Experience the Difference: Bright Leaf Hot Dogs

A Bright Leaf Hot Dog is one of the most unique, delicious foods you'll ever eat and can only be found in grocery stores and grills throughout North Carolina. We are here to help you get the whole Bright Leaf Hot Dog experience because there's nothing like our fresh, local franks in the country.

What's a Bright Leaf Hot Dog?

Carolina Packers has been making Bright Leaf Hot Dogs red, fresh and local in Johnston County, North Carolina, since 1941. It's the original red hot dog of North Carolina and has been a southern tradition for more than 80 years. Our customers are so loyal, and it means a lot to us! Here are some actual customer reviews...

"If it ain't Bright Leaf, I ain't eaten it." 

"I was raised in NC, and these were the only hotdogs we ever ate! I moved out of state and stopped eating hot dogs completely because there were disgusting options only available..."

"Best hot dog and bologna in the world. I have eaten them long as I remember, and I am 54 years old."

What makes Bright Leaf Hot Dogs so unique?

1. Made & Delivered Fresh: made fresh at our plant, distributed and sitting on grocery store shelves all within three days, and only lasts 21 days.
2. Red: the first red hot dog in North Carolina because when folks bought our franks, we wanted them to see us as a true southern old fashioned hot dog that is different from the rest.
3. In a Bag: traditionally packaged in a loose bag, but we also provide this fresh made iconic hot dog in a vacuum package inside a loose bag to areas outside of our core market. If you can only find the vacuum in the bag, don't worry...just take it home, open the vacuum and let it sit in the bag a few hours to a day or so to get that same great flavor as the loose bag. 
4. Support Local: we work with a lot of North Carolina suppliers, and support the local beef, pork and turkey agriculture industry!
5. Got to Be NC: you'll only find us in local grocery stores, independents and grills in North Carolina, but we ship nationwide!

What are Bright Leaf Hot Dogs made of?

The original Bright Leaf Hot Dog is made with fresh, local pork and beef and a unique blend of herbs and spices. It only has 8 grams of fat, has been gluten-free since 1941, and contains milk.

Where can I buy Bright Leaf?

@carolinapackersinc Reply to @fazelebron6 You can find Bright Leaf in Food Lion, Carlie C's, Walmart and other grocery stores in North Carolina. Get you some 🌭 for the 4th of July! #brightleafhotdogs #brightleaf #july4withbrightleaf #july4th #july4 #nc #hotdog ♬ Love You So - The King Khan & BBQ Show

Bright Leaf Franks are mainly found in North Carolina grocery stores and grills from Hickory, North Carolina to the coast. Tap here to find out what stores and grills we're in.

Where are Bright Leaf Hot Dogs in the grocery store?

Sometimes looking for our products can be like a fun treasure hunt! If you don't see our franks on the wall or well with other hot dogs, be sure to check the bunkers in the middle of the store. If you still can't find us at a grocer near you, don't worry - we can always ship directly to your doorstep.

How do I pick the perfect dogs at the store?

The freshest franks will almost always be found at either the bottom of the bunker or at the back of the well. Important: look at the expiration date on the tag before purchasing

How do I cook Bright Leaf Hot Dogs?

@carolinapackersinc Chili dog 🌭 & Mac n cheese 🧀 cooked by @fireman1231 😋 #brightleafhotdogs #brightleaf #hotdog #nc #nccheck #easyrecipe ♬ original sound - Carolina Packers Inc 🌭

• Pan (Stove Top) - Preheat the eye on your stove top to medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan. Place the hot dogs in the pan. Cook for 4 - 6 minutes on one side and turnover for another 4 - 5 minutes (black charred line means it's done).
• Charcoal Grill - Preheat the grill. Light the coals and let them burn until they are covered in white ash, which usually takes 20-30 minutes. Place the hot dogs on the grill grates. Grill the hot dogs for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. You'll know they're done when they're heated through and have nice grill marks.
• Gas Grill - Preheat grill to 300 - 350°F. Place the hot dogs down on the grill grate and cook for about 5 - 6 minutes on one side. Then turn over and cook for about four to five minutes (black charred line means it's done).
• Smoker - Preheat the smoker to 225-250°F. If using aluminum foil, tear off a piece large enough to wrap around the hot dogs. Place the hot dogs on the foil, and fold the edges of the foil up to create a shallow tray. This will help to catch any drippings and prevent the hot dogs from drying out.
  Place the hot dogs in the smoker and cook for 1-2 hours, or until they are heated through and have reached your desired level of doneness.
• Airfryer - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Prepare the hot dogs. You can either leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces. If you cut them, be sure to cut them lengthwise so they don't fall through the air fryer basket. Place the hot dogs in the air fryer basket. Cook the hot dogs for about 6 - 8 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. You'll know they're done when they're heated through and have a crispy exterior. 
• Boil: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the hot dogs. Cook for about 5 - 7 minutes, or until they are heated through.
• Microwave: Place the hot dog on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 45 seconds, or until it is heated through
• Steam: Fill a pot or saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket or bamboo steamer in the pot or saucepan. Place the hot dogs in the steamer basket or bamboo steamer. Place the lid on the pot or saucepan and steam the hot dogs for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through.

How do I store Bright Leaf Hot Dogs, and how long do they last?

Bright Leaf Hot Dogs are made fresh and sitting in grocery stores within three days and only last 21 days. If you're going to eat them soon after purchasing them, just put them in the fridge. But if you're going to wait, open up the loose bag, take whatever hot dogs you need, take the rest of the dogs, put them in a Ziploc bag, and put them in the freezer so they'll last longer.

Most Popular Recipes:

Tap on the images below to get the full recipe and ingredients...

All the Way

 Corn Dog

Dogs in a Blanket

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