Bacon Wrapped Burger Dogs: a Flavor-packed Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes these bacon-wrapped burger dogs so special? First off, the combination of flavors is unbeatable. The juicy burger meat, combined with the smoky hot dog, all wrapped in bacon, creates a flavor explosion. Plus, the cheddar cheese adds a creamy richness that just ties everything together. When you bite into one, the bacon is perfectly crispy, while the beef and cheese are warm and gooey. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak the seasonings or even add your favorite toppings once they’re done cooking. You can’t go wrong with a little barbecue sauce or some fresh jalapeños on top.

Ingredients

You’ll need a few simple ingredients to whip these up:

• 2 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 6 hot dogs
• 12-18 slices of bacon
• ¼ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons burger seasoning, divided

I typically go for an 80/20 meat blend because it gives you that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. The hot dogs add a nice snap, and the bacon? Well, that’s just a no-brainer.

How to Make It

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these bad boys. First, preheat your smoker to 375°F. If you don’t have a smoker, a grill will work just fine.

In a mixing bowl, add the ground beef and 1 ½ tablespoons of the burger seasoning. Give it a good mix until everything is combined. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese gently. Trust me, you don’t want to overwork the beef here; we want to keep it tender.

Divide the beef into six equal portions. Flatten each one out and place a hot dog right in the center. Then, wrap the beef around the hot dog tightly, pinching the seams closed. I usually give the outside a light sprinkle of the remaining burger seasoning to amp up the flavor.

Now, here comes the fun part - wrapping them in bacon. Take 2-3 slices of bacon and wrap them around each burger dog, overlapping the slices as you go. I always try to place the bacon seams on the bottom so they don’t unravel while cooking. If you’re worried about them coming apart, a toothpick can help keep everything in place.

Once you have them all wrapped up, pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling time helps everything hold together better while they cook.

Now, onto the smoker or grill. Place the burger dogs in there and let them cook at 375°F for about 45-55 minutes. You’re looking for that bacon to get crispy and the ground beef to reach an internal temperature of 160°F. I usually check it around the 40-minute mark because nobody likes dry burger meat.

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After they’re done, let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This is key! It allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more flavorful.

Tips / Variations

Here are a couple of tips I’ve picked up along the way. If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding some chopped jalapeños or diced onions into the beef mixture before wrapping. It gives a nice little surprise and adds some extra flavor.

You can also play around with the types of cheese you use - pepper jack adds a nice kick if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember, the more you pack in there, the harder it might be to keep everything wrapped tight.

Serving Ideas

When it comes to serving these, I like to keep it simple. A toasted bun is perfect, but honestly, you could eat them straight off the grill if you wanted. I usually serve them with a side of homemade coleslaw or some crispy potato chips. And don’t forget the condiments! I’m a sucker for a good barbecue sauce or some classic mustard.

You can even set up a little toppings bar with diced onions, pickles, and whatever else your heart desires. It makes for a fun, interactive meal where everyone can customize their burger dogs just the way they like.

Closing

If you’re looking for something that’s sure to impress at your next cookout, give these bacon-wrapped burger dogs a shot. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon? So fire up that grill or smoker and get ready for some serious deliciousness. Happy cooking, friends!

Bacon Wrapped Burger Dogs: A Flavor-Packed Recipe

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb 80/20 Ground Beef
• 6 Hot Dogs
• 12 –18 Slices Bacon
• ¼ C Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 tablespoon Burger Seasoning, Divided

Instructions

• Preheat the smoker to 375F. Add the ground beef to a bowl with 1 ½ tablespoon burger seasoning and mix to combine. Add the shredded cheddar and gently mix one last time, being careful not to overwork the beef.
• Divide the beef into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion, place a hot dog in the center, then tightly wrap the beef around the hot dog and pinch the seams closed. Lightly season the outside with the remaining burger seasoning.
• Wrap each burger dog with 2–3 slices of bacon, overlapping the pieces as you wrap. Place the bacon seams on the bottom whenever possible to keep them from unraveling. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then place the cold burger dogs into the fully preheated smoker. Cook at 375F for 25–35 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and rendered and the ground beef reaches 160F internally.
• Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.