Nobody enjoys a cold hot dog. Whether at the ballgame or having a backyard barbecue, nothing beats taking a bite out of a lukewarm wiener.
So how do you keep your hot dogs nice and toasty?
In this blog post, we'll give you a step-by-step guide on how to heat hot dogs and some tips for keeping them warm once cooked.
Whether you're boiling, grilling, or broiling your hot dogs - no problem! If reheating is needed later on, our tips can also assist. So let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions on Heating Hot Dogs
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add hot dogs to the pot and simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Drain hot dogs and serve with your desired toppings.
Grilling Hot Dogs
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill hot dogs for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once until evenly charred.
- Serve your dogs with your favorite toppings.
Broiling Hot Dogs
- Place hot dogs on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden.
- Serve your hot dogs with your favorite toppings.
How to Keep Hot Dogs Warm
An oven is an excellent solution to keep hot dogs warm for an extended period.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit; place the hot dogs on a baking sheet (if using buns) or one sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until your dogs are thoroughly warmed through.
Slow Cooker as an Alternative
A slow cooker is another excellent solution for keeping hot dogs warm. Just place the dogs inside and set it to low, ensuring they won't dry out or overcook.
Depending on how many hot dogs you need to warm up, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Chafing Dishes for Hot Dogs
Chafing dishes are commonly used at buffet-style meals, but they can also be used to keep hot dogs warm.
Place the hot dogs inside the container and set it on low heat - this allows guests to help themselves to a hot dog without worrying about being cold or overcooked.
Tips for Reheating Hot Dogs
If you're short on time, the microwave is an easy solution for reheating hot dogs:
- Be sure not to overcook them; your hot dog may become dry and rubbery.
- Start by microwaving on low for 15 seconds on each side; check the temperature before increasing power and cooking for additional time if needed.
- If not hot enough, continue microwaving in 15-second increments until it reaches your desired temperature.
Wrapping Hot Dogs in Aluminum Foil
Another quick and effortless way to reheat a hot dog is to wrap it in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook for approximately 10 minutes until your hot dog is heated through.
Squeezing Moisture into Hot Dogs
If your hot dogs appear dry after being reheated, add moisture to them by placing them in a bowl of warm water for several minutes before serving.
Doing this will help rehydrate them and make them more enjoyable to consume.
Conclusion
Boiling dogs is the quickest and simplest option when heating them. But grilling or broiling are better options if you want to add some flavor.
Similarly, ovens, slow cookers, and chafing dishes can keep hot dogs warm; microwaving wrapped in aluminum foil for reheating is another excellent option.