If you're having a cookout for the 4th, there's a good chance you're going to cook hot dogs. We like to say they're 'for the kids', but deep down we all turn into kids again when the dogs are on the grill.

We don't like to talk about where they come from, how they're made or why they're so good, but they've been a staple on the grill's around the US since they were introduced in the 1860's.

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Hot dogs are one of those foods that is really hard to mess up. One of the biggest ways you can actually mess up a dog is by leaving it on the grill unattended and for too long.

It doesn't take a degree in Grilling 101 to be able to cook hot dogs that everyone will eat.

Hot Dog 1
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There are a couple ways you can improve your hot dog grilling game, that are easy. One thing, which many of us get in a rush while grilling, but letting that grill heat up is one.

It's recommended to start the grill warming process about 20 minutes before you're ready to cook.

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Making sure you're beginning the cooking process with a clean grill is important to that perfect hot dog.

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Once you get the grill to your desired temperature, its a good idea to put a little oil on your grate to keep the meat from sticking. Then place the dogs in a line with running perpendicular to the actual grate. This will give you those great grill marks and keep them from falling down the cracks.

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Using grilling tongs, roll the dogs to ensure they're cooking evenly on all sides. This will keep them from burning and getting those chard areas.

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If you're looking to go the extra mile and really 'class up' your dogs, the spiral cut is a cool added touch.

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If you're like me and have tried this and failed...here's the secret.

Skewers.

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Inserting the skewers in the middle of the hot dog, will help guide you from cutting the dog all the way through while making your spiral cut.

Using the spiral cut method, you're able to add toppings like bacon crumbles, cheese. onions or relish to the maximum level. Allowing the toppings to move all around the dog, not just on top.

Enjoy your Wyoming 4th of July cookout, a little more this year with top notch hot dog action.

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