West Virginia Burnt Ends (Hot Dog Edition) 

West Virginia Burnt Ends, affectionately dubbed "Hot Dog Burnt Ends," are a creative and budget-friendly twist on traditional brisket burnt ends. Originating from a spontaneous tailgate experiment, these smoky, sweet, and savory morsels have become a favorite for gatherings and casual meals. By transforming humble hot dogs into caramelized bites, this recipe delivers a delightful BBQ experience without the hefty price tag.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 packages (32 oz each) all-beef hot dogs

• ⅔ cup BBQ sauce (your choice of style)

• ⅓ cup yellow mustard

• 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup brown sugar (divided)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven or Grill: Set your oven or grill to 375°F (190°C). If using a grill, prepare for indirect cooking by placing the hot dogs on the cooler side.

2. Prepare the Hot Dogs: Slice the hot dogs into 1½-inch pieces.

3. Season the Hot Dogs: In a large bowl, combine the sliced hot dogs with yellow mustard, liquid smoke, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

4. Bake the Hot Dogs: Spread the seasoned hot dog pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.

5. Add BBQ Sauce and Brown Sugar: Remove the hot dogs from the oven. In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with ¼ cup of brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the hot dogs, stirring to coat evenly.

6. Caramelize: Return the hot dogs to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the edges of the hot dogs are caramelized.

7. Serve: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar over the hot dogs before serving. Enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 227 kcal

• Fat: 17 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Carbohydrates: 11 g

  • Sugars: 8 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g

• Protein: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 33 mg

• Sodium: 834 mg

• Potassium: 213 mg

• Calcium: 24 mg

• Iron: 1 mg