Crock-Pot Hot Dogs: The Ultimate Slow-Cooked Comfort

How to Cook Hot Dogs in a Crock Pot

Cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is a great way to make hot dogs for a crowd. It's perfect for summer potlucks, birthday parties, BBQs, and more. You can cook up to 60 hot dogs in a crock pot, depending on the size of your crock pot and the length and thickness of the hot dogs.

To cook hot dogs in a crock pot, simply place the desired amount of hot dogs in the crock pot, ensuring they fit with the lid on. There is no need to add water, as the moisture released by the hot dogs will be enough. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. You can then switch the crock pot to low or warm to keep the hot dogs warm for up to 3 hours.

Hot dogs cooked in a crock pot can be served with a variety of toppings and sides, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, sauerkraut, chili, coleslaw, and more. They can also be served with a variety of side dishes, such as corn on the cob, pasta salad, baked sweet potato fries, and potato salad.

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

Cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is a great way to cook hot dogs in bulk and is perfect for parties and potlucks. The slow cooker does all the work and keeps the hot dogs warm for up to 3 hours.

Step 1: Prepare the crock pot

The size of your crock pot will determine how many hot dogs you can cook at once. A 4-quart crock pot can fit about 48 regular-length hot dogs, while a 6-quart pot can hold about 52-64. If you have a taller crock pot, you can use Hebrew National or bun-length hot dogs. If your crock pot is not tall enough for the hot dogs to stand upright, you can lay them down horizontally.

Step 2: Add the hot dogs

Unwrap all the hot dogs and place them in the crock pot. You can stand them upright or lay them down, depending on the size of your crock pot. There is no need to add water as the hot dogs will release enough moisture to cook themselves.

Step 3: Cook the hot dogs

Cover the crock pot and cook the hot dogs on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. If you are cooking a large number of hot dogs, you may need to cook them for longer to ensure they are all heated through. Check that the hot dogs in the middle are fully cooked before serving.

Step 4: Keep warm

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can keep them warm in the crock pot on the "warm" setting for up to 3 hours. This is perfect for parties so that people can help themselves when they are ready to eat.

Tips:

• Avoid using forks to remove the hot dogs from the crock pot as this can cause them to split and leak juice. Tongs are a better option.
• If you are worried about the hot dogs drying out, you can rotate them halfway through cooking.
• If you are making a lot of hot dogs, consider setting up a hot dog bar with various toppings and condiments. Some popular toppings include caramelized onions, tomato sauce, ketchup, guacamole, mustard, sauerkraut, and shredded cheese.

How to serve hot dogs

Once your hot dogs are cooked, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips on how to serve hot dogs:

Checking the hot dogs are cooked

First, check that the hot dogs in the middle of the crockpot are fully hot before serving. You can use tongs to serve the hot dogs into buns. If your crockpot has a hot spot, the hot dogs on the edge may get crispy and blackened, which can be a fun surprise for guests!

Keeping hot dogs warm

You can keep your hot dogs on the "warm" setting for a long time after cooking. This is great for parties, so guests can help themselves whenever they're hungry.

Hot dog toppings and condiments

The fun part about serving hot dogs is that guests can add their own toppings and condiments. Here are some ideas for toppings and condiments to include:

• Shredded cheese
• Onions (raw or caramelized)
• Relish (sweet or dill pickle)
• Chili
• Coleslaw
• Sauteed bell peppers and onions
• Avocado or guacamole
• Crushed Fritos or tortilla chips
• Mustard (yellow, spicy brown, or Dijon)
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Bacon
• Sauerkraut
• Pickled jalapenos
• Grilled pineapple
• Grilled corn
• Cotija cheese
• Cilantro
• Tomatoes
• Pepperoncinis
• Bagel seasoning
• Sriracha mayo
• Curry mustard
• Everything bagel seasoning

Hot dog buns

You can use classic hot dog buns, or switch things up with brioche buns, Hawaiian buns, or pretzel buns. Don't forget to include gluten-free options as well!

Sides to serve with hot dogs

While hot dogs and their many toppings are usually enough to fill guests up, you might want to include some side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Chips
• Fruit (e.g. watermelon)
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• Salads (e.g. watermelon cucumber salad, avocado-lime coleslaw)

How to store and reheat hot dogs

Hot dogs are a convenient and tasty treat, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here's a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your hot dogs to perfection.

Storing Hot Dogs

To keep your leftover hot dogs fresh, follow these steps:

• Remove from buns: Take the hot dogs out of their buns.
• Scrape off condiments: Remove any toppings like ketchup, mustard, or relish.
• Wrap sausages: To prevent drying out, wrap the sausages in plastic wrap or foil.
• Use airtight containers: Place the wrapped sausages in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
• Store buns separately: Keep the buns in a plastic bag or wrap them in foil. If they are already soggy or covered in sauce, it's best to discard them.

Reheating Hot Dogs

There are several effective ways to reheat hot dogs while maintaining their taste and texture:

• Microwave: Wrap the hot dog in a damp paper towel and microwave in short intervals until heated through. This is a quick and convenient method.
• Stovetop: Fry the hot dogs in a pan with butter or oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. You can also "pan steam" by covering the bottom of the pan with water.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Wrap the hot dogs in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through.
• Grilling: Place the hot dogs on a grill over medium heat, turning frequently for even cooking. This method is great if you want those signature grill marks.
• Air frying: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the sausages in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Steaming: Use a steamer basket over simmering water. Heat the sausages for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.

Tips for Optimal Reheating

• Temperature control: Reheat at a moderate temperature to prevent burning the outside before the inside is thoroughly warmed.
• Moisture retention: Use a damp paper towel or aluminium foil to prevent the hot dogs from drying out and the buns from becoming too hard or chewy.
• Separate sausages and buns: To avoid sogginess, reheat the sausages and buns separately, and assemble just before serving.
• Condiments: Remove condiments before reheating and add them after, to maintain their texture and flavour.
• Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hot dogs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Condiments and side dishes

The best thing about hot dogs is that they can be dressed up or down, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas for condiments and side dishes to serve with your crockpot hot dogs:

Condiments

• Ketchup and mustard are the classic choices, but you can also offer dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard for a twist.
• Mayonnaise is a popular choice, and you can even get it in a handy squeezy bottle.
• BBQ sauce is a great option, especially if you want to give your hot dogs a smoky flavour.
• Worcestershire sauce can add a tangy kick to your hot dog.
• Relish is a must-have for Chicago-style hot dogs, and pickle relish is another option.
• Sliced tomatoes and onions are classic toppings that add a fresh flavour. Go for white onions if you want a milder taste, or red onions for a sharper flavour.
• Sauerkraut is a delicious, tangy topping, especially if you like Germanic-style hot dogs.
• Chilli is perfect for making chilli dogs or coney dogs. You can make it yourself or use a canned version.
• Shredded cheese is a great way to add some extra flavour and texture to your hot dog, especially if you're serving chilli.
• Guacamole or sliced avocado can add a creamy, cool flavour.
• Corn salsa or salsa verde can add a spicy kick.
• Taco sauce and taco seasoning will give your hot dogs a Mexican twist.
• Chicken dipping sauce is a unique choice that your guests might not expect.
• Bacon bits will add a smoky, crispy texture.
• Jalapeño slices can bring some heat to your hot dog.
• Creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that also works well as a topping.

Side Dishes

• Chips are a must-have side dish for hot dogs. Go for a big bowl of plain chips or offer a variety of flavours.
• Fruit, such as watermelon, strawberries, or pineapple, can add a fresh, sweet flavour to your meal.
• Hash brown casserole is a tasty side dish that goes well with hot dogs.
• Cheese and bacon potatoes are another potato-based side dish that your guests will love.
• Chilli cheese fries are a hearty side dish that will fill up your guests.
• Garlic parmesan chicken skewers are a more sophisticated option that can be served as an appetizer or a side dish.
• Mashed potatoes with garlic and chives are a comforting side dish that will please everyone.
• Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter is a perfect summer side dish.
• A colourful slaw can add some crunch and freshness to your meal.
• Mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that can be elevated with truffle for a special touch.

How to cook hot dogs in bulk

Cooking hot dogs in bulk is very easy in a Crock Pot. It's a great way to feed a crowd and works for parties, potlucks, BBQs, and more. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Unwrap all the hot dogs and throw away the wrappers. You can stand the hot dogs on their ends if you're trying to fit a lot in (up to 60 in a 6-quart slow cooker), or just lay them down if you're cooking fewer hot dogs.

Step 2: Cook the Hot Dogs

Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook the hot dogs. You can cook them on low for 3-4 hours or on high for about 2 hours. There's no need to add any water, as the hot dogs will release moisture on their own.

Step 3: Keep Warm and Serve

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can keep them warm by switching the slow cooker to its "warm" setting. They can stay warm for up to 3 hours. Serve the hot dogs with tongs and desired toppings and fixings.

Tips:

• Check to make sure the hot dogs in the middle are fully heated before serving.
• If your slow cooker has a hot spot, the hot dogs on the edge may get crispy and blackened, which can be good for fooling kids into thinking they're barbecued!
• Avoid adding water to the slow cooker, as this can cause the hot dogs to split.
• You can rotate the hot dogs halfway through cooking to help them cook evenly.
• Use tongs instead of forks to remove the hot dogs, as forks can pierce the hot dogs and cause juice to leak out.

Frequently asked questions