How to Make Hot Dogs in the Slow Cooker
You don’t need perfect grilling weather to make enough hot dogs to feed a crowd! With the slow cooker, you can easily heat them up, and they’ll stay warm for serving. Get some buns and set up a topping bar for the easiest serving method ever!
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What’s To Love About This Recipe
- Here’s an easy way to cook a big batch of hot dogs that’s hands-free and requires no grill supervision. No matter the weather, you can prep a classic hot dog meal with minimal effort.
- With the slow cooker, you can free up more space on the grill for burgers or chicken, or simply make the hot dogs as a standalone meal for a crowd.
- The hot dogs stay warm in the slow cooker for hours, which makes this a no-brainer option for potlucks, tailgating, parties, concessions, and more.
- Need a meal that’s kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and customizable? Just grab buns, condiments, and toppings, and you’re set with this method! It’s perfect for setting up a DIY hot dog bar that everyone can enjoy.
- Best of all, the cleanup is simple! This is one of the best ways to make hot dogs for large groups or a party.
Ingredients Needed
- Hot dogs – For the best results, use 24 high-quality hot dogs, looking for indicators such as uncured 100% beef and nitrate-free, if possible.
- Hot dog buns – Can’t forget the buns! Choose your favorite brand or bakery-style buns to elevate flavor and quality. It’s always nice to have a gluten-free bun option for those who need it, too.
Keep it simple by adding ketchup and mustard, or go all out with a gourmet topping bar. Nothing beats a classic hot dog!
How To Make Hot Dogs In The Slow Cooker
- Place hot dogs directly into the slow cooker in an even layer. Stack them in alternating directions to fit better, if needed.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-3 hours, until hot dogs are heated through.
- Once hot, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting to serve the hot dogs throughout your event.
Pro Tips
- Depending on the size of your slow cooker, you can adjust the number of hot dogs to cook. They can be cooked either lying flat in layers or standing vertically if you need more space.
- If hot dogs are cooked lying flat in the slow cooker, alternate the direction with each layer to help them heat evenly.
- You don’t need to add any water or broth. The hot dogs will steam in their own juices.
- If you layer the links, use tongs to rotate them once halfway through cooking.
- Keep hot dogs in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting after cooking for up to 2 hours. This makes serving a breeze!
How To Serve Slow Cooker Hot Dogs
Whether you prefer to keep it classic or customize your hot dogs with specialty ingredients, you’ll enjoy the simplicity of slow cooker hot dogs that keep your hands free to enjoy the party!
Toppings
Make your topping bar as deluxe as you’d like with these options:
- Ketchup and mustard
- Mayo (might be “weird” to some, but it’s my personal favorite condiment for these!)
- Classic relish
- Spicy giardiniera
- Pickles or pickled peppers
- Chopped white or purple onions
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tropical or traditional salsa
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- Bacon
- Spicy Slow Cooker Queso
- Sauerkraut
- A scoop of Slow Cooker Tailgate Chili
- Coleslaw
- Grilled pineapple
- And plenty more!
Side Dishes
With the hot dogs warming in the slow cooker, you can get as elaborate as you’d like with yummy sides.
Serve a scoop of potato or Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, or a heartier side of White Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese. Add some fresh fruit or sliced veggies, or a fancier salad like Cucumber Tomato Salad with Mozzarella. If keeping it simple is more your style, a bag of potato chips will do, too!
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftover hot dogs in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked hot dogs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or sealing them in a freezer bag with all air removed. Hot dogs can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
Reheat the hot dogs in a pan on the stovetop with a bit of water, or microwave for short bursts until heated through.
How to Make Hot Dogs in the Slow Cooker
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 24 high-quality hot dogs uncured beef, nitrate-free if possible
- 24 hot dog buns your favorite brand or bakery style
Instructions
- Place hot dogs directly into slow cooker in an even layer, or stack in alternating directions to fit better
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-3 hours, until hot dogs are heated through
- Once hot, switch slow cooker to the warm setting to serve hot dogs throughout your event
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or seal in a freezer bag with air removed for up to 2 months.
- Warm the hot dogs on the stovetop with a splash of water or microwave them in short bursts until heated through.
- To add more hot dogs to the slow cooker, lay them in alternating layers or stand them upright. Hot dogs will steam in their own juices – no water necessary.
- When layering the links, rotate them with tongs halfway through to ensure even heating.
- To keep warm for serving, turn on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours after cooking.
