Grilled Hot Dogs with Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
Transform ordinary hot dogs into a backyard sensation with this sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that gets its unique depth from Dr Pepper soda. The sauce combines the cola's caramel notes with traditional barbecue flavors like brown sugar, vinegar, and smoky ancho chili powder. Perfect for summer cookouts, game day gatherings, or casual family dinners when you want to upgrade a classic comfort food. The homemade sauce can be made ahead and stores well, making it convenient for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 12-ounce can Dr PepperCoca-Cola1:1gluten-freevegetarian
similar sweetness but less spice notes
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili powderregular chili powder1:1gluten-freevegetarian
less smoky flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog bunsgluten-free buns1:1gluten-free
same texture and function
- jalapeno pepper, sliced(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook diced onion in butter over medium heat for 5 minutes
- 2
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute
- 3
Add Dr Pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, ancho chili powder, white pepper, and salt to the saucepan
- 4
Mix well, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes
- 5
Remove sauce from heat and cool for 10 minutes
- 6
Puree sauce with an immersion blender or transfer to regular blender and blend until smooth
- 7
Grill hot dogs until heated through
- 8
Serve hot dogs on buns topped with barbecue sauce and jalapeno slices
Tips
Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate - the flavors improve with time
Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce right in the pan to avoid transferring hot liquids
Score the hot dogs diagonally before grilling to help them cook evenly and hold more sauce
Good to Know
Refrigerate sauce up to 1 week in airtight container. Assembled hot dogs best eaten immediately.
Make sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.
Serve hot dogs immediately while warm. Provide extra sauce on the side.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip cooling the sauce before blending to avoid splattering hot liquid
Don't over-grill hot dogs to avoid tough, dry texture
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
same texture and function
similar sweetness but less spice notes
less smoky flavor
FAQ
Can I make this sauce without Dr Pepper?
Yes, substitute with Coca-Cola or root beer for similar sweetness, though the flavor will be slightly different. Regular cola works well too.
How long does the homemade barbecue sauce keep?
The sauce stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use this sauce on other grilled meats?
Absolutely! This Dr Pepper barbecue sauce works great on grilled chicken, pork ribs, burgers, or any barbecued meat you prefer.