Elevate your summer grilling experience with this incredibly flavorful Smoked Hot Dogs and Kraut recipe. Featuring the irresistible tang of Frank’s Kraut, complemented by aromatic caraway seeds, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that requires only four simple ingredients. Get ready to discover the secrets to crafting the absolute best smoked sauerkraut and hot dogs right on your pellet grill, transforming a classic into a smoky sensation.
This unbelievably flavorful recipe masterfully blends the beloved classic hot dog with the vibrant, tangy notes of sauerkraut. Preparing these two staple ingredients on a pellet grill infuses them with an unparalleled smoky depth that makes them utterly irresistible. Each smoked hot dog and kraut creation is generously sprinkled with fragrant caraway seeds and nestled into a soft, bakery-style hot dog bun, promising a bite that’s both familiar and excitingly new. It’s truly a quintessential summer meal, perfect for any backyard gathering or family dinner.
Is there anything more American, more evocative of warm, carefree days, than a sizzling hot dog fresh off the grill in the summertime? We think not, and this recipe takes that iconic experience to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Looking for other delightful dinner options that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor? You might love my Slow Cooked Reuben Style Brats, my savory BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches with Kraut, or my incredibly simple Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches!
This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. My opinions and my lifelong adoration for their sauerkraut are, as always, entirely my own.
Grill Out with Frank’s Kraut: The Ultimate Summer Pairing
As the classic song goes, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” And indeed, there’s nothing quite like gathering outdoors on a warm summer day, with the aroma of food cooking on the grill filling the air. Holding your favorite beverage, you wait in eager anticipation for the deliciousness that’s soon to come. Summer is synonymous with outdoor cooking, and our grill is certainly a hotspot during these months.
Our family enjoys a wide variety of grilled favorites throughout the summer, from juicy burgers to savory brats and, of course, classic hot dogs. They’re inherently simple to prepare and consistently deliver on flavor. However, the real magic happens when you introduce the perfect toppings. In our home, no grill-out is complete without a generous supply of Frank’s Kraut! Its vibrant, tangy crunch adds an incomparable layer of flavor that elevates any grilled masterpiece.
While we happily keep a jar of Frank’s Kraut in our fridge year-round, its consumption truly skyrockets during the summer months! The unique flavor and texture it brings to hot dogs, sausages, and even standalone dishes are simply unmatched. Frank’s Kraut isn’t just a topping; it’s a staple that makes every meal a special occasion.
Can You Smoke Hot Dogs? Absolutely!
Mastering the Art of Smoked Sauerkraut
Smoking sauerkraut is surprisingly simple and adds an incredible depth of flavor that you won’t get from plain kraut. If you’re planning to serve it alongside smoked meat, like these hot dogs, the process is even easier: simply add it to the smoker at the same time! The sauerkraut will absorb the delicious smoky essence as it heats, creating a harmonious pairing.
If you wish to serve smoked sauerkraut as a standalone side dish or appetizer, just transfer it to a heat-safe dish and place it directly on your smoker. Set your smoker to a low “smoke” setting (typically around 180-225°F or 82-107°C) for approximately 30 minutes. This gentle smoking allows the kraut to infuse with a subtle, yet distinct, smoky character without drying out. Once it’s heated through and has achieved your desired level of smokiness, remove it from the smoker and serve immediately. The result is a warm, tangy, and deeply flavorful sauerkraut that stands out.
The Smart Trick: Why Score a Hot Dog?
Scoring a hot dog, also known as crosshatching, as you see in the images, is more than just an aesthetic touch—it’s a smart technique that significantly enhances your hot dog experience. By making shallow crosshatch cuts on the skin of each hot dog, you allow heat to penetrate the meat more quickly and evenly, effectively shortening the overall cooking time. This also prevents the casing from bursting or splitting as the hot dogs heat up, ensuring they maintain their perfect shape and texture.
But there’s an even more delicious benefit to this simple technique! Those carefully scored grooves create little pockets and channels, allowing all that incredible smoky flavor from the pellet grill to seep deeper into the hot dog. And when it comes to serving, those cracks become ideal reservoirs for your smoked sauerkraut and any other favorite condiments you choose to add. Imagine every bite filled not just with hot dog, but with rich, tangy kraut nestled perfectly within each crevice. Pure yum!
To complement these perfectly flavored smoked hot dogs, consider serving them with a delicious side dish. Try my crispy Homemade Double Fried French Fries, a classic and creamy Picnic Potato Salad, or my healthy and satisfying Baked Sweet Potato Chips. Each of these options provides a fantastic accompaniment to the smoky, savory main course.
Is Sauerkraut Healthy? Uncovering its Amazing Benefits
Beyond its delightful tangy flavor and culinary versatility, sauerkraut is a true nutritional powerhouse. Did you know that this fermented cabbage is brimming with immune-boosting vitamins and beneficial compounds that can help ward off infections and keep you feeling your best? It’s absolutely true!
Primarily made from cabbage, sauerkraut is exceptionally good for your digestive system. It’s a fantastic source of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that significantly improve overall gut health. A healthy gut is linked to improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and even better mood and immunity. Sauerkraut is often heralded as a ‘superfood’ and frequently appears on lists of foods recommended for a healthy diet due to its impressive nutritional profile. It’s loaded with essential nutrients, including folate, vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamin, and a substantial amount of vitamin K. Incorporating sauerkraut into your diet is a simple yet effective way to boost your nutritional intake and support various bodily functions.
Eager to delve even deeper into the incredible health benefits and versatile uses of sauerkraut? Make sure to check out the comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut!
Essential Ingredients for Smoked Sauerkraut and Hot Dogs
This recipe is celebrated for its simplicity, requiring only a handful of readily available ingredients to create a truly spectacular meal. For the exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Jumbo Beef Franks: Opt for high-quality, jumbo beef franks for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can easily substitute with turkey hot dogs or pork hot dogs, depending on your dietary preferences. I specifically sought out the larger hot dogs from the meat counter for a heartier meal.
- Frank’s Kraut: The star of our recipe! We’re not just smoking the hot dogs; we’re infusing that delicious Frank’s Kraut with smoky goodness too, transforming it into an even more delectable topping.
- Caraway Seed: These tiny seeds are crucial for enhancing the flavor profile of the kraut, adding a distinctive hint of peppery citrus and an earthy warmth. If you’re not a fan of caraway seeds, you can certainly omit them, but I highly recommend trying them for an authentic taste.
- Hot Dog Buns: Don’t settle for ordinary buns. Elevate your experience by choosing soft, fresh, bakery-style hot dog buns from your grocery store’s bakery section. Their superior texture and flavor make a big difference in the final dish.
How to Smoke Hot Dogs and Kraut on a Traeger Grill
My recipe for the best smoked hot dogs and kraut is remarkably simple and straightforward to prepare, ensuring fantastic results every time. For even more precise and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card provided below.
PREP: Fuel Your Smoker
Begin by filling your pellet grill with apple wood pellets. Apple pellets impart a subtly sweet and fruity smoke flavor that pairs beautifully with both hot dogs and sauerkraut, creating a well-rounded and inviting aroma.
SET: Preheat for Smoke
Set your smoker to the “smoke” setting and allow it to preheat for 10 minutes. This step ensures a consistent smoke production and prepares your grill for optimal flavor infusion before adding the food.
CUT: Score the Hot Dogs
Using a sharp knife, carefully make shallow crosshatch cuts along the skin of each hot dog. These cuts should be no deeper than about ⅛ inch. This scoring technique helps the hot dogs cook more evenly, prevents bursting, and allows them to absorb more smoky flavor and condiments.
PLACE: Prepare the Kraut
Lightly sprinkle the Frank’s Kraut with caraway seeds, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Then, place the seasoned kraut into a heat-safe dish, ready to go into the smoker alongside your hot dogs. This allows the kraut to warm and absorb smoky notes.
SMOKE: The Flavor Infusion
Carefully place the scored hot dogs, crosshatch side up, and the dish of kraut onto the grates of your smoker. Smoke them for 15 minutes at the low “smoke” setting. This initial period is dedicated to infusing maximum smoky flavor. After 15 minutes, increase the smoker’s temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the hot dogs reaches a safe and delicious 140°F (60°C). Remember to use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
SERVE: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Once perfectly cooked, carefully remove the hot dogs and kraut from the grill. Place each hot dog into its soft bakery-style bun, then generously top with the warm, smoky sauerkraut. The combination of textures and flavors is truly delightful.
ENJOY: Savor the Flavor
These smoked hot dogs and kraut are best enjoyed immediately while warm. You can savor them as they are, allowing the smoky flavors and tangy kraut to shine, or add your favorite hot dog condiments. For me, a classic yellow mustard is the perfect complement, adding a sharp, bright counterpoint to the rich, smoky flavors.
Oh, yes! This is truly a culinary experience you won’t want to miss. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of smoking, can create something extraordinary.
Beyond their classic kraut, did you know that Frank’s also offers a fantastic Mustard Kraut? It’s incredibly delicious and adds another dimension of flavor to your dishes!
To explore more about Frank’s Mustard Kraut and discover how I incorporated it into these mouthwatering breaded pork cutlets, be sure to visit their official website!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this fantastic recipe slip away! If you’ve enjoyed learning about these tasty smoked hot dogs and kraut, be sure to save it for your next cooking adventure. Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it whenever the craving strikes!
This is Theo, my loyal assistant, who patiently observed the entire process as I smoked the sauerkraut and hot dogs. He wasn’t about to miss a single moment of the action or, more importantly, a potential stray bite!
In addition to their classic and mustard krauts, Frank’s also offers a delightful Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut! It’s incredible on these BBQ Smoked Sausage Sandwiches, adding a unique twist to a beloved sandwich.
Other Yummy Kraut Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the tangy goodness of sauerkraut, you’re in for a treat! There are countless ways to incorporate this superfood into your cooking, creating dishes that are both flavorful and uniquely satisfying. Here are some more delightful kraut recipes to expand your culinary repertoire:
- Turkey Reuben a.k.a. The “Rachel” (pictured above, a lighter take on the classic with Frank’s Mustard Kraut)
- Hearty Sauerkraut, Bratwurst and Potato Soup
- Unique Everything Sauerkraut Bread
- Authentic Polish Noodles & Sauerkraut [Kluski Kapusta Kiszona]
- Traditional Polish Sauerkraut Soup (KAPUSNIAK)
- Elegant Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin with Sauerkraut Stuffing
- Quick Pretzel Bites with Sauerkraut Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- Comforting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauerkraut
- Flavorful Sauerkraut Balls
- Refreshing Sauerkraut Salad
More Sauerkraut Inspiration to Love
Stay connected with Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels to discover a continuous stream of delicious recipes, innovative ideas, and sauerkraut inspiration throughout the entire year. They’re always sharing exciting ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient!
Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for everything sauerkraut!
I sincerely hope you enjoy this smoked hot dogs and kraut recipe as much as my family and I do. May it become a cherished favorite in your own home, bringing joy to your table for years to come!
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Print Recipe
Smoked Hotdogs & Kraut
5 mins
30 mins
30 mins
Beef
American
caraway seeds, Frank’s kraut, Jumbo beef Frank’s, pellet grill, smoked hot dogs, smoked sauerkraut. kraut dogs, Traeger grill
6 servings
456 kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Thermapen ONE
- Franks Kraut, Shredded, Canned, 14-Ounce (Pack of 24)
- Traeger Pellet Grills Pro Series 780 Pellet Bronze Grill, Smoker
Ingredients
- 6 Jumbo Beef Franks
- 1 ¼ cup Frank’s Kraut
- ¼ teaspoon caraway seed
- 6 hotdog buns
Instructions
- Fill pellet grill with apple pellets.
- Set smoker to smoke for 10 minutes.
- Use a sharp knife to lightly crosshatch the skin of each hotdog, you needn’t go any deeper than about ⅛”.
- Sprinkle kraut with caraway seeds, and place kraut in a heat-safe dish.
- Place hotdogs (crosshatched side up) and kraut on the smoker and smoke for 15 minutes. Increase heat to 350 degrees and cook for another 15 minutes. Or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
- Remove from the grill and place in hot dog buns topped with kraut.