Move over boiled dogs—these Baked Hot Dogs in the Oven are saucy, savory, and bursting with bold flavor. Inspired by classic cookouts and vintage lunchroom favorites, this recipe gives hot dogs a glow-up with a homemade tangy sauce that bakes right into the meat. No grill? No problem. This is your easy, mess-free way to make a crowd-pleasing favorite right in your oven.

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💖 Why I Love This Recipe

This dish is nostalgic in the best way—warm, saucy hot dogs in a rich tomato-mustard-vinegar glaze that caramelizes as it bakes. It reminds me of church picnics and potlucks, but with a flavor upgrade and very little fuss. It’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly flexible with whatever buns or toppings you love.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp prepared mustard
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Dogs:

• 12 hot dogs (your favorite kind—beef, turkey, or plant-based)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

• In a medium skillet, sauté the chopped onion in butter over medium heat until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
• Stir in black pepper, mustard, paprika, ketchup, vinegar, water, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Hot Dogs

• Cut 3-inch slits down the center of each hot dog to help them soak up the sauce.
• Place the hot dogs slit-side-up in a baking dish (9×13 works great).

3. Bake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Pour the sauce evenly over the hot dogs.
• Bake for 25 minutes, basting with the sauce once or twice to build flavor.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Don’t skip the slits! It helps the dogs soak in all that tangy goodness.
• Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top during the last 5 minutes for a cheesy twist.
• Want buns? Toast them separately and tuck the baked dogs in right before serving.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Pair these baked dogs with fun party foods or weeknight comfort sides:

• These Totchos – for a fun potato-based side
• Dorito Casserole – because who doesn’t love cheesy crunch?
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas – great for feeding a hungry crowd
• Walking Taco Bar – the ultimate party pairing
• Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – bring some Southern flair to the table

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❄️ Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.
• Freeze: Yes! Freeze baked dogs in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat as above.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

These Baked Hot Dogs are a crave-worthy upgrade from your basic boil-and-bun. Whether you serve them for a casual weeknight dinner or let them shine at your next potluck, they’ll disappear fast.

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments!
Follow @ChefManiac for more retro-inspired meals with modern flair. 🌭🔥

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