Slow-Cooked Comfort: Hot Dogs And Sauerkraut In The Crock Pot

Hot dogs and sauerkraut is a classic, comforting, and budget-friendly meal that can be made in a crockpot with minimal effort and simple ingredients. This dish is perfect for lazy days or busy schedules, as it can be prepared ahead of time and left to cook slowly throughout the day. The result is a delicious combination of tangy, salty, and meaty flavours that will remind you of childhood evenings and comfort food.

How to prepare the hot dogs

Preparing the hot dogs for this recipe is simple. Start by cutting the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces or slices. If you prefer, you can leave the hot dogs whole. You can also use turkey hot dogs for a low-fat option.

Place the hot dogs in the crockpot, ensuring they touch the sides of the pot. This will create a brown and crispy texture on the surface of the hot dogs. If you're using sliced hot dogs, you can simply add them to the crockpot with the other ingredients.

You can also brown the hot dogs before adding them to the crockpot. To do this, warm some oil in a skillet and add the hot dogs, cooking them until they are browned.

If you want to add some extra flavour to the hot dogs, you can include butter, onion, garlic, broth, and sugar to the crockpot. These ingredients will enhance the flavour of the dish and balance out the tanginess of the sauerkraut.

For a more substantial meal, you can also add potatoes and carrots to the crockpot. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the hot dogs.

How to prepare the sauerkraut

To prepare the sauerkraut for your crock pot hot dogs, start by draining the excess liquid from the sauerkraut. This is important as the liquid can make your dish soupy and overly salty. If you prefer, you can also rinse the sauerkraut, but be sure to drain it well after.

Next, place the sauerkraut in the bottom of your crock pot. You can add a small amount of juice or beer to the crock pot, but this is optional. If you want to add some extra flavour to your sauerkraut, you can sprinkle in some brown sugar, salt, and pepper. You could also add some red pepper flakes for a kick of spice.

After seasoning the sauerkraut, you can add in some chopped onion and apples. Granny Smith apples are a good choice for this dish. You can also add some caraway seeds to the sauerkraut for an unexpected pop of flavour. Finally, place the hot dogs on top of the sauerkraut and cook on a low setting for 2-6 hours, depending on your crock pot.

And that's it! You've now prepared the sauerkraut for your crock pot hot dogs.

How to assemble the dish

To assemble this hearty dish, start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onions, carrots, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic. You can also choose to add sliced apples for a tangy flavour.

Next, place the drained sauerkraut at the bottom of your crock pot. Sprinkle it with brown sugar and water, and mix gently. You can also add a little broth to enhance the flavour. Then, add the chopped vegetables and fruits to the crock pot.

After that, place the hot dogs over the sauerkraut mixture. You can use all-beef hot dogs or go for a lower-fat option with turkey hot dogs. If you prefer sausages, sliced Polish sausage or Kielbasa sausage are excellent choices.

Finally, you can add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the crock pot. This ingredient is optional but adds a wonderful creaminess to the dish. However, start with a small amount and adjust to your taste, as not everyone may enjoy its flavour.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for hot dogs and sauerkraut in a crock pot depends on the heat setting and the number of ingredients used.

On a low heat setting, the dish can be cooked for 4-6 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can cook the meal on a high heat setting for 1-1.5 hours or 3-4 hours.

However, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of ingredients used. For example, if you add potatoes or carrots to the crock pot, the cooking time may be extended to 6-8 hours.

Additionally, the cooking time may depend on your crock pot's heat settings. Different crock pots may have varying heat intensities, so it is always a good idea to check the progress of your meal periodically to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Overall, cooking hot dogs and sauerkraut in a crock pot is a simple and flexible process that can be adjusted based on your time constraints and desired ingredients.

Serving suggestions

• Dinner rolls (with mustard)
• Freshly fried corn (or creamed corn or baked corn on the cob)
• A hot dog bun with mustard, ketchup, relish, or other toppings
• Cornbread, especially Mexican cornbread
• Macaroni and cheese
• Mashed potatoes
• Baked beans
• Potato salad
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Polish sausage or kielbasa sausage
• Baby potatoes or red potatoes
• A hot dog bar with bun-length hot dogs and a variety of toppings such as onions, relish, and chili
• A side of cold sauerkraut salad

Frequently asked questions