How to Freeze and Defrost Hot Dogs

Hot Dogs are perfect for BBQs, cookouts, and picnics; they are always a favorite meal for kids. Learn how to freeze and defrost hot dogs safely so you can stock up when they go on sale. You'll be ready for a family-friendly meal any time.

From ball games to food trucks, hot dogs are a classic American mealtime staple. They are a favorite amongst kids and always make an appearance at BBQ parties and are a must for camping trips. Learning the best way for freezing and defrosting hot dogs is a great way to extend the shelf life of hot dogs (especially if you don't use the entire package) and make sure you always have them on hand.

Hot dogs are usually pretty affordable, but they go on sale a few times a year. I buy my favorite brands of hot dogs on sale so that they can be stored in freezer. It's frugal and smart. When I'm ready to cook them, I follow one of the simple methods for how to defrost hot dogs. A simple and tasty meal is just a few steps away. I love buying other food in bulk and freezing it for later. You can even freeze cooked rice, blanched broccoli or leftovers from a big pot of chili.

How to Freeze Hot Dogs

It's easy to freeze an entire package of hot dogs or freeze individual hot dogs.

Unopened hot dogs been opened can simply be popped into the freezer in their original packaging. The only drawback is that you will need to defrost the entire package at once.

To freeze individual hot dogs, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and flash freeze for a few hours. Transfer the hot dogs to an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to consume, follow one of the methods for how to defrost hot dogs below.

Tip: Don't forget to label and date the hot dogs so you can rotate through before freezer burn sets in.

3 Methods to Thawing Hot Dogs

Freezing meat is a great way to capitalize on sales at your local grocery store. I have long frozen and defrosted ground turkey. I often find hot dogs on sale as well, so freezing them makes sense. When it comes time to eat the hot dogs there are 3 foolproof ways to defrost your hot dogs.

Defrost In Cold Water

Defrosting in cold water is a great method that doesn't take too long. Fill a bowl with enough cold water to cover the package of hot dogs. Change the water every 30 minutes until the hotdogs are defrosted. You should be able to defrost an entire package of hot dogs in about an hour. Individual hot dogs will defrost quicker.

Microwave Defrosting

Defrosting hot dogs in the microwave is the quickest way but can sometimes result in the hotdogs being partially heated. To defrost in the microwave, remove the hot dogs from their package and place them in a microwave-safe plate. Using the defrost setting on your microwave select the weight that is closest to the weight of hot dogs you need to defrost. When the microwave beeps during the process, remove the bowl and rotate the hotdogs. Continue until the hot dogs are no longer frozen.

Refrigerator Defrosting

Refrigerator thawing takes a bit of advanced thought and prep but is the safest method for defrosting hot dogs. To defrost in the fridge simply place the package in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. If defrosting individual hot dogs, transfer them to an airtight container.

Best Food Safety Practices

Thawing meat should always be done safely. Following unsafe methods can lead to bacterial growth which can cause food poisoning or make you sick. Always follow these guidelines when defrosting hot dogs or any meat.

• Never thaw hot dogs at room temperature.
• A single hot dog will defrost faster than a whole package so adjust times accordingly.
• Avoid the danger zone. When defrosted meat is between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F, bacteria growth happens quickly. You want to move meat through this range as quickly as possible.
• Once thawed, hot dogs should not be re-frozen.
• Hot Dogs should be cooked immediately after defrosting unless you use the refrigerator method in which case they should be used within several days.
• Remove hot dogs from plastic bag or package before defrosting in the microwave.
• Never use hot water or warm when defrosting in water. Cold tap water is fine but should be changed every 30 minutes.

FAQs

Cooking Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a great meal because they cook quickly. Hot dogs can be boiled, microwaved, grilled, cooked over a campfire or pan fried. My favorite method is to make Air Fryer Hot Dogs. And then I like to pile toppings on like mustard, sauerkraut, ketchup and my homemade chili. No matter how you cook them, hot dogs are a great easy dinner option.

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