Ingredients
Scale
- 6 beef or chicken hot dogs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
Equipment Needed:
- Metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers
- Campfire, fire pit, grill, or portable camping stove
- Tongs for turning
- Heatproof gloves (optional for safety)
Preparation Notes:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Pat all vegetables and hot dog pieces dry before skewering so they roast evenly.
- Pre-mix spices and oil for easy flavor coating.
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Cut the hot dogs, vegetables, and onions into skewer-friendly sizes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
- Add the hot dog pieces and vegetables to the bowl and toss well to coat evenly.
2. Assemble the Skewers
- Thread the skewers alternating between vegetables and hot dog pieces.
- A sample order: tomato, hot dog, pepper, onion, zucchini, repeat.
- Leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Fire
- Build a medium campfire and let the flames reduce to hot glowing coals.
- You want heat, not high flames, to avoid burning the skewers.
- If using a grill, set it to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the Skewers
- Place the skewers over the fire, rotating every 2–3 minutes for even cooking.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly charred and tender, and hot dogs are browned on the edges.
- Watch closely to prevent overcooking.
5. Rest and Serve
- Remove skewers using tongs and let them rest for 2 minutes.
- Serve warm off the skewer, or slide everything into a hot dog bun for a twist.
Notes
- Use Fully Cooked Hot Dogs: Beef and chicken hot dogs are typically pre-cooked, so you’re just reheating and adding flavor. This helps prevent undercooking over a fire.
- Adjust to Taste: Want it sweeter? Try adding pineapple chunks. Prefer it heartier? Add thick-cut mushrooms or cubes of cooked potato.
- Even Cuts Are Key: Keeping everything a uniform size ensures even cooking and avoids burning smaller items before the larger ones are ready.
- Control Your Fire: A roaring flame may look cool, but it’ll char your food. Wait for the fire to burn down to glowing coals before placing skewers.
- Portable Grill Option: If you don’t have a campfire, use a charcoal or gas grill. Indoor grill pans or ovens on broil mode also work in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes