A grilled hot dog in a bun.
By ANNIE EPSTEIN
You Should Start Seasoning Hot Dogs Before Grilling

A hot dog is a blank canvas for toppings. If you try flavoring your franks before grilling them, they'll end up so tasty that you won't want to drown them in condiments at all.

Before grilling, take the time to rub them with herbs and spices from your pantry. Salad dressing helps your add-ons stick to the meat and acts similarly to a marinade.

Garlic powder, paprika, and coriander are excellent starting points for pre-grill seasoning. Spicy chili powder, celery salt, and nutmeg or cinnamon also perk up the cookout dish.

Copy barbecue experts and grab a dry rub for your dogs. These blends have a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that pair deliciously with franks.

Try splitting each wiener in half lengthwise, or spiralize them, which allows the aromatics to penetrate past the hot dog's skin, creating more flavor throughout.