Tips from a SLT Chef: Grilling Burgers & Hot Dogs for a Crowd

May 28, 2025

independence day, grilling hamburgers, how long to grill burgers, grilling burger, bbq foods, grilled hotdogs, 4th of july party

There’s something about the smell of food sizzling on the grill that instantly says summer. Whether you’re planning a 4th of July party, hosting a neighborhood cookout or gearing up for Independence Day celebrations, grilling burgers and hot dogs is practically a tradition.

But when you’re cooking for a crowd, even the simplest BBQ foods can start to feel overwhelming. How long do you need to grill burgers? How many hot dogs should you prep? And is it even possible to enjoy the party while managing the grill?

The good news: with a little planning and a few pro tricks, you can serve juicy burgers and perfectly charred dogs without breaking a sweat (okay—maybe just a little, but from the grill heat, not panic). In this guide, you’ll find our best grilling tips for feeding a crowd—so you can serve great food and still have time to grab a sparkler or two.

Hungry for more? Whether you’re craving burgers, brats or branzino, our Outdoor Cooking Collection has you covered.

Shop Our Outdoor Cooking Collection

Start with Smart Prep

Any great grilling session starts before you ever light the fire. When you’re feeding a crowd, especially for a big event like Independence Day, organization is everything.

Figure out your quantities. A good rule of thumb: plan for one burger and one hot dog per person (more for hungry guests or kids who want seconds). For larger 4th of July parties, it’s always better to have extras.

Shape your patties in advance. When grilling hamburgers for a crowd, pre-shape the patties and stack them with parchment paper in between. To help them cook evenly and prevent shrinking on the grill, press a small thumbprint into the center of each patty before chilling. Store them in the fridge or a cooler until it’s go-time.

Salt just before grilling. This keeps the patties juicy. For grilled hotdogs, there’s no need to season—just make sure they’re fully thawed and ready to go.

Tray system = lifesaver. Use one tray for raw items, one for cooked. It keeps things clean, safe and efficient. Baking sheets are great for this.

Tools You’ll Need

A great grill setup isn’t just about the heat—it’s about having the right tools on hand to keep things running smoothly. Whether you’re grilling hamburgers, hotdogs or juggling both at a busy 4th of July party, here’s what every grill master should have at the ready:

A sturdy spatula and a good pair of tongs: You’ll want a wide, durable spatula for flipping burgers without breaking them apart. Look for one with a long handle to keep your hands safely away from the heat. A solid pair of stainless-steel tongs is perfect for turning hot dogs and moving food around without puncturing or compressing it.

An instant-read meat thermometer: The secret to juicy burgers and food safety? Temperature. A digital, instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling and ensures no one’s asking, “Is this done?” at your party.

A grill basket or mesh tray: If you’re grilling sliced onions, veggies or even delicate hot dogs that roll around a lot, a grill basket is a game changer. It keeps everything contained while still getting those delicious grill marks.

Basting brush: From brushing buns with butter to adding a little BBQ sauce to your hot dogs or burgers, a silicone basting brush is endlessly handy. It’s heat-safe, easy to clean and won’t shed bristles into your food.

Sheet pans or trays (and a cooler tray for raw meats): As we mentioned, use one tray for raw items and a separate one for cooked—this keeps your setup safe and organized. Stainless steel half-sheet pans are especially versatile and easy to clean.

Fuel and backup fuel: It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to overlook—make sure your propane tank is full, or you have extra charcoal ready to go. Running out mid-party is not the kind of drama anyone wants at an Independence Day cookout.

Optional but nice-to-have:

Warming tray or chafing dish to keep burgers hot

Cooler for drinks and backup patties

Grill light or headlamp if you’re cooking after dark

Apron with pockets to keep tools (and your shirt) clean

Grilling Burgers and Hot Dogs Like A Pro

When it comes to grilling hamburgers, timing and temperature are everything. The same goes for grilled hotdogs—you want that perfect balance of heat and char without drying them out. Two-zone heat is key. Keep one side of the grill hot for searing, and the other cooler for finishing or holding food. This is especially helpful when grilling burgers in batches.

Here are some quick tips:

For Burgers:

Avoid pressing down on the patties—you’ll lose all the juices.

Flip just once or twice.

If you’re not sure how long to grill burgers for, aim for around 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium, and always use a meat thermometer to be sure.

For a medium burger, the internal temperature should be about 140–145°F (60–63°C).

Let the burger rest for a few minutes after cooking—it’ll continue to rise a couple degrees and stay juicy.

When cooked, move them to the cooler side of the grill to keep warm until serving.

For Hot Dogs:

Score lightly to keep them from bursting.

Warm them slowly over indirect heat, then move them to the hot zone for a crispy finish.

Level them up with melted butter or barbecue sauce in the last minute of cooking.

Chef Tips for a Next-Level Cookout

Want to make your 4th of July party unforgettable? Try these crowd-pleasers:

Boost your burger mix: Add a splash of Worcestershire, some finely chopped onion or even shredded cheese to your patties for a flavor upgrade.

Elevate your toppings: Go beyond the basics with pickled onions, spicy mayo, jalapeños or slaw (try this recipe)

Have this easy cleanup hack ready: Cut an onion in half and rub it over hot grill grates—it cleans and seasons naturally, and smells great doing it.

Once the grill is hot and guests start arriving, the pace picks up—and having a system in place makes all the difference between a smooth service and a grilling frenzy.

Batch cook smartly. Resist the urge to cook everything at once. Not only can it overcrowd your grill (leading to uneven cooking), but it also makes it harder to keep track of what’s done and what’s still raw. Instead, grill in manageable waves. Start with a round of burgers, then move on to hot dogs, or alternate depending on demand. As items finish, transfer them to a warming tray, covered pan or low oven (around 200°F) to keep them hot without drying out.

Serve build-your-own style. Set up a DIY burger and hot dog bar with all the essentials—buns, sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo and a few fun extras like jalapeños, barbecue sauce or chipotle aioli. Add chips, slaw or other BBQ foods to round it out. Letting guests assemble their own plates not only saves you time but also keeps things moving efficiently. No waiting in line while you customize everyone’s burger—just grab, build and go.

Label everything. If you’re offering different types of patties (like beef, turkey or veggie), use small signs or a marker on parchment so guests know what they’re grabbing. This small touch makes a big difference when you’re feeding a mix of eaters.