Hot Dogs

Smokehouse Blend Franks

Deep Smoked Style Franks

Smokehouse Blend Franks
Internal temp
152°F (67°C)
Smoker temp
130-170°F (54-77°C)
Casing size
24-26 mm
Casing
All Natural Sheep Casings
Bloom
1-2 hours

What goes in it

Amounts are calculated for your batch weight in the app — including the cure, which is held at a fixed, food-safe rate.

The meat

Lean Wild Game · Lean Beef · Pork Butt · Pork Shoulder · Pork Fat

How it's made

  1. With the meat ice cold (28-32°F, partially frozen is ideal), grind all meats together through a 3/8" plate, then regrind through a 1/8" plate.
  2. Add all seasonings and ice water. Mix until very smooth and paste-like with good protein extraction.
  3. Process in a food processor for 3 minutes until completely smooth — this is key for the classic frank snap.
  4. Stuff into 24-26mm sheep casings. Twist into 6" links.
  5. Hang to dry at room temp for 30 minutes or until casings are dry to the touch.
  6. Smoke at 130°F with dampers open for 30 minutes.
  7. Apply heavy hickory smoke and increase to 145°F for 1.5 hours.
  8. Raise to 165-170°F until internal temperature reaches 152°F. Important: Do not let your smoker exceed 180°F. Even if your smoker is set at or below 180°F, the actual temperature can spike higher — monitor closely.
  9. Immediately plunge into ice water bath until internal temp drops below 100°F. (Optional — an ice bath is not required. It is personal preference; many just let them cool at room temp, or outside in cold weather. Just cool them down promptly.)
  10. Pat dry and refrigerate. Best reheated on a grill for that classic snap.

Wood

Hickory · Oak · Mesquite

Safety

  • Keep meat below 40°F during grinding and mixing
  • Ice water is critical — keeps emulsion stable
  • Cook to 152°F internal temperature
  • Ice bath immediately after smoking to set casing. (Optional — an ice bath is not required. It is personal preference; many just let them cool at room temp, or outside in cold weather. Just cool them down promptly.)