Hot Dog Burnt Ends are smoky, sweet BBQ sausage chunks, perfectly charred and caramelized. Learn how to make burnt ends in the oven with this budget-friendly recipe. They make an irresistible party appetizer for game nights!
For another delicious hot dog recipe, try my Korean Corn Dog recipe next!
Hot Dog Burnt Ends
These hot dog burnt ends are a cheap way to feed a crowd without sacrificing flavor. Each sliced and seasoned morsel comes out of the oven (or smoker, if you’re feeling fancy) burnt just right, with a delicious mix of sweet and smoky flavors.
They’re hands-down the perfect party food, especially for game day when you need something easy but impressive. Plus, they’re great for dipping into your favorite BBQ sauce! Trust me, this recipe is an affordable, crowd-pleasing hit that everyone will be reaching for.
What are burnt ends?
Burnt ends come from the point end of a smoked brisket, which cooks low and slow until tender. After smoking, cube the brisket, coat it with BBQ sauce, and return it to the smoker to achieve crispy, caramelized edges. Typically seasoned with a dry rub and finished with a sweet, tangy sauce, they’re a perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
What kind of meat is burnt ends?
While the traditional meat for burnt ends is smoked brisket point, you can easily use other cuts. Try hot dogs, pork belly, or chuck roast (often called Poor Man’s Burnt Ends). It's a versatile method that works with various meats so it's perfect for anyone looking to try something new.
Why are Hot Dog Burnt Ends so popular?
This recipe for hot dog burnt ends is a fun, creative twist on the classic. It offers the same smoky, sweet, and charred goodness of the traditional recipe, in a more affordable and approachable way.
Ingredients
- Beef hot dogs: These are the base of the recipe, and they’re perfect because they’re affordable, juicy, and easy to work with. Once caramelized, they take on a deliciously smoky flavor.
- Yellow mustard: The mustard acts as a binder, helping the BBQ rub stick to the hot dogs. Plus, it adds a nice tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- BBQ rub: You can use any BBQ seasoning you like here, which is great for customizing the flavor. It gives the hot dogs a smoky, savory kick that’s essential for that BBQ taste.
- Butter: The butter melts into the hot dogs, making them extra rich and indulgent. It also helps the brown sugar caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Brown sugar: This adds the perfect touch of sweetness and helps to create that sticky, caramelized coating. It balances the smoky and savory flavors perfectly.
- BBQ sauce: A good BBQ sauce ties everything together, adding that smoky-sweet finish. It also keeps the hot dogs juicy while they crisp up in the oven.
How to Make Hot Dog Burnt Ends
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Preheat your oven to 400ºF, and give your baking dish a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray.
I like to spread yellow mustard all over the hot dogs, using either a basting brush or just my hands. Make sure you coat every inch!
Then, sprinkle on your favorite BBQ seasoning to completely cover the hot dogs. Place them in the baking dish, cover with foil, and pop them in the oven for about 30 minutes.
After that, flip them over and let them bake for another 30 minutes. Once they’re done, take them out and slice the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces.
Now, add the butter, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce over the top. Spread it evenly so every piece gets coated.
Put the dish back in the oven, uncovered this time, and cook for another 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so. You’ll know they’re ready when the butter and sugar have caramelized, and the hot dog burnt ends are beautifully browned.
Pull them out, grab some toothpicks, and enjoy your BBQ burnt ends!
Pro Tips
- Make sure to coat the hot dogs evenly with mustard and BBQ rub for maximum flavor in every bite.
- For best results, flip the hot dogs halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Stir the hot dog pieces every 10 minutes during the final bake to prevent burning and help the sauce caramelize evenly.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the sweetness or heat levels based on your preference.
- If you want an extra smoky flavor, try making these in a smoker instead of the oven for a more authentic BBQ taste.
Storage
Store burnt end hot dogs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for about 3 minutes at 350°F.
What to Serve with Hot Dog Burnt Ends
You can stick a toothpick in these sausage burnt ends and dip them into sauces like mustard or BBQ sauce. Make them into sliders by placing a few in a sliced Hawaiian roll. You can also serve them alongside delicious BBQ sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, potato salad, or coleslaw.
Try serving it alongside this Grilled Brie too, it is a crowd-pleaser every single time we make it!
Tools for This Recipe
- Baking dish - Used to hold the hot dogs during baking and to mix the ingredients for caramelizing.
- Basting brush (or hands) - To evenly coat the hot dogs with mustard.
- Foil - Used to cover the baking dish, trapping moisture during the first bake.
- Sharp knife - For cutting the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces after the initial bake.
- Non-stick cooking spray - To prevent the hot dogs from sticking to the baking dish during cooking.
- Spoon - For stirring the hot dog pieces during the final bake to ensure even caramelization.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of beef hot dogs?
Can I make this in a smoker instead of the oven?
Absolutely! A smoker will give the hot dogs an even deeper smoky flavor. Just follow the same steps but cook at a low temperature, around 225ºF, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I know when the hot dog burnt ends are done?
Look for the sauce to caramelize, the hot dog pieces to brown around the edges, and the dish to develop a sticky, glossy coating. Stirring during the final bake also helps to monitor their progress.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Beef hot dogs
- ¼ cup Mustard yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons BBQ rub any bbq seasoning will work
- 4 tablespoons Butter unsalted cut into slats
- ¼ cup Brown sugar packed
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Now spread the yellow mustard all over the hot dogs using a basting brush or your hands. Be sure to coat every surface of the hot dogs.
- Next, sprinkle the barbecue seasoning all over the hot dogs. Place the seasoned hot dogs into the baking dish and cover the dish with foil and place them in the oven.
- Cook them for about 30 minutes, take them out and flip them over, then place them back in the oven and cook them for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the hot dogs from the oven and cut them up into about 1 inch pieces and place them back into the baking dish. Add the butter, brown sugar, and bbq sauce over the cut up hot dogs. Try to spread it out as evenly as possible to try to cover every piece.
- Now place the baking dish back in the oven, uncovered, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. Be sure to stir every 10 minutes. The butter and sugar will caramelize and brown, coating the hot dog burnt ends.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and serve with toothpicks, and enjoy!
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