How Long Can You Leave Grilled Hot Dogs Out?

Fresh hot dogs are a staple of summer picnics, parties, and cookouts. They’re quick to cook, and everyone loves them! But how long can you safely leave grilled hot dogs out before they become unsafe to eat?

If you want the short answer then you can leave grilled hot dogs out for two hours although if it is above 90°F that should be reduced to just one hour!

In this blog post, we’ll explore the safe time intervals that they can remain at room temperature to ensure your guests don’t suffer from any gastrointestinal ailments from consuming bad food.

What can happen if you leave grilled hot dogs out?

Leaving cooked hot dogs out at room temperature can be dangerous and lead to food poisoning. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, hot dogs should not be left out for more than two hours before they are consumed or discarded. Any longer than that and bacteria can grow on the meat, making it unsafe to eat.

It’s best to keep cooked grilled hot dogs refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to cook and serve them. If you’re not planning to serve them immediately, keep the hot dogs out of the “danger zone” temperature range (between 40°F and 140°F), where bacteria can quickly multiply.

On really warm days (above 90°F) you should consume or refrigerate the dogs within an hour.

These rules cover all types of cooked food like chicken, burgers, steak, fish and even vegetables.

Refrigerating Grilled Hot Dogs

Grilled hot dogs can be a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. If you aren’t able to eat the hot dogs as soon as they are cooked then you need to store them in less than two hours.

However, if you don’t store them properly, they can become unsafe to eat.

You should put them in an airtight container or a zipper bag. You should let food cool before putting it in the refrigerator in case the heat from the food affects the temperature in the fridge and causes your other items to go off.

Dogs in the refrigerator should last up to 3 or 4 days before you need to bin them. It’s useful to stick a date label on the bag so you and anyone else who might be peckish know when they were cooked.

If you leave hot dogs out for more than 2 hours then you will need to throw them away as they will be unsafe to eat.

Freezing Grilled Hot Dogs

If you don’t think you’ll get around to eating those dogs in the next few days it’s best to freeze them to make them last even longer.

To freeze grilled hot dogs, let them cool completely before popping them into a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Make sure to label them with the date, and then transfer them to the freezer. Frozen grilled hot dogs will be ok to eat for at least 1-2 months.

When you are ready to enjoy your frozen dogs, thaw them in the refrigerator for 24 hours and reheat them before serving.

How to Reheat Grilled Hot Dogs

Grilled hot dogs are a delicious and easy meal option, but like any food, they can quickly lose their optimal taste and texture if not properly reheated.

It’s important to ensure that they are cooked through and that the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here’s what you need to know about safely reheating grilled hot dogs.

In the Microwave

Probably not the best option as it can often make them come out quite rubbery. If you want speed though you should pop them in for 30 seconds on the highest setting. If they don’t appear to be hot right through then pop them back in for 15 seconds.

In the Oven

Probably best if you are re-heating a fair number of dogs as even fan ovens aren’t all that efficient given how energy prices are rising.

Ideally, place them on a wire rack and cook for 10-15 minutes at a °F – 375°F. If you don’t have access to a rack then place them on a foil-covered baking sheet and turn them once or twice.

In An Air Fryer

An increasingly popular gadget that can reduce your energy use when cooking, particularly if you are only cooking small amounts.

Preheat your fryer to 400°F and then pop in the dogs for a5-7 minutes. That should do the trick.

On the Grill

Probably the most hassle as it can take a while to get your grill to the right temperature. One of the other methods is going to be more convenient.

Tips for keeping your food cool during cookouts

Cookouts are a great way to enjoy the warm summer weather, but it’s important to be mindful of food safety. Generally speaking, cooked hot dogs should not sit at room temperature for longer than two hours. After that time, harmful bacteria can start growing and cause foodborne illnesses.

To help ensure your hot dogs stay safe and delicious, keep them out of the danger zone – temperatures between 40°F-140°F. This means storing uncooked hot dogs in a cooler with ice or an insulated container until it’s time to cook and serve them. It’s also important to refrigerate any leftovers as soon as possible, as that will help slow down the growth of bacteria.

How Long Can You Leave Grilled Hot Dogs Out: Summary

I hope this article has helped to answer your question. Generally speaking, it is best to enjoy your hot dog soon after grilling and avoid leaving them out for longer than two hours. Always refrigerate any leftovers as quickly as possible, and discard them if they have been sitting out for more than two hours. Keeping food safety in mind will prevent foodborne illness and help keep you and your family healthy.

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