Be sure to use a microwave-safe plate. Plates made from glass or ceramic are safe bets. Plastic and metal plates should be avoided. Click here for a detailed guide to which containers are microwave-safe.
The choice here is yours — if you’re only microwaving one or two hot dogs, they’ll be in the microwave for such little time that you’re unlikely to run into problems either way.
If you roll up your hot dog, tuck the ends under so that the towel doesn’t unroll during cooking.
1 hot dog: About 40 seconds 2 hot dogs: About 1 minute to 1 minute 15 seconds 3-4 hot dogs: About 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes 30 seconds 5-6 hot dogs: About 3 minutes to 3 minutes 30 seconds 7-8 hot dogs: About 4 to 5 minutes 9-10 hot dogs: About 6 minutes
Remove the paper towel carefully — steam trapped underneath may be released. Use oven mitts if concerned about burns.
Open the bun and place it face-down on a paper towel. A plate is OK but is not necessary. Wrap the bun in the paper towel or place a second on top. Microwave on high for 10-15 seconds. Check for a warm, soft texture. If it’s not quite warm yet, go an additional 10 seconds. Don’t microwave the bun with the hot dog in it. The steam from the hot dog will make the bun soggy. [4] X Research source
Heat the open bun under a broiler until well-browned. Most modern ovens will have a “broil” setting that also works. Rub the inside of the bun with a little oil and lay it face-down in a hot pan or griddle. Turn occasionally to prevent burning.
Ketchup Mustard Mayonnaise Hot pepper sauce (Sriracha, etc. ) Cream cheese Chopped onions Pickle relish Bacon
Cheese dogs: Slit each hotdog lengthwise and place a strip of your preferred cheese inside. Microwave as normal and serve. Chili dogs: Place hot dogs in a microwave-safe tray and cover with chili. Microwave as normal, allowing a little extra cooking time for the chili. Serve separate from the buns — guests can pick a bun, then add a hot dog and chili from the other dish. Sauerkraut dogs: Put an uncooked hot dog in a bun and top with sauerkraut. Wrap the entire hot dog in a paper towel and fold the leftover towel underneath. Microwave as normal, allowing an extra 5-10 seconds per frank. The bun will be somewhat soggy, but this texture pairs well with the sauerkraut.
