Slow-Cooked Hot Dogs: The Crock-Pot Method

Cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is a great way to feed a crowd. It's perfect for summer parties, potlucks, and family reunions. The slow cooker does all the work and keeps the hot dogs warm. You can cook anywhere from 20 to 60 hot dogs in a crock pot, depending on the size of your crock pot and the length of the hot dogs. Regular-sized hot dogs fit in most traditional oval crock pots, while taller crock pots can accommodate longer hot dogs. If your hot dogs don't fit lengthwise, you can lay them down in the crock pot.

There's no need to add water to the crock pot when cooking hot dogs. The hot dogs themselves release enough moisture to cook through. Cooking time will vary depending on the number of hot dogs and the heat setting, but generally, it takes around 2-4 hours to cook hot dogs in a crock pot. You can then switch the crock pot to low or warm to keep the hot dogs warm for up to 3 hours.

How to cook hot dogs in a crock pot without them splitting

Cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is a great way to feed a crowd. You can cook a large number of hot dogs in a crock pot at the same time, and they will taste just as good as hot dogs from a food cart! Here is a guide on how to cook hot dogs in a crock pot without them splitting:

First, you need to determine the size of your crock pot and buy the appropriate size of hot dogs. If you have a tall round crock pot, you can use longer hot dogs such as Hebrew National or bun-length hot dogs. If you have an oval crock pot, it is best to use standard-size hot dogs as the longer ones may not fit standing up. If you buy hot dogs that are too long, you can still cook them in your crock pot by laying them on their sides.

To cook the hot dogs, place them in your crock pot standing up. If they do not fit with the lid on, you can lay them on their sides. Do not add any water to the crock pot, as the hot dogs will release enough moisture on their own. Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the hot dogs in the centre are hot.

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can switch the crock pot to the warm setting to keep them warm for up to 3 hours. This is perfect for serving at parties! When serving, use tongs to place the hot dogs into buns and add your desired toppings and condiments.

Some popular hot dog toppings include:

• Sweet relish
• Thinly sliced tomatoes
• Hot dog chili
• Shredded cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Sauerkraut
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Onions
• Shredded cheese
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Baked beans

So, there you have it! A simple and effective way to cook hot dogs in a crock pot without them splitting. Enjoy your delicious hot dogs!

How to cook different-sized hot dogs in a crock pot

Cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is a great way to feed a crowd. It's perfect for parties, BBQs, and potlucks. The slow cooker does all the work and keeps the hot dogs warm. Here's a guide on how to cook different-sized hot dogs in a crock pot:

Oval Crock Pot

If you have an oval crock pot, it is recommended to use standard-size hot dogs. Bun-length or longer hot dogs will not fit standing up. However, if you buy hot dogs that are too long, you can still cook them by laying them on their sides. To avoid this, measure the inside of your crock pot from the lip down and bring a measuring tape to the store to ensure the hot dogs fit.

Tall Round Crock Pot

A tall round crock pot can handle longer hot dogs such as Hebrew National or bun-length, although regular-sized hot dogs will also work. If your hot dogs are too long, you can lay them on their sides. Again, measuring the crock pot and the hot dogs beforehand will ensure a perfect fit.

Cooking Instructions

Regardless of the crock pot size or the hot dog length, the cooking instructions remain the same. Place the hot dogs in the crock pot, either standing up or on their sides if they're too long. Do not add water, as the hot dogs will release enough moisture on their own.

Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or until the hot dogs in the centre are hot. You can keep the hot dogs warm for up to 3 hours on the warm setting.

How to cook hot dogs in bulk in a crock pot

Cooking hot dogs in bulk in a crock pot is a great way to feed a crowd. It's perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or any other occasion where you need to serve a lot of food to a lot of people. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cook hot dogs in bulk in a crock pot:

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Start by unwrapping all the hot dogs and placing them in the crock pot. You can stand them on their ends or lay them down, depending on the size of your crock pot and the length of the hot dogs. If you're using a taller crock pot, you can use Hebrew National or bun-length hot dogs. For a standard oval crock pot, regular-size hot dogs are recommended.

Step 2: Cook the Hot Dogs

Once you have all the hot dogs in the crock pot, it's time to start cooking. There's no need to add any water, as the hot dogs will release enough moisture on their own. Set the crock pot to low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours. If you're cooking a large number of hot dogs, they may need a little longer to ensure that the ones in the centre are fully cooked.

Step 3: Keep Warm

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can keep them warm in the crock pot for up to 3 hours by switching it to the "warm" setting. This is great for parties, as it means your hot dogs will be ready to serve whenever your guests are ready to eat.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the hot dogs in buns with your favourite toppings. Some popular topping options include mayonnaise, sauerkraut, sliced tomatoes, chilli, and shredded cheese. You can also set up a hot dog bar and let your guests help themselves!

Cooking hot dogs in bulk in a crock pot is a simple and effective way to feed a crowd, and it's perfect for any summer gathering or party. So, the next time you're planning a get-together, why not give it a try?

How to store leftover hot dogs

Storing leftover hot dogs is simple. If the hot dogs are unopened, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you've already opened the package, they will last in the fridge for four to five days.

To store leftover hot dogs, place them in an airtight container or bag. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a bag or container. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent any juices or smells from leaking out.

If you're not planning to eat the hot dogs within four to five days, you can freeze them. Wrap the hot dogs individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag or container. Frozen hot dogs will last for up to three months.

Hot dogs are highly processed and full of salt, so they have a long shelf life. However, it's still important to store them properly to maintain freshness and food safety.

How to serve hot dogs at a party

Hot dogs are a great way to feed a crowd at a party. You can cook them in a crock pot, which is an easy way to make a lot of hot dogs at once and keep them warm. Here's how to serve hot dogs at your next party:

Planning

Before your party, decide how many hot dogs you will need. As a general rule, you can fit around 50-60 hot dogs in a 6-quart slow cooker. If you're using a 5-quart slow cooker, you can fit about 56 hot dogs. For a 4-quart slow cooker, you can fit around 50 hot dogs.

Cooking the Hot Dogs

On the day of your party, set up your crock pot in a convenient location. Unwrap all the hot dogs and place them in the crock pot. If your crock pot is tall and narrow, you can stand the hot dogs on their ends. If it's shorter and wider, you may need to lay them on their sides.

There is no need to add water to the crock pot, as the hot dogs will release enough moisture during cooking. Cover the crock pot and cook the hot dogs on high for 2-3 hours, or until they are warmed through.

Serving

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can switch the crock pot to low or the "warm" setting. This will keep the hot dogs warm for up to 3 hours, so your guests can help themselves throughout the party.

Serve the hot dogs in buns, with a variety of toppings and sides. You can provide tongs, baskets, and paper liners for a fun and functional hot dog bar.

Toppings and Sides

• Mayonnaise
• Sauerkraut
• Sliced tomatoes
• Hot dog chili (canned or homemade)
• Shredded cheese
• Sweet relish
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Fruit, such as watermelon
• Chips
• Chili
• Macaroni salad
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Pasta salad
• Salads (e.g. blueberry peach feta salad, watermelon feta salad, panzanella salad)

Other Tips

If you're worried about the hot dogs fitting in your crock pot, measure the inside of your slow cooker and take a measuring tape with you to the store to check the hot dog sizes.

If you want to cook the hot dogs in advance, you can keep them warm in the crock pot for up to 3 hours before your guests arrive.

Now you're ready to host a fun and delicious hot dog party!

Frequently asked questions