Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Cheese | Arteflame Recipe

Introduction

Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic, perfect for any BBQ. Wrapping the hot dogs in crispy bacon adds a rich, smoky taste that pairs beautifully with grilled onions, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Using the Arteflame grill, you can achieve a perfect sear on both the bacon and the hot dogs while toasting the buns and grilling toppings all at once!

Ingredients

• 8 beef hot dogs
• 8 slices of bacon (thin cut works best for wrapping)
• 8 hot dog buns
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for extra spice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Ketchup, mustard, and mayo for serving
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Begin by lighting the Arteflame grill. Stack firewood over three vegetable-oil-soaked napkins and ignite them. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to get hot. The center grate will be ideal for searing the bacon-wrapped hot dogs, while the outer cooktop can handle toppings and buns.

2. Wrap the Hot Dogs

Wrap each hot dog tightly with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary. Thin-cut bacon is best for wrapping, as it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely without overcooking the hot dog.

OPTION: Grill the hotdogs and the bacon separately and combine them in the hot dog bun. This is quicker when grilling for a crowd!

3. Grill the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the center grill grate. Grill them for about 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up. The hot dogs should have nice char marks, and the bacon should be golden and crispy. Move them to a cooler part of the cooktop if they need to finish cooking slowly without burning.

4. Grill the Onions and Jalapeños

While the hot dogs are grilling, heat butter and vegetable oil on the outer flat cooktop. Add the sliced onion and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until the onions are caramelized and the jalapeños are lightly charred. Season with a little salt and pepper.

5. Toast the Buns

Butter the hot dog buns and place them cut-side down on the outer edge of the flat cooktop. Toast for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

6. Add the Cheese

During the last minute of grilling, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the hot dogs so it melts perfectly from the heat of the grill.

7. Assemble the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Place each bacon-wrapped hot dog into a toasted bun. Top with grilled onions and jalapeños, and drizzle with ketchup, mustard, or mayo. Garnish with fresh cilantro for extra flavor and serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.

8. Serve

Serve the hot dogs hot off the grill with all your favorite condiments, and enjoy the crispy bacon and juicy hot dog combination!

Tips

• Bacon Wrapping: If you're worried about the bacon unraveling, use toothpicks to secure the ends while grilling, then remove them before serving.
• Bacon Choice: Thin-sliced bacon works best because it crisps up quickly without overcooking the hot dog.
• Add Spice: For a spicier version, add pickled jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.

Variations

1. Bacon-Wrapped Chili Dog: Top your bacon-wrapped hot dog with chili and shredded cheese for a hearty twist.
2. BBQ Bacon Dog: Add barbecue sauce, crispy onions, and cheddar cheese for a BBQ-flavored hot dog.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Dog: Add slices of avocado, pickled red onions, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a California twist.
4. Jalapeño Bacon Dog: Add grilled jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
5. Breakfast Bacon Dog: Top your bacon-wrapped hot dog with scrambled eggs and cheese for a breakfast-inspired version.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with chili and lime
• Potato salad or coleslaw
• French fries or sweet potato fries
• A cold beer or iced lemonade
• Fresh watermelon slices for dessert

Conclusion

Grilling bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the Arteflame adds a delicious twist to a BBQ favorite. The smoky, crispy bacon wrapped around a juicy hot dog, topped with grilled onions and cheese, is sure to be a hit with everyone. Pair it with fresh toppings and condiments for a meal that's packed with flavor!