Baked Burger Dogs Recipe

Baked Burger Dogs for the Win!

Ah, the classic cookout. Hot dogs sizzling on the grill, the scent of burgers filling the air, laughter and good company all around. But what happens when the weather throws a wrench in your plans? Rain clouds gather, threatening to dampen your culinary festivities. Fear not, burger and hot dog enthusiasts, for there’s a solution that combines the best of both worlds: baked burger dogs!

These ingenious delights are exactly what they sound like – ground beef seasoned and formed into hot dog shapes, then baked to juicy perfection in the oven. They’re perfect for those rainy days, or any day you want to impress your guests with a unique and delicious twist on a familiar favorite.

This recipe, created by the culinary mastermind John Mitzewich, boasts over 4.7-star rating with rave reviews. It yields 8 servings, making it ideal for a small gathering or a family dinner. So ditch the grill and fire up your oven, because we’re about to embark on a delicious journey into the world of baked burger dogs!

Why Baked Burger Dogs?

There are several reasons why baked burger dogs deserve a spot in your recipe repertoire:

• Perfect for all weather: No need to worry about rain showers or unpredictable weather conditions. These bad boys cook up beautifully in the comfort of your oven, ensuring a successful cookout experience every time.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, baked burger dogs are a breeze to whip up. Even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-worthy results.
• Fun and Unique: Let’s face it, hot dog-shaped burgers are a conversation starter! They’ll surprise and delight your guests, young and old alike. They might even leave your kids a little confused, but that’s part of the fun!
• Flavorful and Customizable: Packed with ground beef, cheese, and your favorite burger toppings, baked burger dogs deliver on taste. Plus, you have the freedom to customize them with various ingredients to suit your preferences.
• White Castle Vibes: If you’re a fan of the iconic White Castle sliders, then baked burger dogs will surely tantalize your taste buds. The texture and cheesy goodness will transport you straight to those little squares of deliciousness.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary ingredients:

• For the Burger Dogs:
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil, divided
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/3 cup diced dill or sweet pickles, well drained
  • 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 8 hot dog buns
• For Serving:
  • Classic burger toppings and condiments of your choice (think ketchup, mustard, relish, sliced onions, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, etc.)

Step by Step Recipe for Baked Burger Dogs

Now that you have all the ingredients assembled, let’s get baking! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish: Kick things off by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius). Grab a large 15×10-inch baking dish and grease it with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or oil. This ensures the burger dogs won’t stick during baking.
2. Season and Mix the Ground Beef: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, diced red onion, and diced pickles. Using a fork, mix everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Portion and Shape the Burger Dogs: Here comes the fun part – shaping the burger dogs! Divide the seasoned beef mixture into 8 equal portions. With damp hands (this helps prevent sticking), take one portion and gently roll it into a log shape. Don’t worry about achieving perfect hot dog form; a slight oval is perfectly acceptable.
4. Stuffing the Buns: Now comes the moment of truth: stuffing the hot dog buns with your lovingly crafted burger logs. Gently press one beef log onto the bottom of a hot dog bun. Lightly press the sides of the bun together to enclose the meat, creating a snug fit.
5. Arrange and Bake: Carefully place the stuffed bun, meat side facing up, in the greased baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining beef portions and buns until all 8 are filled and nestled comfortably in the baking dish. By the way, don’t overcrowd the pan; leave some space between each stuffed bun for optimal air circulation and even baking.
6. Brush and Top with Cheese: With the stuffed buns prepped and ready, it’s time to add a touch of golden deliciousness. Using a pastry brush (or even a spoon in a pinch), brush the exposed areas of the buns with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter or oil. This step helps achieve a beautiful golden brown exterior on the buns. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of shredded cheese over the top of the burger dogs.
7. Baking Time! Pop the baking dish filled with your culinary creations into the preheated oven. Set your timer for 25 minutes and let the baking magic happen! During this time, you can relax, prepare your favorite burger toppings, and maybe even set the table.
8. Golden, Juicy, and Ready to Devour! After 25 minutes, take the baking dish out of the oven. The burger dogs should be cooked through, with the buns boasting a beautiful golden brown color and the cheese melted and bubbly. To ensure doneness, you can insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of a burger dog. It should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
9. Serve Immediately and Enjoy! Now comes the most rewarding part – serving and devouring these delightful baked burger dogs! With a spatula, carefully transfer the burger dogs from the baking dish to plates. Pile on your favorite burger toppings and condiments, unleash your creativity, and get ready for a flavor explosion!