Get ready to level up your next party or family night with Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends! Imagine plump, caramelized bites of beef hot dog absolutely smothered in a sticky, barbecue-honey glaze that pops with heat and smoky goodness—this is finger food that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just surprising the kids with something new, this appetizer is fast, budget-friendly, and bound to become a legend in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of humble ingredients come together to create the bold, irresistible flavors in these Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends. Each one pulls its weight—adding smokiness, tang, sweetness, or just the perfect kick of spice.
- Beef hot dogs (2 pounds, about 16): Plump, all-beef hot dogs give that irresistible snap and savoriness that holds up perfectly in the oven.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A light coating ensures even caramelization with beautifully crisp edges.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup): Choose your favorite bold BBQ sauce for sweetness and a smoky backbone.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Adds glossy stickiness and rounds out the heat with mellow sweetness.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Caramelizes in the oven, amplifying the sweet side of your glaze.
- Hot sauce (2 tablespoons, or to taste): It’s the firecracker ingredient—adjust for mild to wild!
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a deep, earthy smoke flavor that makes your burnt ends taste like they came off the grill.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A touch is all you need for savory depth without overpowering the sauce.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds an assertive kick—up this for heat lovers or omit for kids.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): The prettiest little pop of color and crunch for garnish.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil, then give it a quick mist of nonstick spray—this is your insurance for easy cleanup after all the delicious caramelization happens. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that sticky yum!
Step 2: Cut and Oil the Hot Dogs
Slice the beef hot dogs into hearty 1 1/2-inch pieces. Toss them in a big bowl with the olive oil so every bit is coated. This quick step is the secret to getting perfectly crisp, caramelized edges in the oven.
Step 3: First Bake
Arrange the hot dog pieces on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced out for even cooking. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through—you’re aiming for a deep golden-brown color and those irresistible “almost burnt” edges that make Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends so craveable.
Step 4: Mix Up the Sweet and Spicy Glaze
While the hot dogs do their thing, whisk up the sticky sauce in a medium bowl. Combine barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the spice to suit your crowd; this is the heart of the dish and where that signature flavor is born.
Step 5: Toss in Sauce and Bake Again
Once those hot dogs emerge caramelized and sizzling, transfer them to a large baking dish. Pour your sweet and spicy glaze all over and toss to make sure every piece is coated. Pop them back in the oven, uncovered, for another 20 minutes. Stir halfway through—watch as the sauce bubbles thick and sticky, clinging to every bite.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
When the sauce looks luscious and glossy, and the kitchen smells irresistible, pull out your Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like—they add a little crunch and make the dish look extra special. Serve hot and just try to resist sneaking a bite before your guests arrive!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! A shower of sliced green onions lends a fresh, zippy note, while sesame seeds bring subtle nuttiness and polished presentation. Both are delicious but totally optional if you’re pressed for time.
Side Dishes
These Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends pair brilliantly with cool, crunchy coleslaw, classic potato salad, or even buttery cornbread. For a game-day platter, add pickle chips and kettle-cooked potato chips—your guests will keep coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading each hot dog burnt end onto toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking. Arrange them on a platter with tiny bowls of extra barbecue sauce or spicy mustard for dipping. Or for a more family-style vibe, serve them straight from the baking dish right at the table—watch everyone dive in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any leftover Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay sticky and delicious, making them a fantastic leftover snack or sandwich filling.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, freeze the cooled burnt ends in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Lay them flat so they don’t stick together, and they’ll keep well for up to one month. Just thaw before reheating.
Reheating
Heat up your stored or thawed Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until they’re warmed through and the sauce is bubbly—usually about 10 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just be sure to cover so things don’t get messy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of hot dogs?
Absolutely! While all-beef hot dogs offer rich flavor and the best texture, you can easily swap in turkey, pork, or plant-based hot dogs to suit your diet or preference. Just watch the baking time, as leaner options may cook faster.
How spicy are these Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends?
The recipe balances heat and sweetness, but you control the fire! Add more hot sauce or cayenne if you love it spicy, or dial back for a milder snack that even kids will love.
Can I make Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends on the grill?
Yes, you sure can! Set a cast-iron skillet directly on the grill and follow the same steps as with the oven. You’ll get even more smoky char flavor and a fun summer cookout vibe.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
Pick a barbecue sauce that you truly enjoy—smoky, sweet, or tangy all work well. Homemade or your favorite store-bought bottle both create mouthwatering results in these Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends.
How do I serve these as an appetizer?
To turn them into party-perfect bites, serve them hot with toothpicks on a platter and an extra bowl of the sweet and spicy glaze for dipping. They disappear fast at any gathering!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s easy, unforgettable, and full of bold personality, you’ve found it with Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends. Gather your friends, turn up the music, and watch as these little bites become the life of the party—trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!
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Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends are a delicious twist on traditional burnt ends, using beef hot dogs coated in a flavorful sauce and baked to perfection. They make a fantastic appetizer or game-day snack that’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Beef Hot Dogs:
2 pounds beef hot dogs (about 16 hot dogs)
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Barbecue Sauce:
1/2 cup
Honey:
3 tablespoons
Brown Sugar:
2 tablespoons
Hot Sauce:
2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
Smoked Paprika:
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Garnish (optional):
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Cut and bake hot dogs: Cut hot dogs into 1 1/2-inch pieces, toss with olive oil, spread on the sheet, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat hot dogs with sauce: Transfer baked hot dogs to a dish, pour the sauce over them, and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- These can also be made on the grill in a cast-iron skillet for extra char.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy sharing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
