Today we’re going to learn how to make Hot Dog Burnt Ends, a creative take on traditional BBQ burnt ends. Using hot dogs, BBQ sauce, and your favorite rub, this dish is straightforward to prepare and requires minimal prep or fuss. It serves as an excellent snack for game days, casual gatherings, or when you’re looking for a quick and delicious dish to satisfy your cravings. Follow simple steps to achieve a smoky, flavorful result that pairs well with various sides. Don’t miss out on this unique way to enjoy hot dogs and Little Smokies!

Hot Dog Burnt Ends

This recipe guide shows you how to make Hot Dog Burnt Ends using Little Smokies. A twist on the classic BBQ burnt ends, this dish is easy to prepare, and it’s perfect for those who want a quick yet delicious snack.

Why make Hot Dog Burnt Ends? They’re an ideal choice for whatever party or holiday that’s coming up. Whether it’s a game day, a casual get-together, a holiday, or a spontaneous craving, these burnt ends have you covered. It’s a fun way to enjoy Little Smokies and appeals to both kids and adults.

No need for lengthy preparations or special cooking skills when it comes to Hot Dog Burnt Ends. The cooking time is almost all hands-off, and the end result is so worth it!

In addition to their simplicity, Hot Dog Burnt Ends deliver big time in the flavor department. The combination of rubbed, smoked mini sausages and tangy BBQ sauce creates a unique taste. Pair them with coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad, and you have a complete, satisfying meal.

Why you’ll love this dish…

SO MUCH more flavor than regular BBQ Smokies!
Customizable! Use your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own! Same with the rub!
Simple to prepare. Comes together in a couple hours of mostly hands-off work.

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Traeger Hot Dog Burnt Ends shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Little Smokies
Yellow mustard
Honey Hog BBQ Rub
BBQ Sauce
Dark brown sugar
Salted butter

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How to make Smoked Hot Dog Burnt Ends

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Preheat

Get the smoker preheated to 200°F.

Prep

Toss the Little Smokies in mustard and then coat with the BBQ rub.

Smoke

Place the prepped Smokies on parchment paper on the grill. Smoke them for an hour.

Sauce

Take the smoked sausages off the grill and place into a grill-safe container. Sprinkle with brown sugar, pour over the BBQ sauce, and top with pats of butter.

Grill

Put the pan into the grill and turn the grill up to 350°F. Let the hot dogs simmer in the sauce for about 30-45 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly and tightened up. Give the pan a good shake every 10 minutes or so.

Enjoy

Let cool for 10 minutes and then serve hot! Perfect appetizers for a holiday or party!

Make my Whiskey Coke BBQ Sauce for this!

Hot Dog Burnt Ends FAQ

Can this dish be prepared in advance?

Yes! This is a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat right before serving. It is perfect to bring to a party or potluck, and a total crowd-pleaser. Just toss in a slow cooker to reheat or you can even toss it in the microwave.

Are there any suggested additions or substitutions?

Sure! Want to spice it up? Slice in some jalapenos and put them in with the BBQ sauce during the final cook. Like it less sweet? Use a keto-friendly BBQ sauce and skip the brown sugar coating. Or use a brown sugar substitute like Splenda. You can really make this recipe your own!

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

These keep really well in the fridge. If you have hungry teenagers around, they can grab some out and pop them in the microwave for a quick protein-heavy bite after school or before sports. They can also be reheated back on the stovetop or in a slow cooker as well.

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Serve this with…

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Yield: 10 servings

Hot Dog Burnt Ends

Name: Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 28 ounce package Little Smokies; 3 tablespoons yellow mustard; 1/4 cup Honey Hog BBQ Rub; 2 cups BBQ Sauce; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup salted butter

Forget your typical holiday BBQ Little Smokies, you'll never make them the old way again after you try whipping them into Hot Dog Burnt Ends!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

28 ounce package Little Smokies
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/4 cup Honey Hog BBQ Rub
2 cups BBQ Sauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup salted butter

Instructions

Preheat your smoker to 200°F.
Drain the Little Smokies and pat dry.
Toss with mustard to coat all of the hot dogs and then sprinkle with the BBQ Rub.
Lay out some parchment paper on the grill grates, and then lay the Smokies in a single layer onto the parchment paper.
Let smoke for 1 hour.
After an hour, remove from the smoker carefully and place into a grill-safe dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar, pour the BBQ sauce over the top, and then put pats of butter all over the top of the whole pile.
Turn the grill up to 350°F. Place the pan inside the grill and let cook for around 30 minutes, or until everything is melty and the sauce has reduced a bit. Every 10 minutes or so, give the pan a shake. Remove from the grill, let cool for 10 minutes or so, and then enjoy!

Hot Dog Burnt Ends