Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends
Sweet and Spicy Baked Hot Dog Burnt Ends transform ordinary hot dogs into deliciously caramelized, smoky bites with a perfect balance of honey sweetness and fiery spices. This easy-to-make appetizer is ideal for parties, casual snacking, or a unique side dish that delivers bold, mouthwatering flavors with minimal prep time.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 8 quality beef or your favorite hot dogs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons honey (or pure maple syrup for variation)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional, adjust by preference)
- Prepare and Cube Your Hot Dogs: Start by cutting your hot dogs into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This size ensures they caramelize evenly and makes them perfect finger food. Place the cubes into a large bowl ready for seasoning.
- Mix the Sweet and Spicy Glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, melted butter, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce if using. Whisk until smooth to create a rich, flavorful glaze that will coat the hot dog pieces beautifully.
- Toss Hot Dog Cubes in the Glaze: Pour the glaze over the hot dog cubes, mixing thoroughly to make sure every piece is covered in that sticky, sweet and spicy goodness. Let them sit for 5 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Until Perfectly Caramelized: Spread the coated hot dog cubes evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even caramelization on all sides. The burnt ends are ready when they are crispy on the outside with a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the hot dog burnt ends to cool for a few minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm with their glistening glaze fresh from the oven!
Notes
- Choose Quality Hot Dogs: The better the base hot dog, the tastier your burnt ends will be.
- Don’t Skip the Toss: Mixing halfway through baking ensures even caramelization and glaze coverage.
- Adjust Sweetness and Heat: Taste the glaze before baking and tweak honey or chili powder to your liking.
- Use a Wire Rack: Baking on a rack lets excess fat drip and creates crispier edges.
- Serve Immediately: These burnt ends taste best when hot and fresh, preserving their texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: hot dog burnt ends, baked hot dogs, sweet and spicy snacks, party appetizers, smoky hot dogs, easy finger food