Our easy recipe for Pellet Grill Slot Dogs are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic grilled hot dog. We use a special tool to score the surface for extra texture and crispy edges. Cooked on a pellet smoker, they take on a subtle smoky flavor that makes these my very favorite hot dog.
Pellet Grill Slot Dog
When I first saw the Slot Dog, I thought it was one of those weird things that take off on TikTok but didn’t actually add anything to the end result.
Boy, was I wrong.
The slot dog tool isn’t just a gimmick. It easily creates deep ridges in the hot dogs that crisp up beautifully on the grill. These grooves also help condiments cling better, adding to the whole experience. If you’re a fan of classic American hot dogs, you have to try a slot dog!
For toppings, keep it classic or get creative. Ketchup, mustard, and relish are great go-to choices, but the ridged surface can hold chunky toppings like sauerkraut, pickles, or grilled onions without slipping off. These dogs are a great canvas for experimenting with flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Unique texture – Slot cuts create extra crispy edges.
- Great for crowds – Simple to scale up for larger groups.
- Perfect smoke flavor – Pellet grills give the hot dogs a subtle, wood-fired taste.
- Topping-friendly – The scored surface grips condiments and toppings better than a smooth dog.
Try our Traeger Grilled Hot Dogs!
Grilled Slot Dogs 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.
Ingredients
- Beef hot dogs – Choose all-beef for the best flavor. They hold their shape and char nicely.
- Hot dog buns – Soft, bakery-style buns preferred, but any will do. Toast them for some extra texture and crunch!
- Ketchup – A classic topping for hot dogs.
- Mustard – Brings bright, sharp acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Relish – Adds crunch and a touch of sweetness, rounding out the flavor.
You’ll love our Traeger No-Bean Chili Dogs recipe!
How To Make Slot Dogs On The Grill
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 your pellet grill to 400°F for even cooking and a touch of smoke flavor.
- Use the slot dog tool to score one side of each hot dog, creating deep grooves for texture.
- Place hot dogs cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the ridges begin to crisp.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 5-6 minutes, watching for nice char and even browning.
- Remove and serve in buns with your favorite condiments and toppings.
These Tortilla Dogs are so good!
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can score the hot dogs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to grill. For best results, grill just before serving to keep the texture fresh.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked hot dogs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill, stovetop, or microwave.
How do I reheat slot dogs?
Grill or pan-sear briefly to bring back the crisp edges. You can microwave them, but they’ll lose some texture.
Can I use different types of hot dogs?
Yes, turkey, chicken, or plant-based dogs can work. Make sure they’re firm enough to hold the slot cuts.
What if I don’t have a slot dog tool?
You can score the hot dogs manually using a sharp knife, cutting shallow cross-hatch patterns along one side.
Have you tried our Chili Cheese Glizzy Tots?
Serve This With…
Pellet Grill Slot Dog
Ingredients
- 6 beef hot dogs
- 6 hot dog buns
- ketchup
- mustard
- relish
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill to 400°F.
- Use your slot dog tool to make cuts on one side of the hot dog.
- Place the hot dogs on the grill, cut-side down, and let cook for 5-6 minutes. Turn to cook on the other side for another 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from the grill and serve with all of your favorite condiments.
