How to Cook Hot Dogs in a Crockpot (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Skip the grill and learn how to cook hot dogs in a crockpot—a game changer for any time you need to feed a large crowd with minimal effort!
Hot dogs are the ultimate summer meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a birthday party, or just feeding a lot of people, there’s nothing better than a juicy, perfectly cooked hot dog loaded with your favorite toppings. There is something so comforting about eating a perfectly cooked hot dog on a toasted bun.
Sometimes I just want to stick to the basics with just a bit of ketchup and mustard. Other times, I want to get a little fancy. Chili dogs are always a hit. We also make Chicago and New York style, a Coney Island hot dog, and a Mexican version.
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But let’s be real—in summer, there are days that I just don’t want to stand over a hot grill or babysit a pot of boiling water. And when the weather is chilly, I don’t really enjoy using the grill to cook outside.
Enter the crockpot hot dog method! This is the best way to cook a ton of hot dogs at once with almost zero effort. Just set it, forget it, and come back to delicious, juicy hot dogs that taste just like they came from a food cart or ballpark!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the easiest way to cook a lot of hot dogs without any hassle. It’s perfect for family reunions, parties, or setting up a fun hot dog bar for guests to customize their meal. Plus, the warm setting on your crockpot means they’ll stay hot and ready for hours, so you can relax and enjoy the party, instead of playing chef all day.
Crockpot Hot Dogs
The texture of the hot dogs reminds me of the kind concession stands have. And the best part is that I don’t have to stand out in the cold!
Serve these slow cooker hot dogs with any toppings you like and add a side or two for a simple and delicious meal that the whole family will love. Side dishes like salad, raw veggies, potato salad, potato chips, and French fries are all great options.
This method of cooking is the easiest way to make a ton of hot dogs at once. That makes it the perfect solution to feeding a large crowd at any gathering.
Put together a hot dog bar with various toppings and a big plate of hot dog buns for your family and friends to load up. All you need is an electrical outlet nearby and you are set.
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Supplies
- 7-quart Crockpot – This is the one that I have currently and we love it!
- Tongs – A must for grabbing each dog out of the slow cooker.
Ingredients
All-beef hot dogs – Go for quality! We love Harvest, but use your favorite brand, and be sure to remove individual wrappers from the hot dogs if needed.
Instructions
- Place the hot dogs in the slow cooker. Stand them up vertically if you need to.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Topping Suggestions
Now that the dogs are done, the topping options are endless!
- A slice of cheese or nacho cheese sauce
- Chopped or sliced white onions
- Pickled red onion
- Caramelized onions
- Crumbled bacon
- Hot dog sauce
- Chili
- Add a kick of heat with some hot sauce or chili sauce.
- Use your favorite condiments like ketchup, yellow mustard, mayo, relish, or BBQ sauce.
How Long Do You Cook Hot Dogs?
- Hot dogs may be cooked in a slow cooker on high for 2 hours or low for 3-4 hours.
- When boiling hot dogs, cook them for 4-6 minutes. Learn how to boil hot dogs in this post.
- Hot dogs can be cooked on a BBQ grill for 7-10 minutes.
- Smoked hot dogs take 60 minutes to cook when smoked at 225 degrees F.
- Baked hot dogs in the oven take about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. Learn how to bake hot dogs in this post.
- Air fry hot dogs for 5-7 minutes at 300 degrees F.
Tips and Tricks
- The number of hot dogs you will be able to cook will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the type of hot dogs you are cooking. Adjust accordingly.
- Place hot dogs upright in the slow cooker to fit as many as possible. If they don’t fit upright, they can also be laid down.
- To get the best results with this simple recipe, use quality ingredients, like all-beef hot dogs.
- Line the bottom of the slow cooker with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Skip the hot dog water—the dogs steam in their own juices for amazing flavor.
- Set the crockpot on the warm setting to keep the dogs warm after cooking for up to 2 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the hot dogs are cooked thoroughly.
- Leftover hot dogs may be cooled and then stored in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge. You can microwave hot dogs to reheat them to use for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook hot dogs in a crockpot?
Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4 hours. Keep them warm after cooking using the warm setting.
Can you put hot dog buns in the crockpot?
Nope! Keep the buns separate so they stay fresh and toasty.
Can I use this recipe for different types of hot dogs?
Absolutely! Bun length, turkey dogs, or veggie dogs all work.
What side dish ideas go well with hot dogs?
Try potato salad, French fries, raw veggies, or classic potato chips!
Now that you know the best way to cook hot dogs in a crockpot, give this method a try at your next party! They are going to be a huge hit and you won’t be stuck in the kitchen the whole time.
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Ingredients
- 16 all beef hot dogs
Instructions
- Place hot dogs in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Notes
- The number of hot dogs you will be able to cook will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the type of hot dogs you are cooking. Adjust accordingly.
- Place hot dogs upright in the slow cooker to fit as many as possible. If they don’t fit upright, they can also be laid down.
- To get the best results with this simple recipe, use quality ingredients, like all-beef hot dogs.
- Line the bottom of the slow cooker with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Nutrition
