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Smoky Hot Dog Burnt Ends

These hot dog burnt ends are smoky, sticky, and loaded with sweet BBQ flavor, making them an easy upgrade from classic lil smokies. Slow-smoked first, then finished in a buttery brown sugar glaze, they’re bite-sized, caramelized, and dangerously addictive.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: appetizers, gameday foods, hot dog burnt ends
Servings: 8

Ingredients

HOT DOGS

  • 2 packs beef hot dogs
  • Yellow mustard
  • BBQ rub of choice

SAUCE

  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat your smoker to 200°F for indirect heat and clean smoke.
  • Coat the hot dogs lightly with yellow mustard, then season evenly on all sides with your favorite BBQ rub.
  • Place the hot dogs on the smoker and cook for 1 hour, allowing them to take on smoke and develop color.
  • Remove the hot dogs and slice each one into thirds, then transfer them to a pan with butter, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce.
  • Increase the smoker temperature to 300–350°F and return the pan to the grill, cooking until the sauce is bubbling and thickened, about 25–30 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let the burnt ends rest for 5–10 minutes so the glaze tightens, then serve warm.