Kansas City BBQ Pulled Pork Hot Dogs

A Kansas City inspired hot dog loaded with all the favorite classic BBQ fixings and delicious smoked pulled pork.

Recipe Updated on 07/16/2022 (see notes below for the low carb version)

Living in 6 cities across the U.S and experiencing regional cuisine has allowed me to appreciate and become inspired to create new recipes I can take with me and share with you.

As a born and raised Chicagoan, I have to say I love a Chicago hot dog. But sometimes you need to switch things up!

Chances are if you are looking at this recipe you also love BBQ and more than likely have found yourself with extra pulled pork from smoking a pork shoulder or pork butt (or this pulled pork made on a gas grill).

You may have also wondered how pulled pork on hot dog buns would be and let me tell you, it works!

But let’s take it a step further and really create a well rounded craft KC-style hot dog that does this barbecue city proud!

Get all the details for building the perfect dog below and let’s dive in!

“School” Supplies:

• Large Pot with Lid
• Steamer Basket
• Tongs

“Class” Notes:

Welcome to my virtual classroom! Use the guided notes below where I often answer commonly asked questions I get from readers and home cooks just like you. 

This information is meant to help you have a stronger understanding of this recipe and the process so you can find success all on your own. 

Ready to begin cooking? Simply jump to the recipe below and begin. 

KC Hot Dog Ingredients:

Here is what you will need to build out your fully loaded KC BBQ hot dogs:

• Hot Dog Buns (I love brioche but anything works. You can even use these low carb buns from Sola Co. too)
• All Beef Hot Dogs (choose your favorite)
• Leftover Smoked Pulled Pork
• BBQ Sauce (use your favorite)
• Coleslaw
• Pickles

How Do I Reheat Pulled Pork?

Making a hot dog is pretty uncomplicated, but to build this pulled pork hot dog combo you will want to reheat your leftover smoked and pulled pork without drying it out.

Avoid the oven and the microwave! These methods dry out the pork and can make this hot dog less appealing.

Instead, you want to slowly steam your pulled pork leftovers. This works nicely because you can also simultaneously steam your hot dogs and the buns all together for a quick and easy one-pot meal.

Steaming introduces moisture back into the meat without adding actual liquid. You can easily toss the steamed pulled pork with your favorite barbecue sauce as well before adding it to your hot dog bun.

Cooking & Assembly:

1. Steaming is the best and easiest method to reheat your pork and heat your dogs and buns up too! Get a steamer pot set up with some water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add about 1.5-2 cups of pulled pork to one side of the basket and add the hot dogs to the other side. Place the lid on and steam until everything is heated through and the dogs are plump. Roughly 8 minutes or so.
3. When the food is almost heated through, place the buns right on top of the pork and let it all steam for another 1-2 minutes. Remove everything from the pot.
4. Mix the pulled pork and BBQ sauce together. Place the pork mixture onto your hot dog bun then add the hot dog in the middle.
5. On one side add a few tablespoons of coleslaw and then a few slices of your favorite pickles.
6. Finish it all off with a drizzle of BBQ sauce (this Carolina Gold sauce would be amazing on them too). Serve and enjoy!

What Sides Go With A KC BBQ Hot Dog?

Here are some of my favorite BBQ sides to serve with your meal-

• Smoked Mac and Cheese
• Smoked Cauliflower Mac N Cheese (for a healthier version)
• Smoked Cornbread
• Small Batch Cowboy Candy