Barbecue Cocktail Franks

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A savory, tangy hot dog dish featuring a smoky barbecue sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners with bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. catsup
  • 1/2 c. steak sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 2 lb. hot dogs

Instructions

  1. Mix catsup, steak sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar in a slow cooker.
  2. Cut hot dogs into 1-inch pieces and add to the sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
  3. Heat on high until hot dogs are thoroughly heated, then cook on low until ready to serve.
  4. If doubling the recipe, do not add more vinegar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist on flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. If you want to use a healthier option, turkey or chicken hot dogs can be substituted for traditional beef hot dogs. This recipe can also be made in a pot on the stove if a slow cooker isn't available.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these barbecue cocktail franks as a fun appetizer for parties or game day gatherings. They pair wonderfully with sides like potato salad or chips, and you can offer a selection of dipping sauces. For a complete meal, consider serving with Delicious Grilled Burgers for a backyard barbecue feast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover barbecue cocktail franks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Cocktail Franks contains roughly 372 calories, with 4g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of potassium (17% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2372mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).

372 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 1.2g 1% DV
Carbs 92.4g 34% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 73.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2372.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 780.6mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 3.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 64.8mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 10.4mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 70.9mg 5% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of sausages instead of hot dogs?

Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa or bratwurst. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat used to ensure it is fully cooked before serving.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level. Adding crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the spice for those who enjoy a kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cut the hot dogs in advance. Simply combine everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. Heat it up on the day of serving, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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