Hot Dog Kebabs: Your New Go-To Grilling Masterpiece
Take your hot dog game from simple to spectacular with these incredibly fun and easy Hot Dog Kebabs! This recipe transforms the classic ballpark favorite into a vibrant, shareable, and downright delicious party food that’s perfect for summer barbecues, game day, or a quick family dinner.
By skewering juicy chunks of hot dog with colorful veggies and even a little fruit, you get a perfect bite every time. They’re easy to customize, impossible to mess up, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Let’s get skewering!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Party Perfect: The ultimate finger food for any gathering. No plates needed!
- Endlessly Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables, fruits, and sausages.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from prep to plate.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love eating food off sticks, and they can even help assemble them.
Ingredients You'll Need
(Makes 6-8 kebabs)
- 8 hot dogs (beef, pork, chicken, or your favorite variety)
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 can of pineapple chunks, drained (or fresh pineapple)
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, keto-friendly syrup, or teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Optional Add-ins:
- Baby potatoes, par-boiled
- Zucchini or yellow squash chunks
- Mushrooms
- Cooked meatballs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak Your Skewers
If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
Cut the hot dogs into 1-inch chunks. Cut the bell pepper and onion into 1-inch chunks roughly the same size as the hot dog pieces.
Step 3: Build the Kebabs
Now for the fun part—assembly! Thread the ingredients onto the skewers in a repeating pattern. Get creative! A classic pattern is: Hot Dog → Pepper → Onion → Pineapple → Tomato. Repeat until the skewer is full, leaving a little space at each end for easy handling.
Step 4: Season and Sauce
Place the assembled kebabs on a tray. Brush them lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will help them get a beautiful char.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat.
Place the kebabs on the grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the hot dogs are browned and the vegetables have nice grill marks and are tender-crisp.
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the kebabs with your favorite sauce (bbq, teriyaki, etc.) and let it caramelize slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Chef's Tips for the Best Kebabs
- Size Matters: Try to cut all your ingredients to a similar size so they cook evenly.
- Don't Crowd the Skewer: Leave a tiny bit of space between each item to allow heat to circulate for even cooking.
- Pre-Cook Hard Veggies: If adding harder vegetables like carrots or potatoes, par-boil them for a few minutes first so they soften up on the grill.
- Get the Kids Involved: Letting kids build their own kebabs is a great way to get them excited about eating their veggies!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these in the oven?
A: Absolutely! Arrange the kebabs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until everything is cooked through.
Q: What other sauces work well?
A: Almost any sauce is great! Try honey mustard, buffalo sauce, sriracha mayo, or even a simple mix of melted butter and garlic.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the kebabs a few hours ahead of time. Cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill.
Conclusion: The Easiest Crowd-Pleaser
Hot Dog Kebabs are proof that the simplest ideas are often the best. They’re a low-effort, high-reward recipe that brings color, flavor, and fun to any meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, these kebabs are a surefire way to make dinnertime a little more exciting.
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to see your colorful creations! Share a photo of your kebab spread on social media and tag us.
Happy Grilling!
Comments
Post a Comment