Hot Dogs Memphis BBQ Style: A Culinary Ode to the South

I remember my first trip to Memphis. The air hung thick with the sweet, smoky aroma of barbecue, a symphony of flavors that promised culinary adventure. While I dove headfirst into ribs and pulled pork, it was a humble hot dog, dressed Memphis-style, that truly captured the spirit of the city. The crisp bacon, tangy sauce, sharp onions, and melted cheddar – it was an unexpected explosion of deliciousness that I’ve been chasing ever since, and now, I’m sharing my version with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yields: 4 hot dogs
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be gluten-free with appropriate buns and hot dogs)

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 4 Oscar Mayer hot dogs
• 4 hot dog buns
• ¼ cup Bull’s Eye Memphis Style Barbecue Sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Equipment Needed

• Grill
• Paper towels
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Ensure the grates are clean for optimal cooking and prevent sticking.

2. Wrap each hot dog tightly with a slice of bacon. Secure the ends of the bacon if needed with a toothpick, though the heat from the grill should help them adhere quickly.

3. Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the preheated grill. Grill for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the hot dogs are heated through. Turn the hot dogs frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Watch for flare-ups caused by the bacon fat dripping onto the flames.

4. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the hot dog buns to the grill to toast them lightly. Keep a close eye on the buns as they can burn quickly. You want them warmed and slightly crisp, but not charred.

5. Remove the cooked hot dogs from the grill and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease from the bacon. This step ensures a less greasy and more enjoyable final product.

6. Place each hot dog into a toasted bun.

7. Top each hot dog with a generous amount of Bull’s Eye Memphis Style Barbecue Sauce.

8. Sprinkle the sliced green onions evenly over the sauced hot dogs.

9. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately. The heat from the hot dog will melt the cheese slightly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bacon Selection: Use a good quality bacon that isn’t too thin, as it will cook more evenly and be less likely to fall apart on the grill. Center-cut bacon tends to have less fat and provides a crisper result.
• Even Cooking: To ensure the bacon cooks evenly, start with cold hot dogs. This gives the bacon more time to render and crisp up before the hot dog is overcooked.
• BBQ Sauce Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the hot dogs with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. The sugars in the sauce will caramelize, creating a sticky and delicious glaze.
• Preventing Flare-Ups: Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to tame any flare-ups caused by the bacon fat.
• Cheese Melting: If you prefer a fully melted cheese, you can place the assembled hot dogs under the broiler for a minute or two, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can wrap the hot dogs in bacon ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Memphis-style hot dogs immediately while they are hot and the bacon is crisp. They are fantastic on their own or alongside classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.

Leftovers, while best enjoyed fresh, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, but note that the bacon will lose some of its crispness. The assembled hot dogs are not suitable for freezing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	359.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	190 g	53%
Total Fat	21.2 g	32%
Saturated Fat	8.4 g	42%
Cholesterol	36.7 mg	12%
Sodium	963 mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate	29.4 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	8.5 g	N/A
Protein	12 g	23%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick. You could also include some pickled jalapeños as a topping.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, provolone, or even a creamy cheese sauce.
• Bun Alternatives: Use pretzel buns for a different flavor and texture. Gluten-free buns can be used for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the hot dogs with vegetarian or vegan sausages. Look for plant-based bacon alternatives as well.
• Slaw Topping: Add a scoop of coleslaw on top of the hot dog for added crunch and tang. A vinegar-based slaw works particularly well.
• Memphis Dry Rub: Before grilling, sprinkle the bacon-wrapped hot dogs with a Memphis-style dry rub for an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for Bull’s Eye Memphis Style, feel free to experiment with your favorite BBQ sauce. A Kansas City-style sauce would also be a great option.

Q: How do I prevent the bacon from falling off the hot dogs?
A: Wrapping the bacon tightly and securing it with toothpicks initially can help. Also, starting with cold hot dogs allows the bacon to adhere better as it cooks.

Q: Can I cook these in the oven instead of on the grill?
A: Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the hot dogs are heated through.

Q: What’s the best way to slice green onions?
A: Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the green onions on a slight diagonal. This adds visual appeal and helps release their flavor.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese, or is freshly shredded better?
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Memphis BBQ Hot Dog recipe is more than just a simple meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and a tribute to the vibrant culinary scene of the South. The combination of crispy bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and sharp onions creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make this recipe your own. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience a truly unforgettable hot dog! Share your creations and variations with friends and family, and let me know what you think! Enjoy!