Traeger Smoked Hot Dogs
These Traeger smoked hot dogs are scored for maximum smoke flavor, smoked low and slow, and tucked into buttery toasted buns. Crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle—this is how you make a hot dog worth remembering.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 305kcal
Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 4 hot dog buns
- 3 tablespoons butter (softened, for toasting buns)
- ⅛ cup BBQ sauce (optional, for brushing)
- Optional Toppings: BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, diced onions, candied jalapenos, shredded cheese, smashburger sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger smoker to 225°F with the lid closed. It will take about 15 minutes for it to reach temperature.
- Score each hot dog in a shallow crosshatch pattern (about ⅛-inch deep) using a small, sharp knife.
- Smoke the hot dogs: Place them at the front of the grill grates, angled slightly. Close the lid and smoke.
- Every 10 minutes, open the smoker and give each hot dog a quarter turn. If using BBQ sauce, brush the hot dogs with it during the last 20 minutes of smoking. Continue the rotation process for a total smoke time of about 1 hour.
- With 10 minutes of smoke time remaining, prepare your buns. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the inside of each bun. Place the buttered buns directly on the grill grates, buttered side down. Toast until golden and warm, about 5-10 minutes.
- Assemble and serve: Remove the smoked hot dogs and buns. Add toppings of your choice and serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Use a timer for the 10-minute rotations.
- Want them crispier? Crank the temperature to 350°F for the last 5 minutes of smoking.
- Best wood pellets: Apple, cherry, or hickory are perfect for hot dogs.
- BBQ sauce option: Brushing with BBQ sauce during the last 20 minutes adds a sweet, sticky glaze.
- Hot dog burnt ends variation: After smoking, slice the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces, toss in BBQ sauce, and return to the smoker at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until caramelized.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or briefly on the grill.
Nutrition
Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 263IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 3mg
