Keeping Hot Dogs Warm: The Crock-Pot Method

Keeping hot dogs warm in a crock pot is a great idea for feeding a crowd. It's an easy way to make hot dogs without having to grill all afternoon. You can fit about 60 hot dogs in a 6-quart slow cooker, and they will stay warm for up to 3 hours on the warm setting. The hot dogs will release enough moisture on their own, so there is no need to add water. Simply place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5 to 4 hours, or until the hot dogs in the centre are hot. Then, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting until you're ready to serve.

How to cook hot dogs in a crock pot

Preparation

Before you start, you'll want to make sure you have a crock pot or slow cooker that's large enough to fit the number of hot dogs you want to cook. A 6-quart slow cooker, for example, can fit around 60 hot dogs. If you're cooking for a smaller crowd, you can simply reduce the number of hot dogs accordingly.

Once you've determined the size of your crock pot, it's time to gather your ingredients. For this method, you'll only need hot dogs and any desired toppings or condiments. There's no need to add water or other liquids to the crock pot, as the hot dogs will release enough moisture on their own.

Cooking the Hot Dogs

To start cooking your hot dogs, simply unwrap them and place them in the crock pot. If you're cooking a large number of hot dogs, you may need to stand them on their ends to fit them all in. Once the crock pot is filled, place the lid on top and turn it on.

Cooking time will depend on the number of hot dogs you're cooking and the settings of your crock pot. For a large batch of hot dogs, you'll typically want to cook them on high for around 2-4 hours or on low for around 4 hours. Be sure to check the hot dogs periodically to ensure they're fully cooked and heated through.

Keeping Hot Dogs Warm

Once the hot dogs are cooked to your liking, you can switch your crock pot to its "warm" setting to keep them at an ideal serving temperature. On this setting, your hot dogs should stay warm and tasty for up to 3 hours. This makes crock pots ideal for serving hot dogs at parties, potlucks, or other gatherings where you want to keep food warm for an extended period.

Serving

When it's time to serve your hot dogs, simply use tongs to remove them from the crock pot and place them in buns. From there, you and your guests can add desired toppings and condiments. Suggested toppings include mayonnaise, sauerkraut, sliced tomatoes, hot dog chili, and shredded cheese. You can also offer a variety of classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, onions, and relish.

And that's it! By using a crock pot, you can easily cook and keep hot dogs warm for any gathering or event. So, the next time you're planning a party or get-together, consider making things easy on yourself by whipping up a batch of delicious crock pot hot dogs.

How to keep hot dogs warm for a party

Keeping hot dogs warm for a party is easy with a slow cooker. Here's how to do it:

First, decide how many hot dogs you need. A 6-quart slow cooker can fit about 60 hot dogs, but you can do fewer if necessary. If you're worried about the hot dogs fitting, measure the inside of your slow cooker and bring a measuring tape to the store to check the size of the hot dogs.

Next, unwrap all the hot dogs and place them in the slow cooker. You can stand them on end to fit more, but if you don't need to fit as many, you can just dump them in. There's no need to add water, as the hot dogs will release moisture on their own. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for about 2 to 3 hours or until the hot dogs in the centre are hot.

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can keep them warm on the slow cooker's "warm" setting for up to 3 hours. If your pot has a hot spot, the hot dogs on the edge may get crispy and blackened.

When you're ready to serve, use tongs to remove the hot dogs from the slow cooker and place them in buns. Top with your desired condiments and enjoy!

Some suggested toppings for your hot dogs include:

• Mayonnaise
• Sauerkraut (served cold or heated in a mini crockpot)
• Thinly sliced tomatoes
• Hot dog chili (canned or homemade)
• Shredded cheese

You can also serve fruit, such as watermelon, and chips on the side.

How to serve hot dogs

Hot dogs are a great option for serving food to a large group of people. They are easy to prepare and can be kept warm in a crock pot or slow cooker. Here is a guide on how to serve hot dogs, including preparation methods and topping suggestions.

How to Cook Hot Dogs in a Crock Pot

Firstly, you will need to decide on the number of hot dogs you wish to cook. A 6-quart slow cooker can fit around 60 hot dogs. For smaller groups, you can simply reduce the quantity.

Unwrap all the hot dogs and stand them on end in the crock pot if you are aiming to cook a large number. If you are cooking a smaller batch, you can just place them in the pot. There is no need to add water as the hot dogs will release moisture during the cooking process.

Cover the crock pot and cook the hot dogs on a low setting for around 4 hours or on a high setting for approximately 2-3 hours. Ensure that the hot dogs in the centre are fully cooked before serving.

Keeping Hot Dogs Warm

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can keep them warm by switching the crock pot to the "'warm' setting". They can be kept warm for up to 3 hours. If your crock pot has a hot spot, the hot dogs on the edge may become crispy and blackened, so be sure to rotate them.

Serving Hot Dogs

When serving hot dogs, it is recommended to use tongs to remove them from the crock pot and place them into hot dog buns. You can set up a hot dog bar with various toppings and condiments for your guests to choose from.

Topping Suggestions:

• Mayonnaise
• Sauerkraut (served cold or heated)
• Thinly sliced tomatoes
• Hot dog chili (canned or homemade)
• Shredded cheese (if serving chili)
• Sweet relish
• Fruit, such as watermelon
• Chips

Crock pot hot dogs vs. grilled hot dogs

The Setup

You're planning a party and want to serve hot dogs, but you're not sure whether to grill them or use your crock pot. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so let's take a closer look at each option.

Grilled Hot Dogs

Grilled hot dogs have that classic smoky flavour that many people associate with summer cookouts. If you're short on time, grilling is a quick way to cook a relatively small number of hot dogs. However, grilling can be more labour-intensive, as you have to keep an eye on the grill to ensure the hot dogs don't burn. It's also harder to cook a large number of hot dogs on a grill, and they may not stay warm for long after they're cooked.

Crock Pot Hot Dogs

Crock pot hot dogs, on the other hand, are a great option if you're feeding a crowd. You can fit a large number of hot dogs in a crock pot (some sources say up to 60!), and they will stay warm for several hours. This frees you up to enjoy the party instead of being stuck behind the grill. The slow cooking process also results in juicy hot dogs, and there's no need to add water to the crock pot as the hot dogs release enough moisture on their own.

The Verdict

If you're looking for convenience and the ability to serve a large number of hot dogs, the crock pot method is a great choice. However, if you're short on time or prefer the traditional grilled flavour, grilling may be the way to go. Ultimately, both methods have their pros and cons, so it's up to you to decide which option aligns with your priorities and preferences.

Hot dog toppings

Hot dogs are a great way to feed a crowd, and there are endless combinations of toppings to elevate the humble hot dog into a celebration food. Here are some ideas for hot dog toppings to get you started:

Classic Toppings

• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Relish
• Onions
• Cheese
• Coleslaw
• Bacon
• Chilli
• Sauerkraut

Creative Toppings

• Grilled pineapple, red onions, and teriyaki sauce (Hawaii-inspired)
• Grilled onions, bell peppers, ketchup, and pepperoncinis (Italian-American)
• Grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and mayo (Mexico-inspired)
• Pickled peppers, diced tomatoes, yellow mustard, and chopped onions (Chicago-style)
• Curry mustard, sauerkraut, and everything bagel seasoning (Deli Dog)
• Sriracha mayo, jalapeño, pickled carrots, and cilantro (Banh-Mi-inspired)
• Avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil
• Peanut butter and pickle
• Russian dressing and pickled onions
• Kimchi and Fly by Jing Zhong Sauce
• Bone-Sucking Wing Sauce in Honey Habanero
• Celery salt
• Mango pineapple pico de gallo
• Truffle hot sauce
• Chili crisp
• Sour cream
• Chipotle aoli
• Japanese mayo
• Pickled ginger and furikake
• Swedish fried onion bits
• Fried onion strings
• Potato chips
• Grated dill pickles
• Grated cheese
• Grilled or pan-fried hot dogs

Frequently asked questions