There is nothing quite like the smoky, savory, and sweet explosion of flavor you get from these Smoked Hot Dog Bites with Cowboy Candy Rub and BBQ Sauce Recipe. Imagine bite-sized pieces of perfectly smoked hot dogs, kissed by a crosshatch of mustard, generously coated in a sweet and spicy cowboy candy rub, and then bathed in a luscious BBQ sauce that brings everything together. These snackable morsels are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering or casual night in, and once you try them, you’ll be hooked on the beautiful blend of smoky, tangy, and sweet notes they deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple but play crucial roles in creating the ultimate balance of flavors and textures. Each one either adds depth, sweetness, smoky heat, or that ideal saucy finish that keeps you coming back for more.
- 10-12 Full Sized Hot Dogs: The star of the show, providing a juicy, meaty base that smokes beautifully.
- ¼ cup Cowboy Candy Rub: This spice blend is sweet, smoky, and spicy, essential for that signature cowboy kick.
- 3 tbsp Yellow Mustard: Acts as a tangy adhesive for the rub and adds a subtle zip to the bites.
- ½ stick Butter (cubed): Adds silkiness and richness to the BBQ sauce, balancing out heat and acidity.
- ½ cup HNY FYR or your favorite BBQ sauce: The sweet and smoky backbone of the finishing sauce.
- ¼ cup Buffalo Sauce: Brings a mellow heat and vibrant tang to keep things lively.
How to Make Smoked Hot Dog Bites with Cowboy Candy Rub and BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Hot Dogs with Love
Start by scoring your hot dogs in a crosshatch pattern. This is not only for aesthetic charm but also for helping the mustard and rub penetrate deeper, infusing each bite with bold flavor.
Step 2: Slather with Mustard and Season Generously
Brush your hot dogs openly with yellow mustard, making sure they’re nicely coated. Then, sprinkle the Cowboy Candy Rub liberally over each hot dog. This combination provides a tangy base and a sweet-spicy crust that’s pure magic after smoking.
Step 3: Smoke to Perfection
Arrange the hot dogs evenly spaced on a baking wire rack to ensure even smoke circulation. Preheat your smoker to a steady 250 degrees Fahrenheit, adding wood chips or chunks for that signature smoky aroma. Smoke your hot dogs for about 1 hour, until they start darkening beautifully and absorb that smoky essence.
Step 4: Stir Up the BBQ Sauce
While the hot dogs are smoking, combine the cubed butter, your favorite BBQ sauce, and buffalo sauce in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the butter melts and everything blends into a silky, delicious sauce. Then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Slice and Sauce
Take the smoked hot dogs off the smoker and slice them into 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces. Toss these bites into a layer of aluminum foil and generously coat them in your homemade BBQ sauce. Return the foil-wrapped bites back onto the smoker, uncovered, and let them cook for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the sauce to seep in and intensify.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
After the final smoking step, remove the foil and let your hot dog bites cool for about 10 minutes. This little rest lets the flavors settle perfectly. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking and get ready for some serious flavor fireworks!
How to Serve Smoked Hot Dog Bites with Cowboy Candy Rub and BBQ Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of green and fresh brightness to your hot dog bites. For a little heat, some finely diced jalapeños will complement the smoky spice beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with classic picnic sides like creamy coleslaw, crispy potato wedges, or even a tangy baked bean salad. The fresh crunch and creaminess of these sides balance the smoky richness, making every bite feel like a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your smoked hot dog bites on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and mustard for dipping. For parties, thread a few bites onto cocktail skewers with pickles or cherry tomatoes for colorful, convenient finger food that never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which many fans find irresistible for a quick snack the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, place the smoked dog bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This way you have a smoky snack ready whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven or covered in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve moisture and prevent drying. You can also warm them briefly in the microwave but be careful not to overheat as they may become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of hot dogs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While full-sized classic hot dogs work best because of their texture and size, you can experiment with beef, turkey, or even plant-based hot dogs depending on your preference. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile but keep the cooking times similar.
What kind of wood chips should I use for smoking?
Hickory, applewood, or mesquite are fantastic choices that complement the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors of this recipe perfectly. Applewood will add a mild sweetness, while hickory offers bold smokiness, so pick based on your flavor mood.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The BBQ sauce actually tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together nicely. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge and warm gently before coating the hot dog bites.
How spicy is the Cowboy Candy Rub?
The Cowboy Candy Rub has a balanced heat level that blends sweet, smoky, and spicy notes without overwhelming the palate. However, the heat can vary by brand, so adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan alternative to this recipe?
You can try using plant-based hot dogs and swap the butter in the BBQ sauce for a vegan margarine or coconut oil. The smoky flavor might differ slightly, but the overall effect stays delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Ready to wow your friends or just treat yourself? The Smoked Hot Dog Bites with Cowboy Candy Rub and BBQ Sauce Recipe is that perfect mix of simple ingredients, smoky magic, and irresistible flavor that turns an everyday snack into a memorable experience. Once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for these smoky bites again and again. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Smoked Hot Dog Bites with Cowboy Candy Rub and BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 people
Description
These Hot Dog Bites are a flavorful and smoky appetizer that combines sweet, spicy, and smoky notes. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, these bite-sized treats are smoked to perfection and tossed in a rich BBQ sauce for a truly irresistible snack experience.
Ingredients
Hot Dogs:
- 10–12 Full Sized Hot Dogs
- ¼ cup Cowboy Candy Rub
- 3 tbsp Yellow Mustard
BBQ Sauce:
- ½ stick Butter, cubed (about 4 tablespoons)
- ½ cup HNY FYR or your favorite BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup Buffalo Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Hot Dogs: Start by scoring the outside of your hot dogs in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the seasonings penetrate and enhances texture. Slather each hot dog thoroughly with yellow mustard, then generously season with the Cowboy Candy Rub. Place the hot dogs evenly spaced on a baking wire rack and set aside.
- Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to medium-low heat, about 250°F. Add wood chips or chunks to the smoker to infuse a rich smoky flavor into the hot dogs.
- Smoke the Hot Dogs: Place the prepared hot dogs onto the smoker grate. Smoke them for 1 hour until they start to darken and develop a smoky crust.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: While the hot dogs are smoking, combine the cubed butter, HNY FYR BBQ sauce, and buffalo sauce in a pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. This sauce will add a creamy, tangy, and spicy flavor punch to the hot dog bites.
- Slice and Sauce the Hot Dogs: After 1 hour of smoking, remove the hot dogs and slice them into 1.5-inch segments. Place the sliced pieces in a foil pan or on aluminum foil, then pour the prepared BBQ sauce over them, coating evenly.
- Finish Smoking: Return the foil with the sauced hot dog bites to the smoker, uncovered. Cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to meld with the smoky flavor and slightly caramelize.
- Serve: Once done, remove from the smoker and let the hot dog bites cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking. Enjoy your smoky, savory, sweet, and spicy hot dog bites!
Notes
- Use a good quality rub like Cowboy Candy Rub for a well-balanced spicy-sweet flavor.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity depending on your desired spice level.
- Wood chips like hickory or applewood work well for adding a nice smoky touch.
- Make sure the smoker maintains a consistent 250°F temperature for even cooking.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce or mustard on the side if desired.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
