Hot Dog Pinecones: Spicy Charred Bites for Any Gathering

For your next gathering, elevate the traditional barbecue fare with a dish that packs a punch: hot dog pinecones. Featuring spicy, charred hot dog bites that are generously topped with tangy BBQ sauce, these unique bites do more than satisfy your taste buds; they bring a playful and communal element to any event. Simply prepare a batch by scoring beef hot dogs in a cross-stitch pattern, enhancing them with a zesty blend of yellow mustard and Creole seasoning. This method ensures that each piece is not just delicious but is imbued with an exquisite Southern flair, thanks to the expert touch of recipe developer Natalie Gravois, whose Southern roots shine through in her inventive approach to comfort food.

Designed to serve up to 16 people, hot dog pinecones are not only quick to prepare but also offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures. After spending about 30 minutes in the oven, the hot dogs take on a golden-brown crust while maintaining their juicy interior. The final touch comes when they’re chopped into bite-sized pieces and coated in a warm BBQ sauce before returning to the oven for a charred finish. This method not only enhances their flavor but creates a mouthwatering aroma that is sure to attract your guests. Whether it’s a casual barbecue or a lively party, these hot dog pinecones are the perfect finger food that everyone can gather around and enjoy.

Serving these delicious spiced bites with a side of fresh veggies or crunchy chips can add balance to your spread, making for a memorable culinary experience. With a total time commitment of just one hour, including prep and cooking, these hot dog pinecones are an effortless way to impress without sacrificing your precious time with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let the savory scents fill your kitchen as you prepare this crowd-pleasing dish that is certain to be the centerpiece of your next gathering.

Summary

Hot dog pinecones are a deliciously spicy appetizer featuring charred hot dog bites drizzled with BBQ sauce, making them an ideal choice for gatherings. This recipe, developed by Natalie Gravois, blends the bold flavors of South Louisiana with ease, requiring only 5 minutes of prep and 1 hour in total. To create these savory bites, beef hot dogs are scored, seasoned with mustard and Creole seasoning, and baked until they begin to open. After cutting them into thirds, they are simmered in BBQ sauce before being baked to perfection for a charred finish, yielding about 16 servings.