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I never thought I’d be writing about cooking hot dogs in a crock pot. Growing up, we only ever grilled them outside or boiled them on the stove. That’s just how everyone did it in our house, and I never questioned it.
But here’s the thing about crock pot hot dogs – they’re actually perfect for feeding a crowd without having to stand over a grill or watch a pot of water. Plus, they come out just right every time, which is more than I can say for the many hot dogs I’ve accidentally charred beyond recognition on the grill.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Hot Dogs
- Perfect for large crowds – You can cook dozens of hot dogs at once, making this method ideal for parties, game days, or any big gathering where you need to feed a crowd.
- Hands-off cooking – Just add the hot dogs to your slow cooker and let them heat up while you focus on other party prep or enjoying time with your guests.
- Keep-warm friendly – The slow cooker keeps hot dogs at the perfect serving temperature for hours, so people can grab them whenever they’re ready to eat.
- No-fuss preparation – This might be the easiest recipe ever – just add hot dogs to the pot and turn it on. No other ingredients or steps needed!
What Kind of Hot Dogs Should I Use?
When it comes to hot dogs, you’ve got plenty of options at the grocery store – from all-beef to turkey, pork, or mixed meat varieties. For slow cooking, all-beef hot dogs tend to hold up best and have a great, classic flavor that most people enjoy. If you’re feeding a crowd, you might want to grab a mix of regular and jumbo-sized dogs to please different appetites. Just keep in mind that kosher hot dogs are usually pre-seasoned and can be a bit saltier, while turkey dogs might need a shorter cooking time since they’re typically leaner. Whatever type you choose, look for hot dogs with natural casings if you want that satisfying snap when you bite into them.
Options for Substitutions
While this recipe is super simple, you’ve still got some options to switch things up:
- Hot Dogs: You can use any type of hot dogs you like – beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like Beyond Sausages or veggie dogs. Just keep in mind that turkey and chicken dogs might cook a bit faster, so check them earlier. For veggie dogs, they usually need less time too – about half the cooking time of regular hot dogs.
- Size variations: Feel free to use jumbo dogs, regular-sized ones, or even mini cocktail wieners. Just remember that larger hot dogs might mean fewer fit in your slow cooker, while smaller ones could let you fit more.
- Cooking liquid: While this recipe doesn’t call for liquid (hot dogs release their own juices), you could add a splash of beer or broth at the bottom of the pot if you’re worried about sticking. Just a few tablespoons will do – you’re not trying to boil them!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when cooking hot dogs in a slow cooker is adding water, which can make your hot dogs soggy and dilute their flavor – instead, simply place them directly in the dry crock pot. Another common error is overcrowding the hot dogs to the point where they can’t heat evenly, so make sure to arrange them loosely in layers rather than cramming them in. To get the best results, avoid cooking them on high heat which can cause the hot dogs to split or become wrinkled – stick to the low setting for 4-6 hours, and remember to rotate the hot dogs from top to bottom halfway through cooking for even heating. For optimal serving, keep your slow cooker on the “warm” setting during your party so the hot dogs stay at a safe temperature without overcooking.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Hot Dogs?
Hot dogs are the perfect party food, and there are so many tasty sides you can serve alongside them! The classic combo includes potato chips and cold, creamy coleslaw – it’s simple but always hits the spot. For a cookout-style spread, put out bowls of baked beans, macaroni salad, and corn on the cob, letting everyone mix and match their favorites. Don’t forget to set up a toppings bar with diced onions, sauerkraut, relish, and different mustards so guests can dress up their dogs exactly how they like them.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Already cooked hot dogs can stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. They’re perfect for quick meals throughout the week – just grab and go when you need them!
Freeze: If you’ve made too many hot dogs, no worries! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually or in small portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Pop them in a freezer bag and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. This is super handy for future quick meals.
Warm Up: When you’re ready to eat your leftover hot dogs, you can quickly warm them up in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can even toss them back in the slow cooker on low for about 30 minutes if you’re reheating a bunch at once.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 120-180 minutes |
| Total Time | 125-190 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 5200-5600
- Protein: 600-650 g
- Fat: 400-450 g
- Carbohydrates: 0-2 g
Ingredients
- 52 hot dogs (this is the number that fits in a 6-quart slow cooker. fill yours to capacity!)
Step 1: Arrange the Hot Dogs in the Crock Pot
Start by placing the hot dogs vertically in the crock pot.
We used a 6-quart crock pot, but you can use a larger size if desired.
The number of hot dogs you place in the crock pot is flexible; arrange as many as you need to suit your occasion or gathering.
Step 2: Cook the Hot Dogs
Set the crock pot to high and cook the hot dogs for 2-3 hours.
During this time, the hot dogs will warm up and cook through completely.
Avoid adding water or any other liquid to the crock pot, as the hot dogs will cook perfectly in their own juices.
Step 3: Keep the Hot Dogs Warm
Once the hot dogs are thoroughly cooked, switch the crock pot setting to low.
This will keep the hot dogs warm and ready to serve, making it an ideal setup for parties or large gatherings where guests can help themselves over time.