Charred Connecticut-Style Hot Dogs on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

There's nothing quite like a perfectly charred Connecticut-style hot dog, especially when grilled on the Arteflame. Hummel Bros hot dogs, known for their signature snap and flavor, are grilled to crispy perfection on the center grill grate before being finished on the cooktop griddle. Served on a soft, buttered New England-style bun, these hot dogs embody the perfect balance of smokiness, crispiness, and juicy deliciousness. Follow this guide to get the most flavorful hot dogs with the perfect sear and texture.

Ingredients

• 4 Hummel Bros hot dogs
• 4 New England-style hot dog buns
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup relish
• 1/4 cup sauerkraut (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000F.

Step 2: Sear the Hot Dogs

1. Place the Hummel Bros hot dogs on the center grill grate for 30-45 seconds, turning occasionally to achieve a nice char.
2. Once charred, move the hot dogs onto the flat cooktop to allow them to cook evenly while staying juicy.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

1. Brush melted butter on the sides of the New England-style buns.
2. Place the buns on the outer cooktop griddle zone for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Assemble Your Hot Dogs

1. Place each hot dog into a toasted bun.
2. Add diced onions, mustard, relish, and sauerkraut as desired.

Tips

• Keep the hot dogs moving to ensure even charring without burning.
• Use freshly baked New England-style buns for the best flavor.
• Let the hot dogs rest for a minute after removing them from the grill to let the juices settle.

Variations

• Spicy Connecticut Dog: Add jalapeños and spicy brown mustard for a kick.
• Cheesy Bacon Dog: Top with melted cheddar and crispy bacon.
• New York Deli Dog: Swap relish for sauerkraut and add spicy deli mustard.
• BBQ Onion Dog: Use BBQ sauce and grilled onions for a smoky-sweet twist.
• Mexican Street Dog: Top with pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and cilantro.

Conclusion

Grilling hot dogs on the Arteflame ensures the best char, flavor, and texture. Whether you like them classic or with bold toppings, this method delivers unbeatable results every time.

Best Pairings

• Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter.
• A refreshing cold beer or lemonade.
• Baked beans for a hearty side.