Mastering Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters: Tips and Tricks

As a busy parent who loves to grill, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy meals that still feel special. Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters have become a go-to for our family. Not only are they incredibly convenient, but they have amazing flavor that’s a notch above typical hot dogs.

Boar’s Head offers high-quality uncured franks made with premium beef and simple natural spices. With no added nitrates or nitrites they have a clean taste that’s perfect for summertime grilling. While hot dogs may seem straightforward, there are some tips and tricks that can take your Boar’s Head franks from good to great.

In this article, I’ll share my best advice for cooking Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters to juicy, plump perfection every time. You’ll learn the best methods, flavors and toppings to take these dogs next level. Let’s get grilling!

A Close Look at Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters

First, let’s take a closer look at what exactly Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters are all about.

• Made with premium cuts of beef and pork. No fillers or byproducts.

• Minimally spiced with natural flavors like garlic, paprika and onion.

• Uncured – no added nitrates or nitrites like many hot dogs.

• Snappy natural collagen casings for great bite.

• Lower fat and calories than typical hot dogs.

• Never any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

This exceptional quality allows the real beefy flavor to shine through. Now let’s get cooking!

Grilling for Perfectly Charred Franks

Grilling is hands down the best way to cook Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters. The first step is getting your grill set up properly:

• Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Clean grates well.

• For even cooking, arrange the franks in a single layer across the grates.

• Grill the frankfurters for 5-7 minutes total, flipping occasionally.

• Use tongs to turn the franks instead of a fork to avoid puncturing.

• Grill until nicely browned with visible grill marks.

Grilling gives the franks a lovely char while keeping the inside juicy. Just be careful not to overcook them. Now let’s look at some flavoring ideas.

Infusing Flavor with Marinades and Rubs

One of my favorite tricks is to infuse the frankfurters with extra flavor using marinades, rubs and brines. Here are some of my go-to options:

• Quick marinade – Whisk oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder. Add franks and marinate 20-30 mins.

• Teriyaki marinade – Equal parts soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic and ginger.

• Beer brine – Soak franks briefly in a combo of beer, salt, garlic and bay leaves.

• Dry rub – Coat franks with spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder.

Experiment with marinade durations from 20 minutes up to overnight in the fridge. Just pat franks dry before grilling. Infusing flavor takes these franks to the next level!

Topping Ideas for Next Level Franks

Looking to take your Boar’s Head grilled franks even further? Creative toppings are key! Here are some of my favorites:

• Nacho cheese dogs – Top with melted cheese, tortilla chips, salsa and jalapeños.

• Mac and cheese dogs – Top with gooey homemade mac and cheese.

• Buffalo dogs – Brush with Buffalo sauce, add crumbled blue cheese.

• Banh mi dogs – Add pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro and sriracha mayo.

• Loaded baked potato dogs – Top with crunchy potato chips, cheese, bacon and green onion.

The topping combos are endless! Get creative with crunchy, creamy, spicy and fresh garnishes to create the ultimate hot dog.

Cast Iron Skillet Method for Indoor Franks

What about times when you can’t grill outdoors? No worries – you can make amazing charred franks indoors too. Here’s my go-to cast iron skillet method:

• Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add just a teaspoon of oil and swirl to coat the bottom.

• Add franks and cook undisturbed 3-4 minutes to char well.

• Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until plump and nicely browned.

The heavy cast iron pan gets piping hot to mimic grill marks and char. I love using my vintage pan for cooking franks year-round.

Air Fryer Franks for Guilt-Free Goodness

My latest obsession is cooking Boar’s Head franks in the air fryer. It yields plump, juicy franks with crispy edges and zero guilt:

• Pre-heat air fryer to 390°F.

• Spray or brush franks lightly with oil.

• Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Brush with BBQ sauce in last 2 minutes if desired.

The air fryer works its magic for franks with great texture and flavor without tons of fat. Perfect for a healthier cookout!

Pro Tips for Grilling Greatness

After plenty of trial and error, I’ve picked up some pro tips for grilling Boar’s Head franks flawlessly every time:

• Slash franks diagonally before grilling for better charring.

• Use a dual-zone fire to move franks off direct heat if charring too quickly.

• Prevent flare-ups by keeping grill clean and oiling franks lightly.

• Let franks rest for 5 minutes after grilling before serving.

Follow these pro pointers and you’ll have picture-perfect franks ready in minutes!

Common Questions

If you’re new to cooking Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters, you probably have some questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common:

How long do they last unopened?

• About 2-3 weeks refrigerated.

Can I freeze them?

• Yes! They freeze well for up to 2-3 months.

What’s the minimum internal temp?

• Cook to at least 160°F until hot and plump.

Do they need to be peeled before grilling?

• Nope, you can grill them in the casing.

What’s the healthiest cooking method?

• Air fryer or grill with minimal oil.

Satisfying Uncured Franks Made Simple

Boar’s Head Uncured Beef Frankfurters have become a staple in my home for dependably delicious hot dogs that the whole family enjoys. Thanks to their premium quality uncured beef, they deliver incredible flavor in no time at all. With a few simple tricks – like marinating, strategic toppings and indoor cooking techniques – you can take these dogs to the next level easily. Fire up the grill or the cast iron skillet and enjoy a better beef frank made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Delicious grilled food has never been so uncomplicated!