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Hot dogs for a day at the game, the beach, boat, or any other time you want a quick and easy meal on the go. Summer is winding down, so let’s make the most of it and keep things simple. Leave more time for the fun stuff!
This is hardly a recipe, but rather a simple suggestion on how to make a fun picnic lunch for whatever your adventures are this weekend. Nothing tastes better than a hot dog on the beach, but it’s not always easy to bring a grill along for the trip. While this won’t be exactly as hot as a fresh off the griddle dog, it’s close and makes a simple lunch that feeds a crowd of all ages. This could also work in a ski lodge for a mid-day lunch – options abound for how to use this recipe – get out there and enjoy the weekend!
While I won’t take any credit for the recipe (it’s just hot dogs and buns), the method of transport is the key here. If you pan grill or fry the hot dogs ahead, wrap them in foil, and then stick them all into a cooler, it becomes a traveling warming oven, and works exactly as you would hope – to keep your hot dogs hot!
Make Ahead Tailgate Dogs
Hot Dogs for the road, grilled and wrapped for the perfect lunch on the go!
Course Lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs, make ahead, picnic food
Servings 10
Equipment
a small to medium sized cooler, for keeping the hot dogs warm
Ingredients
- 16 hot dogs
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 16 hot dog buns
- mustard and onions for serving
Instructions
Preheat a cast iron skillet, grill pan or fry pan over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp of the butter, and cook the hot dogs until golden brown and slightly blistered, about 7-8 minutes total, turning every few minutes for even cooking.
Remove the hot dogs from the pan, and grill the buns in the remaining butter in the pan, about 30 seconds a side. Assemble the hot dogs individually, and wrap each fully in it's own tinfoil package. Stack the wrapped hot dogs into a cooler (withOUT ICE!), which will become a warmer for the hot dogs - they should stay warm for several hours, depending on the quality of your cooler.
Enjoy with the toppings of your choice!
Life is short, so let’s eat hot dogs.
Related
Greetings, enthusiasts of culinary delights! I'm here to delve into the world of appetizers/snacks, specifically focusing on a delectable treat that has stood the test of time—hot dogs. As a seasoned epicurean and connoisseur of various cuisines, my expertise extends to both the theoretical and practical aspects of crafting a delightful hot dog experience. Now, let's dissect the elements of this intriguing article and explore the nuances of making these handheld wonders a portable and crowd-pleasing delight.
Firstly, the article introduces the concept of hot dogs as a versatile on-the-go meal, suitable for various occasions such as a day at the game, the beach, or even a boat excursion. It emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, allowing more time for enjoyment. While the article doesn't claim originality for the hot dog and bun combination, it unveils a genius method of transport that elevates the hot dog experience to new heights.
The method involves pre-cooking the hot dogs on a skillet, grill pan, or fry pan until golden brown and slightly blistered. This step takes approximately 7-8 minutes, with regular turning for even cooking. The buns, equally deserving of attention, are then grilled in butter for about 30 seconds per side, enhancing their flavor and texture. The real magic, however, lies in the ingenious method of keeping these hot dogs warm and ready for consumption.
The key here is to wrap each hot dog individually in foil after cooking and then stack them into a small to medium-sized cooler. Importantly, the cooler should be devoid of ice, functioning as a traveling warming oven. This ensures that the hot dogs remain at an appetizing temperature for several hours, making them perfect for picnics, tailgates, or any adventure where a warm, tasty hot dog is the desired culinary companion.
To summarize, here's a breakdown of the concepts covered in this culinary escapade:
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Hot Dogs as On-the-Go Delicacies: Acknowledgment of hot dogs as a convenient, portable meal suitable for various occasions.
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Efficiency and Simplicity: Emphasis on keeping the preparation simple to maximize enjoyment and save time.
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Cooking Method: Pre-cooking hot dogs on a skillet, grill pan, or fry pan, and grilling buns in butter for added flavor.
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Transportation Technique: Individually wrapping hot dogs in foil and placing them in a cooler without ice, transforming it into a warming oven.
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Versatility: Highlighting the adaptability of the method for various settings, from the beach to a ski lodge.
So, fellow food enthusiasts, armed with this knowledge, go forth and savor the delightful experience of make-ahead tailgate dogs—because life is too short not to relish the simple joy of a perfectly crafted hot dog!
