Slow-Cooked Comfort: Mastering Hot Links In A Crock Pot

Hot links, also known as spicy sausages, are a delicious treat and a popular choice for meat lovers. While they are traditionally cooked on a grill or stovetop, a crock pot is a convenient and hassle-free method that yields great results. This guide will walk you through the steps to achieve juicy and flavourful hot links in a crock pot.

Hot links with spaghetti sauce, green pepper and onion

Ingredients:

• 3 packages of hot links
• 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced

Method:

• Chop up the hot links and put them in the crock pot.
• Add the sliced onion and green pepper to the crock pot.
• Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce and mix all the ingredients together.
• Close the lid of the crock pot and set the cooking temperature to low.
• Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the sausages are tender and cooked through.
• Serve the hot links with your choice of sides, such as garlic bread, a green salad, or cauliflower rice.

Tips:

• You can brown the hot links in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot for extra flavor.
• If you want to add more vegetables, feel free to include different colored bell peppers or additional spices.
• This recipe can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 2-3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Cooking time and temperature

When cooking hot links in a crock pot, the cooking temperature and time will depend on the type of crock pot or slow cooker you have. Most crock pots have a low and high setting, with some also offering a medium setting. The low setting is usually around 190°F (88°C), while the high setting can reach temperatures of up to 300°F (149°C). Some crock pots also have a "keep warm" setting, which is typically around 140°F (74°C).

If your crock pot only has a low and high setting, it is generally better to cook hot links on low. This will help to tenderize the meat and ensure that any root vegetables you are cooking are soft enough to eat. Cooking on low will also allow the ingredients to infuse for deeper, richer flavors.

The cooking time for hot links in a crock pot can vary depending on the quantity of hot links you are cooking and the power of your crock pot. As a general guideline, hot links cooked on low heat will take around twice as long as those cooked on high heat. For example, if a recipe calls for cooking hot links for 2 hours on low heat, you could achieve the same results by cooking them for 1 hour on high heat.

When cooking hot links in a crock pot, it is important to keep the lid on at all times, except when adding ingredients, to ensure even cooking and maintain moisture. Additionally, there is no need to add water to the crock pot, as the hot links will produce their own steam during the cooking process.

If you are cooking a large quantity of hot links, it is recommended to stir them occasionally with tongs or a spatula to prevent them from burning. Most hot links are precooked, so you only need to heat them through. Depending on the size and thickness of the hot links, this can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours on low heat.

Once your hot links are cooked, you can keep them warm in the crock pot for up to 3 to 4 hours by using the "keep warm" setting. This is a great option if you are hosting a party or gathering and want to keep the hot links warm for guests to enjoy throughout the event.

How to serve

Once your hot links are cooked, it's time to serve them up! Here are some ideas for how to serve hot links cooked in a crock pot:

Hot Dog Bar

If you're cooking for a crowd, a fun and interactive way to serve your crock pot hot links is to set up a hot dog bar. Put out a variety of toppings and condiments and let your guests build their own hot dogs. Here are some topping ideas:

• Classic Chicago-style hot dog toppings like pickle relish, sliced tomatoes, pepperoncini, and minced white onions
• Sauerkraut (you can even cook this in the crock pot with your hot links!)
• Beef broth, red wine vinegar, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper
• Homemade chili with ground beef, minced red onions, and shredded cheddar cheese
• Black beans, pinto beans, shredded Mexican cheese, salsa, pickled jalapeño slices, taco sauce, and queso cheese sauce
• Quartered cherry tomatoes, bacon bits, and finely shredded iceberg lettuce
• Sliced avocados or guacamole, corn salsa, salsa verde, and creamy coleslaw

Sides

If you're serving your crock pot hot links as part of a meal, here are some side dish ideas:

• Garlic parmesan chicken skewers
• Chili cheese fries
• Grilled vegetables
• Coleslaw

Buns

Don't forget the buns! You can serve your hot links in regular hot dog buns, or get creative and use other types of bread.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover hot links, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the crock pot, microwave, or on the stovetop.

Storing leftovers

To be cautious, the USDA recommends dividing large dishes into smaller, shallow containers before refrigeration. It is best to get your leftovers into the fridge as soon as possible, whether fully cooled or not, to prevent food spoilage and bacterial growth. The FDA and USDA recommend keeping food at room temperature for up to two hours, and only one hour if the ambient temperature is 90°F or above.

To store your hot links leftovers, use airtight containers or zip-lock bags, and place them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover hot links for up to 3-4 months. When reheating, use the same method as you did to cook them.

Other ways to cook hot links

Hot links are a tasty dish with a kick of heat and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some alternative methods to cooking hot links in a crockpot:

Grilling

Grilling hot links is a common method that adds a smoky flavour to the sausages. To grill your hot links, preheat your grill to medium-low heat. Place the hot links on the grill grate, ensuring they are not directly over the coals. Cover the grill with a lid and let the hot links cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them every few minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. Once they are completely heated through, remove them from the grill and serve in buns with your favourite condiments.

Roasting

Roasting hot links in the oven is a convenient method, especially during colder months. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and set up a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Cut the hot links into individual sausages if they are still connected. Place the hot links on the wire rack, leaving some space between each link for even browning. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are completely browned and cooked through.

Simmering on the Stove

Simmering hot links on the stove is a quick and easy method. Simply pour water into a skillet and bring it to a boil. Add the hot links to the skillet, reducing the heat to medium so the water bubbles gently. Cover the skillet and let the hot links simmer for 5 to 6 minutes. Turn the hot links over and simmer for another 5 to 6 minutes until they are completely heated through. If you want them slightly crispy, continue cooking the hot links without the lid for a few more minutes after pouring out the hot water.

Air Fryer

Using an air fryer is another option for cooking hot links. Preheat your air fryer to 370 °F. Remove the hot links from their packaging and place them in the air fryer basket without stacking them. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the hot links halfway through the cooking time.

Microwave

Cooking hot links in the microwave is a quick option if you're short on time. Place one hot link on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a paper towel. Microwave for 30 to 35 seconds, then let the hot link rest for about a minute before serving. If you're cooking multiple hot links, it's best to do them one at a time to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions