How to Cook Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs in the Oven: A Delicious & Foolproof Guide
Here’s the secret to perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped hot dogs in the oven: Simply wrap your hot dogs with bacon, secure with toothpicks, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through.
The Allure of Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Bacon-wrapped hot dogs represent the ultimate in savory indulgence. The salty, smoky bacon perfectly complements the classic hot dog flavor, creating a satisfying and craveable meal. Cooking them in the oven offers a relatively hands-off approach compared to grilling or pan-frying, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It also allows for more even cooking of both the bacon and the hot dog.
Why Bake Instead of Fry or Grill?
While pan-frying and grilling can also yield delicious results, baking offers several key advantages:
- Even Cooking: The oven provides consistent heat, ensuring that the bacon cooks evenly on all sides, preventing burnt spots.
- Less Mess: Baking eliminates the splatter associated with frying, making cleanup a breeze.
- Hands-Off Approach: Once assembled and placed in the oven, the hot dogs require minimal attention.
- Healthier (Potentially): The oven allows some of the bacon fat to render off, reducing the overall fat content.
The Essential Ingredients
You don’t need much to create this culinary masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hot Dogs: Choose your favorite variety – beef, pork, or even vegetarian.
- Bacon: Thin-sliced bacon works best for even cooking.
- Toothpicks: Crucial for securing the bacon and preventing it from unraveling.
- Optional Toppings: Ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, chili, cheese sauce – the possibilities are endless!
The Simple Steps to Bacon-Wrapped Perfection
Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking bacon-wrapped hot dogs:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Hot Dogs: Pat the hot dogs dry with paper towels. This will help the bacon adhere better.
- Wrap the Bacon: Wrap each hot dog with one or two slices of bacon, overlapping the edges slightly.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place, typically one at each end and one in the middle.
- Bake: Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Cook: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through.
- Cool Slightly: Let the hot dogs cool slightly before removing the toothpicks.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Extra Crispy Bacon
Achieving perfectly crispy bacon requires a few simple tricks:
- Use a Wire Rack: Elevating the hot dogs on a wire rack allows for better air circulation and more even cooking, resulting in crispier bacon.
- Pre-Cook the Bacon (Optional): For extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon in a skillet before wrapping the hot dogs. Just cook it for a couple minutes per side, until it starts to brown.
- Broil Briefly (Optional): In the last few minutes of cooking, you can broil the hot dogs for extra crispness. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon can take longer to cook than the hot dog, resulting in uneven cooking.
- Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Overcrowding the baking sheet can lower the oven temperature and prevent the bacon from crisping properly.
- Forgetting the Toothpicks: Toothpicks are essential for keeping the bacon in place.
- Not Lining the Baking Sheet: Bacon grease can be messy, so lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup much easier.
- Overbaking: Overbaking can result in dry hot dogs and burnt bacon. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per hot dog)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-400 |
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-15g |
| Cholesterol | 60-80mg |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
| Protein | 10-15g |
Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the type of hot dog and bacon used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, you can definitely use turkey bacon! Turkey bacon tends to cook a bit faster than pork bacon, so keep a closer eye on it during baking to prevent it from burning. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
What’s the best way to prevent the bacon from shrinking too much?
Using high-quality bacon often helps minimize shrinkage. Also, patting the hot dogs dry and ensuring a tight wrap will keep the bacon snugly in place as it cooks.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped hot dogs a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. Add a few minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the fridge.
What are some good topping combinations?
The sky’s the limit! Try classic combinations like ketchup and mustard, or get creative with chili and cheese, caramelized onions, or even pineapple salsa. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
How do I know when the hot dogs are fully cooked?
The hot dogs are fully cooked when they are heated all the way through and the bacon is crispy. Internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is recommended for safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I add cheese?
Yes! You can add cheese in a few different ways. You can shred cheese over the top of the hot dogs during the last few minutes of baking, or you can stuff cheese inside the hot dog before wrapping it with bacon. A cheesy hot dog is always a good idea.
How long do these last in the refrigerator?
Cooked bacon-wrapped hot dogs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before eating.
Can I freeze bacon-wrapped hot dogs?
While possible, freezing can impact the texture of the bacon. However, if you need to, wrap each cooked hot dog individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Consume within 1-2 months for best quality.
What kind of hot dogs work best?
Choose your favorite! Beef, pork, chicken, or even vegetarian hot dogs all work well. Consider the size of the hot dog when wrapping it in bacon, as larger hot dogs may require more bacon.
Can I use a different type of bacon?
Yes, you can! While thin-sliced bacon is generally recommended, you can experiment with different flavors like maple, peppered, or even jalapeno bacon. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different types of bacon may cook at different rates.
Do I need to poke holes in the hot dogs before wrapping?
No, you don’t need to poke holes in the hot dogs. The bacon will help to keep them moist and juicy. Poking holes can actually cause them to dry out.
What if the bacon isn’t getting crispy enough?
If the bacon isn’t getting crispy enough, you can try increasing the oven temperature slightly or broiling the hot dogs for a minute or two at the end of cooking. Be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning! You can also ensure the hot dogs are elevated on a wire rack, promoting better air circulation.