The Top Tip For Next-Level Grilled Hot Dogs On The 4th Of July

Every year on the Fourth of July, families and friends around the country gather to celebrate the nation's founding, and one of the most popular ways to do so is with a cookout. Among the many foods that can be served, the plump and juicy hot dog might be the most iconic, with more than 150 million of them eaten on the holiday in 2022 (via the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council).

As a fully cooked product, hot dogs can simply go on the grill straight out of the package, making them ready to eat in minutes. However, by going straight from the fridge to the grill, the longer time required to heat it through might render the outside over-charred and the inside dry. By simmering it in a flavorful liquid before grilling, you can elevate your hot dog to another level.

The most common liquid to simmer hot dogs in is beer (with other seasonings). Use any pan that can go on direct heat and put it right on the grill. Then, mix beer with your preferred seasoning to create a simmering liquid. Sabrett Onions in Sauce, pickled onions, and sauerkraut are all good choices. Add the hot dogs to the mixture, let them simmer, and they will be ready for the grill when heated through.

Another potential pitfall when grilling a hot dog has to do with preserving the juiciness of the skinless variety. Due to the fact that it has no casing to contain the juices, skinless hot dogs plump up during grilling only to shrink and shrivel when they are off the heat. To prevent this from happening, you can cut slashes on each side of the dog. When grilled, the hot dog then expands, opening the cuts to hasten grilling time, which gives it the desired char without drying out the sausage's exterior. 

By simmering beforehand, the hot dog only needs a short time on the grill to give it a delicious char while the inside remains plump and juicy. Enjoy it plain with mustard and ketchup, or try any of these 10 ways to dress up your hot dog to take it to another level. Nestled in a bun and dressed in your preferred kind of mustard and other condiments, it is a delicious way to celebrate Independence Day.