I know that “fancy hot dogs” sounds like an oxymoron, but I’m simple and don’t know what else to call them.  I’m just cutting shapes into the hot dog, but when you grill them after doing so, it creates magical little crevices to hold barbecue sauce.  Plus, I think they taste better.  I continually get compliments on these and they add a whole new dimension of fun to an old American classic!

I usually cut one side, then flip them over and do the other.  If you want, you can prep these ahead of time and slide them back into the package until you’re ready to grill.

I like to cut a criss-cross pattern on both sides. You can also cut a spiral all the way around or single slashes too.   I tried showing a variety of styles and shapes so you can get some inspiration.  You can cut whatever you wan into them though.  Use your imagination!  The main thing to remember here is not to cut too deep.  You only have to cut about 1/8 inch or so to get good pattern marks.  If you cut them too deep, they’ll split and fall apart.  Nobody wants that.

Toss them on the grill and leave them until they are plump and starting to brown.  I brush on barbecue sauce at the end to finish them off.  You don’t want to add the barbecue sauce until the end or it will burn or run off.  The grooves help with this a lot though.  Try making fancy hot dogs at your next barbecue and see the reactions from all your guests!  Connect with us on Facebook and let me know which pattern tastes the best!  I’d also like to see if you have any unique or cool looking patterns I haven’t seen before.  Now get to grilling!