Oven-Baked Hot Dogs with a Zesty Homemade Sauce

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Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic American favorite: oven-baked hot dogs smothered in a tangy, savory sauce! This recipe transforms simple hot dogs into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game-day gatherings, or casual cookouts. By baking the hot dogs in a rich, homemade sauce infused with bold spices and a touch of sweetness, you’ll elevate this everyday meal into something truly memorable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving comfort food with a kick, this recipe is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 (2 hot dogs per person)
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup) – Adds a sweet, caramelized depth to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – For sautéing the onion to golden perfection.
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Brings a subtle heat to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard – Adds a tangy, zesty kick.
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – Infuses a smoky, warm flavor that complements the hot dogs.
• ¾ cup ketchup – Provides a sweet and tangy base for the sauce.
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar – Balances the sweetness with a bright, acidic note.
• ⅔ cup water – Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the hot dogs.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami richness and depth.
• 12 all-beef hot dogs – Choose high-quality hot dogs for the best flavor, but any variety works.
• Optional for serving: 12 hot dog buns, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, or coleslaw for topping.

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Large baking dish (9×13 inches works well)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Basting brush (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of irresistibly flavorful baked hot dogs:

1. Prepare the Sauce Base
   Start by melting 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until it becomes soft and translucent with a hint of golden color. This step builds a sweet, aromatic foundation for the sauce.
2. Create the Zesty Sauce
   To the sautéed onions, add ¾ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon of prepared yellow mustard. Stir to combine, letting the spices bloom in the warm butter for about 30 seconds. Next, pour in ¾ cup of ketchup, ⅓ cup of apple cider vinegar, ⅔ cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well blended, then increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Hot Dogs
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take each of the 12 hot dogs and use a sharp knife to cut shallow, 3-inch-long slits along the top of each one. These slits allow the hot dogs to soak up the delicious sauce as they bake, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Arrange the hot dogs in a single layer in a large baking dish, slit side up, to maximize sauce absorption.
4. Bake the Hot Dogs
   Pour the warm sauce evenly over the hot dogs, making sure each one is generously coated. If needed, use a spoon or basting brush to spread the sauce into the slits. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Every 10 minutes or so, open the oven and baste the hot dogs with the sauce pooling in the dish to keep them moist and flavorful. The hot dogs are done when they’re heated through, slightly curled, and the sauce is bubbly and caramelized around the edges.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Remove the hot dogs from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve the hot dogs in toasted buns, spooning extra sauce from the baking dish over the top for added flavor. For a fun twist, top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dill pickles, or a scoop of creamy coleslaw. Pair with classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, or crispy fries for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Choose Quality Hot Dogs: Opt for all-beef or premium hot dogs for the best texture and flavor, but feel free to use turkey, chicken, or plant-based hot dogs for dietary preferences.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sauce to your taste by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, a tablespoon of brown sugar for extra sweetness, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before pouring over the hot dogs.
• Double the Recipe: Feeding a larger crowd? Double the sauce ingredients and use two baking dishes to accommodate more hot dogs.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Baked Hot Dogs: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the hot dogs during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, melty topping.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a bold, spicy twist.
• BBQ-Inspired: Swap the ketchup for your favorite barbecue sauce and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a smoky, grilled flavor.
• Kid-Friendly Version: Reduce the black pepper and paprika for a milder sauce, and serve with extra ketchup on the side for dipping.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover hot dogs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked hot dogs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This oven-baked hot dog recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, flavorful meals. The homemade sauce, with its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky notes, takes ordinary hot dogs to the next level. Plus, baking them in the oven means less mess than grilling and consistent results every time. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, feeding a busy family, or just craving a nostalgic comfort food, these baked hot dogs are sure to become a go-to favorite.

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