Barbecue Hot Dog Appetizers
These savory barbecue hot dog appetizers are perfect for parties and gatherings. Crispy bacon-wrapped hot dog pieces coated in smoky barbecue sauce, molasses, and brown sugar deliver a delightful sweet and smoky flavor. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, they can be served hot or kept warm in a crock-pot.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut hot dogs and bacon into thirds.
- Wrap each hot dog piece with one piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped hot dog pieces in a single layer on cookie sheets or shallow baking pans.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven.
- Pour barbecue sauce evenly over the hot dogs.
- Drizzle lightly with molasses over the barbecue sauce.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over all.
- Return to oven and bake an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot or keep warm in a crock-pot.
Tips & Substitutions
For crispy bacon, consider partially cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the hot dogs. You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version or use different barbecue sauces for varied flavors. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some hot sauce or jalapeños to the barbecue sauce. This dish can also be served as a fun twist on classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These barbecue hot dog appetizers are perfect for game day or parties. Serve them with sides like coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with a refreshing drink, such as lemonade or iced tea, to balance the richness of the bacon. For a unique combination, try them alongside a dish like Broccoli-Bacon Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the bacon crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Hot Dog Appetizers contains roughly 1313 calories, with 24g protein, 234g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1778mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
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 make these hot dog appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped hot dogs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you're ready to serve. This makes them perfect for gatherings where you want to minimize prep time.
What can I use instead of barbecue sauce?
If you want to try something different, you can use honey mustard or a spicy chipotle sauce as a glaze. Each option will give a unique flavor to the hot dogs while still complementing the bacon.
How can I make these appetizers healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can use leaner meats such as turkey hot dogs and turkey bacon. Additionally, using a sugar-free barbecue sauce can help reduce the calorie count while maintaining great flavor.
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).