Halloween Hot Dog Fingers

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A fun and spooky meal, these Halloween Hot Dog Fingers are easy to make (and perfectly gross) for the upcoming holiday!

A FUN HALLOWEEN MEAL

Who doesn’t love a good hot dog? I know that I can’t pass one up, but since we are in the spooky season I can’t help but share my Halloween Hot Dog Fingers with you! With a few cuts here and there, these turn out to look like fingers. Add a little ketchup to the bun and you have yourself a tasty but “scary” meal that you can serve to kids and adults. This Halloween Hot Dog Finger recipe is a simple meal that everyone really loves and has fun making and enjoying!

Halloween Hot Dog Fingers in buns with a skeleton hand holding one up.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What kind of hot dogs are best to use?

You can use any of your favorite type or brand of hot dogs for this recipe. I used a larger all beef hot dog (like Nathan’s brand or Ball Park hot dogs.)

Can I grill these?

You can, but this will leave grill marks in the hot dogs. Boiling and pan frying make them look more realistic.

Can I make the hot dogs in my air fryer?

Yes! It may not get quite as dark around where you cut the “fingers” but it will still work! Cook hot dogs at 390F degrees for 4-5 minutes (no need to boil them first and no need to preheat your air fryer.)

Can this recipe be doubled?

Absolutely, you can make as many of these Halloween Hot Dog Fingers as you’d like! You might just need to make in batches.

How do I store leftovers?

These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze these, place in a freezer bag or container and they will keep for up to 1 month. To defrost remove to the refrigerator overnight, you can reheat in the microwave until heated through.

Pinterest image of stacked Halloween Hot Dog Fingers.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

hot dogs
ketchup
hot dog buns

Ingredients needed: hot dogs, ketchup, hot dog buns.

HOW TO MAKE HALLOWEEN HOT DOG FINGERS:

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Remove hot dogs from the packaging and place them on a cutting board. Start by cutting the “nail” shape at the top of the hot dog with a paring knife. Using your own nail for reference, trace out the shape lightly using a paring knife. Carefully peel off the outer layer of hot dog skin to reveal the nail shape.

Knife scraping off a portion of the hot dog to make the fingernail.

Next cut 3 straight lines under the nail bed of the hot dog finger being careful not to cut all the way through.

Knife cutting the upper knuckle creases in hot dog.

Finally move down to the center of the hot dog and cut the knuckle shape. Start with a semi circle facing down, followed by two straight lines, and then a semi-circle facing up to complete the knuckle.

Knife cutting the lower knuckle creases in the hot dog.

Complete the steps with the remaining hot dogs.

Boil hot dogs according to package instructions.

After hot dogs are boiled, drain them then fry for a few minutes in a hot pan until golden. You can add a tad bit of oil to the pan if necessary.

Dip the bottom of the hot dog finger in a generous amount of ketchup “blood” and place it in a bun.

Close up of one of the Halloween Hot Dog Fingers propped up.

Repeat with remaining hot dogs and serve immediately.

Halloween Hot Dog Fingers in buns with chips and a fake spider.

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