Hot Dogs in the Oven

Cooking hot dogs in the oven is so easy, and is a favorite way to cook them! No constant flipping on a grill, make a large batch if needed, and it creates a delicious outside and juicy center.

Baking hot dogs only takes about 10 minutes in the oven! See my tip in the recipe card to give your hot dogs that perfect sizzle – and how to make the very best hot dogs by wrapping the buns, hot dogs, and cheese, in foil like we do with our burgers in the oven recipe!

There are many ways to cook hot dogs. Popular ways to cook them are on the grill, in the microwave, boil them, or cook them over a fire. I even love wrapping hot dogs in cheese and a slice of bread to make Wiener Winks from time-to-time. But if you haven’t tried baking hot dogs in the oven, you’ll want to try it for sure.

Why Bake Hot Dogs in the Oven?

• It’s easy – No tossing or turning, as you would on a grill or a fire.
• Large quantities – Such a great way to cook a large batch of hot dogs for a party, especially if making a hot dog bar.
• Perfectly cooked – They have a great outside texture and a juicy center, that you can’t get with boiling or microwaving hot dogs.

Which Brand of Hot Dogs is Best?

Well, this depends on your preference, but I believe Kirkland Signature Beef hot dogs from Costco are the best. Then, Ball Park® Franks are my favorite after those. My son thinks Nathan’s® Famous hot dogs are superior to all. We use either of these brands in this mini corn dogs recipe too!

What You’ll Need to Make Baked Hot Dogs

It’s really simple. Just the hot dogs, and a baking sheet. However, you can use aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a Silpat mat on the baking sheet to keep clean-up a breeze. (You may want to use aluminum foil for my “trick” later anyway, to make the most delicious hot dogs on buns.)

How to Bake Hot Dogs

Make sure to check out the recipe card below that has all of the details in one spot!

• Preheat your oven to 400° F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil or a silpat mat. (If desired.)
• Line hot dogs on the baking sheet, trying to make sure they don’t touch. (They’ll roll, and it’s ok if they do touch but they’ll cook more evenly if not touching.)
• Bake at 400° F for 10 minutes.

PRO TIP: To get that perfect “sizzle” on the hot dogs, turn the oven to “broil” for about a minute. (Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!)

Tricks for the BEST Hot Dogs

• For a toasted bun: place baked hot dogs on buns, and place back in the oven, on 400° F for 1-2 minutes, until the buns have toasted. See image below for toasted buns…

• For melted cheese and steamed bun: Like I do with my burgers in the oven, build your hot dog on the bun, and add sliced American cheese (if desired), and individually wrap the hot dogs that are on buns, in small pieces of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped hot dogs on buns, back in to the warm oven, and let them steam and melt for a 2-3 minutes. The result is a soft bun, with melted cheese. See image below...

Hot Dog Topping Ideas

What I love about hot dogs is that they’re so versatile and everyone can add their favorite toppings to them! Here are some of our favorites to provide when hosting a group, or just making them at home:

• Hot Dog Sauce
• American Cheese
• Cheese Sauce
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Relish
• Chopped Onions
• Barbecue Sauce

Or, for some out-of-the-box topping ideas, you’ll love the idea of buffalo chicken hot dogs, pizza dogs, and even this BLT hot dog.

More Oven-Baked Recipes

Cooking meat in the oven, instead of other traditional methods, can make clean-up easier, help you make larger batches, and even sometimes all you to “set it and forget it” making things super easy. Here are other oven-baked recipes you’ll love:

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