be coated with mustard.

    Combine the sweet rub ingredients together and stir well. Place the hot dogs and mustard in a large resealable bag and shake until completely coated. (You can add the dry rub at this point if you prefer).

    Overhead photo of hot dogs cut in half and placed on a sheet of aluminum over a metal pan with brown sugar, barbecue sauce and cut butter. The hot dogs need to be coated well with barbecue sauce and brown sugar. Cut the butter into pieces and place on the hot dogs.

    Place the hot dogs on a high rack on the grill and smoke for an hour. Remove the hot dogs from the grill and cut them into halves or thirds. Then, add them to a disposable 9x13 metal pan along with the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and the rub if you didn't add it earlier. Toss well to coat and top with the butter pieces.

    Closeup photo of hotdogs in a metal pan. The hot dogs are coated with barbecue sauce and brown sugar. The pan is being placed into a grill. The temperature needs to be 350°, cook for 20-30 minutes. The hot dogs should be caramelized.
    Overhead photo of hot dogs crispy and caramelized on a sheet of aluminum foil and metal pan. The Hot Dog Burnt Ends are ready.

    Place the pan in the grill and turn up the heat to 350 degrees. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes until the hot dogs are caramelized. Plate and serve.

    Hint:

    Remove the hot dogs from the pan when they are done. As they cool they might stick together and become hard to remove from the pan.

    Closeup photo of Hot Dog Burnt Ends in a white bowl next to a small bowl of barbecue sauce.

    Storage

    These can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

    To Reheat simply place them in a baking dish and cover the dish with foil. Then, cook for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees until heated through.

    Tips

    I have a couple of simple tips here that will help you make these little bites the best that they can possibly be. These are simple, but they're also important.

    • Be sure your grill gates are clean to avoid sticking and a change in flavor to the hot dogs.
    • You adjust your cooking time based on how well done you want your hot dogs. Cook them longer if you like them super well done, or cook them less if you prefer them less burnt.
    • Make a double batch of the rub and store in a resealable bag or good spice jar for use any time you want to BBQ.
    • Make a double batch of the hot dog burnt ends. They will be gone fast.
    • For easy clean up, use a disposable tinfoil pan, or line a pan with tinfoil.
    • Remove the hot dogs from the pan when they are done. As they cool they might stick together and become hard to remove from the pan.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about hot dog burnt ends? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about poor man's burnt ends.

    Why are they called poor man's burnt ends?

    Because hot dogs are used in place of beef brisket point but with the same flavors and spices as traditional burnt ends.

    Do these really taste like burnt ends?

    Obviously, they don't taste exactly like true burnt ends, but they're pretty darn close.

    Can these hot dog burnt ends be cooked in the oven?

    Yes they can. Simply preheat oven to 375 degrees and prepare your pan with foil coated with cooking spray. Add mustard coated sliced hot dogs to pan in a single layer and bake for 30-35 minutes, adjusting at 15 minute mark. Hot dogs will start to brown and you can smell them cooking. Set oven to 400F. Add the spices, brown sugar and BBQ sauce.  Mix well to coat. Keep wieners in a single layer. Dot with butter cubes (¼ c). Bake 15-20 mins or to desired blackness, turning/stirring one to two times for a more even bake. Remove from oven and place in a bowl. Hot dogs will sizzle when almost done. Start watching at this point to remove when cooked to your liking.

    Closeup photo of a Hot Dog held by a toothpick over a bowl of more Hot Dog Burnt Ends.

    More Hot Dog Recipes

    Do you like hot dogs? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Air Fryer Mummy Dogs with Bloodshot Eye Dip.
      Air Fryer Mummy Dogs with Bloodshot Eye Dip
    • Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
    • Baked chili cheese dogs on a baking tray.
      Easy Baked Chili Dogs
    • A portion of hot dog casserole with tater tots on a plate and the casserole dish in the background.
      Hot Dog Casserole with Tater Tots

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    A bowl of Hot Dog Burnt Ends one skewered on a toothpick next to a small dish of sauce.

    Hot Dog Burnt Ends

    Karin and Ken
    These hot dog burnt ends, also called poor man's burnt ends, are crispy and caramelized on the outside and juicy on the inside.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time, divided 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 86 kcal

    Equipment

    • grill or barbecue
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • large resealable bag
    • mixing bowl
    • whisk
    • cutting board
    • Sharp knife
    • large foil pan or equivalent

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 pkg (8 count) beef hot dogs
    • ¼ cup mustard
    • ¼ cup sweet rub recipe below
    • ½ cup brown sugar packed
    • ½ cup BBQ Sauce
    • ¼ cup butter cut into pieces

    Sweet Rub

    • ¼ cup brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the grill to 250°.
    • Place the hot dogs in a large resealable bag and pour in the mustard.
    • Close the bag and shake till completely coated. (You can coat with the dry rub at this point if you want but I never do.)
    • Place the hot dogs on a high rack. Smoke/grill for 1 hour.
    • Combine the sweet rub ingredients together and stir well.
    • Remove the hot dogs and cut in half or thirds.
    • Use a 9x13-inch disposable metal pan or line a pan with tinfoil. Pour the bbq sauce, brown sugar and the rub over the hot dogs and toss well to combine and coat. Cut the butter into pieces and place on the hot dogs.
    • Place the pan back on the grill and turn it up to 350°. Cook for 20-30 minutes. The hot dogs should be caramelized.
    • Remove the hot dogs. Place on a plate or platter to serve.

    Notes

    Tips:
    Make a double batch of the rub and store in a resealable bag or good spice jar for use any time you want to BBQ.
    Make a double batch of the hot dog burnt ends. They will be gone fast.
    For easy clean up, use a disposable tinfoil pan, or line a pan with tinfoil.
    Remove the hot dogs from the pan when they are done. As they cool they might stick together and become hard to remove from the pan.
    Storage:
    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    Oven Directions:
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Use 2nd rack from the bottom. Prepare your pan with foil coated with cooking spray. Add mustard coated sliced hot dogs to pan in a single layer and bake for 30-35 minutes, adjusting at 15 minute mark. Hot dogs will start to brown and you can smell them cooking.  Set oven to 400F. 
    Add the spices, brown sugar and BBQ sauce.  Mix well to coat.
    Keep wieners in a single layer. Dot with butter cubes (¼ c). Bake 30-60 mins or to desired blackness, turning/stirring every 10-15 minutes for a more even bake. Remove from oven and place in a bowl. Hot dogs will sizzle when almost done. Start watching at this point to remove when cooked to your liking.
    NOTE:  if left on the foil they will stick.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 86kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 774mgPotassium: 91mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 362IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword hot dog burnt ends, poor mans burnt ends
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Comments

    1. Jan says

      December 04, 2024 at 10:00 pm

      5 stars
      I wonder if you could do this with meatballs?
      It sounds so good!!! I look forward to trying this recipe.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        December 05, 2024 at 8:24 am

        They’re so addictive and definitely delicious. I am excited for you to try them and can’t wait to hear what you think. Meatballs sound delicious. I’m going to try that in my oven and see what happens. I bet they’re delicious too. Thank you for the idea. I’m excited to try it. Take care and all the best. Karin

    2. Joyce G says

      December 25, 2023 at 11:54 am

      5 stars
      These were a HUGE hit at our little Christmas gathering. I used Nathan's hot dogs. I don't have smoker, but set my grill to 250 degrees for 1 hour but they really could have used maybe 15-20 minutes more I think maybe cause I don't have a 'real' smoker. (Next time I'll adjust.) Mixed everything together in a disposable pan and back on the grill at 350 degrees. I started running short on time and they seemed like they needed a bit longer so I took them off the grill and put them in the oven (middle rack) on broil. I kept a close eye on them and could see them come to life! I scooped them out of the pan and put them in a warm crock pot with some of the juices. It took us 15 minutes to get to our destination. We plugged the crock pot in and look out!!!!! YUM YUM mayhem was the scene! Thank you for posting!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        December 25, 2023 at 12:14 pm

        I can’t get enough of them myself. So glad to hear they were enjoyed! You made my day. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. All the best. Karin

    3. Shelly says

      June 24, 2023 at 2:01 am

      Oven alternative?

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        June 24, 2023 at 11:46 am

        These taste better on a grill/smoker but I have to tell you they’re absolutely wonderful made inside the oven too. We just made them and they’re almost all gone. I followed recipe exactly but cooked both jumbo and regular beef hot dogs at 300 degrees for first hour. Then turned the oven up to 400 degrees and finished cooking for about 20 minutes. Baste or adjust at least once and watch hot dogs so they don’t burn too much. For what it’s worth the black ones disappeared first. My husband and son lol Mine were ready at 15 minutes. Please let me know what you think after you try them. I would love to hear. All the best. Karin

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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