Sizzling Summer Sensation: The Ultimate BLT Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Zesty Sriracha Ranch
Discover how to transform a simple hot dog into an extraordinary culinary experience with crispy bacon, fresh BLT toppings, and a vibrant Sriracha ranch sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues!
Hot dogs are an undeniable cornerstone of American summer traditions. From lively backyard barbecues to thrilling sporting events, these humble sausages hold a special place in our hearts and on our grills. Often, when planning a summer cookout, the choice comes down to hot dogs, hamburgers, or brats – especially in regions like Wisconsin where brats are a beloved staple. While there’s a certain comfort in a classic hot dog topped with a generous dollop of ketchup and a sprinkle of raw onions, sometimes you crave something more. Something that elevates the ordinary into the extraordinary, transforming a simple meal into a memorable event. Today, we’re not just making hot dogs; we’re revolutionizing them. Prepare to up your grilling game with these incredible BLT Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs, guaranteed to be the star of your next summer gathering.
The Irresistible Appeal of Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
It’s widely acknowledged that bacon makes almost anything better, and hot dogs are certainly no exception. Wrapping a succulent hot dog in a crispy strip of bacon before it hits the grill is a game-changer. As the bacon cooks, it infuses the hot dog with its rich, savory flavor, while developing a delightful crispiness and tantalizing char from the grill’s heat. The sizzling bacon renders its fat, basting the hot dog and ensuring a juicy, flavorful bite every time. This isn’t just about adding a layer; it’s about creating a harmonious fusion of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for your secret.
While a bacon-wrapped hot dog does take a little longer to cook than its unwrapped counterpart – primarily because you need to ensure the bacon is perfectly crispy and cooked through – the minimal extra effort is profoundly worth it. The key to success lies in securing the bacon properly. Use sturdy toothpicks to firmly attach each end of the bacon strip to the hot dog. This prevents the bacon from unraveling as it cooks, ensuring an even crisp and a mess-free grilling experience. Imagine the aroma filling your backyard – that unmistakable scent of smoky bacon mingling with grilling hot dogs. It’s a sensory prelude to an unforgettable meal. This innovative twist instantly elevates the classic hot dog, setting your summer party apart from the rest.
The BLT & BLAT Evolution: Fresh Toppings, Bold Flavors
What complements crispy bacon better than the fresh, vibrant elements of a classic BLT? We’re taking the delightful combination of crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes, then adding a creamy, unexpected twist: avocado. This transforms our BLT into a “BLAT” – Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato – a combination that adds a layer of richness and texture that’s simply irresistible. Imagine the tender crunch of fresh shredded lettuce, the sweet tang of perfectly diced summer tomatoes, and the buttery smoothness of diced avocado piled high atop your perfectly grilled bacon-wrapped hot dog, nestled in a soft bun.
But we don’t stop there. To further enhance this gourmet hot dog, we swap out traditional ketchup and mustard for a homemade Sriracha ranch dressing. This creamy, spicy sauce offers the perfect counterpoint to the smoky bacon and fresh vegetables. The cool, tangy notes of ranch are beautifully balanced by the fiery kick of Sriracha, allowing you to customize the heat level to your exact preference. This zesty sauce brings together all the flavors, adding a creamy texture and a burst of spice that ties the entire experience together. For your next barbecue, consider setting up a dedicated toppings bar. Stock it not only with these essential BLT (or BLAT!) ingredients and spicy Sriracha ranch, but also with other fresh options like finely chopped red onion, pickled jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese, allowing your guests to create their own ultimate bacon-wrapped hot dog masterpiece.
Perfecting Your Hot Dog Experience: Tips and Pairings
Achieving the perfect bacon-wrapped hot dog involves a few simple techniques. When grilling, aim for medium-high heat. This allows the bacon to crisp up nicely without burning too quickly. Turn the hot dogs frequently, every 2-3 minutes, to ensure even cooking on all sides of the bacon. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown crispness that signifies perfection. While cooking, keep an eye out for any flare-ups from the bacon fat and adjust the heat or move the hot dogs to a cooler part of the grill if necessary. Patience is key – roughly 10-15 minutes should give you ideally cooked bacon and a thoroughly heated hot dog.
The beauty of these BLT Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs extends beyond just the main dish. They pair wonderfully with a variety of classic summer sides. Think a fresh corn salad, creamy potato salad, crisp coleslaw, or a vibrant fruit salad to balance the richness. For beverages, a cold craft beer, a refreshing lemonade, or a sparkling iced tea would complement the flavors beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of hot dogs – from all-beef to pork or even chicken varieties – and explore different bacon thicknesses for varied textures. This recipe is a fantastic foundation, but feel free to customize. Maybe try a smoked paprika ranch, or a creamy avocado lime sauce instead of Sriracha. The possibilities for culinary creativity are endless when you start with such a delicious base.
These gourmet hot dogs aren’t just for casual backyard barbecues. They make a fantastic addition to Fourth of July celebrations, pool parties, tailgating events, or even a unique weeknight dinner when you want to make mealtime a little more special. They’re a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to how a beloved classic can be reimagined with a touch of ingenuity. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this elevated take on a summer favorite. It’s an experience that truly captures the joy and flavor of the season.
BLT Bacon Wrapped Hot dogs
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Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 teaspoon Sriracha, (adjust to taste)
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomato
- diced avocado
- 8 hot dog buns
Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium high heat. Wrap 1 slice of bacon around each hot dog. Secure the bacon on each end with tooth picks.
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Place wrapped hot dogs on the grill. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the bacon is fully cooked and crispy.
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Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine ranch dressing and Sriracha. Mix well, tasting and adjusting the heat level to your liking.
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Serve the grilled hot dogs on a bun, generously topped with diced avocado, fresh diced tomato, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of the spicy Sriracha ranch.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Need More Summer Grilling Inspiration?
If these incredible BLT Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs have sparked your appetite for more grilling adventures, we’ve got you covered. Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and explore new flavors. Here are a few more mouth-watering ideas to keep your outdoor cooking exciting:
For a refreshing and zesty main course, try our Cilantro Lime Chicken. These flavorful chicken kebabs are marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño, and tangy lime juice. They grill up quickly and easily, delivering a light yet incredibly satisfying meal that your whole family will request time and time again. It’s a perfect option when you’re looking for something bright and healthy off the grill.
If you’re a burger enthusiast, you absolutely must experience our Jalapeño Bacon Burger. This isn’t just a burger with bacon and jalapeños on top – we incorporate these delicious ingredients right into the patty itself! The result is an explosion of savory bacon and a delightful kick of heat in every bite. Crowned with a smoky and spicy chipotle mayo, this burger offers a complex flavor profile that’s a true delight for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavor.
And for another gourmet burger experience, our Brown Sugar Caramelized Onion Bacon Cheeseburgers are a definite crowd-pleaser. Sweet, deeply flavored caramelized onions mingle with crispy bacon and melty cheese atop a juicy burger patty, all encased in a soft bun. This decadent creation offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a must-try before grilling season comes to an end. It’s comfort food elevated to gourmet status, ideal for impressing at any casual gathering.
**Disclaimer:** I used Applegate Hot Dogs for this recipe. Applegate sent me a Wienervention kit to use how I wanted. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.