Pre-cut/slit a Hot Dog???

[xrodbob]

Need input from the great minds of the Pit for a debate the Mrs. and I have. She insists hot dogs need to be slit several times across the surface prior to grilling. Think diagonal cuts. Why? Because according to her, "that's the way my family always does it".

I think it's a waste of time. Unless they are really good natural casing hotdogs, then maybe score the ends only with 2 cross cuts

I know you want to poke a few holes in sausages to prevent them from bursting but to maintain the juices.

Thoughts?

TIA

[RichieB]

I'll slit them the lengthwise. I prefer them splitting open and the end of the slits get a nice crisp burn.

[Jerod Broussard]

I like to split the ends. Two cuts crossing.

[Starsky]

I've seen it done both ways on DDD. They all look good to me

[Oak Smoke]

I just grill them without slits. When they split on their own they’re done.

[Panhead John]

+1

[RiverJeff]

+2

[texastweeter]

This is the way

[Michael_in_TX]

Steven Raichlen takes slit hot dogs to the next level (Hedgehog Hot Dogs): https://barbecuebible.com/recipe/hedgehog-hot-dogs/

[bbqLuv]

Hollywood Steven Raichlen, how to complicate good old Ball Park Franks.

[Huskee]

There's an awful lot going on there to still only have a hot dog.

[Michael_in_TX]

Huskee A good point. I agree....a hot dog should tend towards the simpler side, with the obvious exceptions of the Chicago and Sonoran Dogs.

[smokenoob]

She is always right.

[Duanessmokedmeats]

To slit or not to slit, that is the question.

[bbqLuv]

Split decision

[Jfrosty27]

Heck I’m so lazy I usually just nuke them and toss in a bun with mustard. 🤷♂️

[xrodbob]

30 secs nuked in a bun. Works great but those need some sort of slit stress relief or they may explode in the microwave

[GolfGeezer]

I never asked the Costco food court lady how she does it….but I do split with my cash to get it.

[Spinaker]

The slot dog is one of the best inventions out there. Total gimmick, but it is awesome. I love it. Total guilty pleasure.

It is the only thing that would make the Costco dog even better!

[Spinaker]

💯 Kathryn! 😂😂 fzxdoc

[LA Pork Butt]

I use one and my grandkids love it. It tenders some of the fat.

[gboss]

Say Goodbye to Boring Hot Dogs FOREVER!

[Draznnl]

You're wife is right. Even if she was wrong, she'd be right. The phrase is SWMBO for good reason, Pick your arguments over something bigger than hot dog slits. BTW, she doesn't put ketchup on her hot dogs, does she? Because that would just be wrong.

[xrodbob]

This is not the hill on which I’m dying. Thankfully she’s a spicy brown mustard and sauerkraut kind of girl.

[Willy]

No slitting! Keep them dog juices in the dog. Low and slow 'til the dog is uniformly browned. That's my two cents.

[Panhead John]

Same here Willy, off the heat till done. I can’t stand burnt skin on a hot dog or sausage.

[bbqLuv]

But char adds flavor and makes hot dogs the star

[Carolyn]

Sounds like it makes the char a star.
I can't say I would care for that either. If there is any chance of a burned flavor sneaking in then it ruins it for me. Can't get rid of that taste in my mouth for hours.

[RonB]

I like to slice 'em down the middle lengthwise and spread them open on the grill. That allows some Maillard browning on the inside and outside.

[gboss]

Lots of diners around here will do that for Italian sausage at breakfast time.

[Mosca]

I do a double helix.

[xrodbob]

Last time she prepped them it looked like DNA when done. Wish I took some pics…