Crock-Pot Hot Dogs: Keeping Buns Fresh And Toasty

Hot dogs are a great option for feeding a crowd, and using a crock pot is an easy way to cook and serve them. You can fit a lot of hot dogs in a crock pot—up to 60 in a 6-quart slow cooker—and keep them warm for hours. This makes crock pot hot dogs perfect for parties, potlucks, BBQs, and other gatherings.

To cook hot dogs in a crock pot, simply place the desired number of hot dogs in the slow cooker, ensuring they fit with the lid on. There is no need to add water, as the hot dogs will release enough moisture during cooking. Set the crock pot to low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once cooked, you can switch the crock pot to its warm setting and serve the hot dogs directly from the pot using tongs.

Crock pot hot dogs can be served with a variety of toppings and condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, relish, onions, tomatoes, sauerkraut, chili, and cheese. You can also get creative with toppings like avocado, salsa, or coleslaw. Setting up a hot dog bar with various toppings and condiments is a fun way to let guests customize their dogs.

How to cook hot dogs in a crock pot

Cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is a great way to serve a crowd. It's easy, quick, and you can keep the hot dogs warm for a long time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Remove all the hot dogs from their packaging. You can use any type of bun-length hot dogs, but if you want to use bun-length hot dogs, make sure your crock pot is tall enough. If not, you can always place them horizontally. It's recommended to use beef hot dogs for better texture and flavor.

Step 2: Arrange the Hot Dogs in the Crock Pot

You can fit a lot of hot dogs in a crock pot, depending on its size. For example, a 4-quart crock pot can hold about 48 regular-length hot dogs, while a 6-quart crock pot can hold about 60 to 64. If you're trying to fit in a lot of hot dogs, stand them on end. Otherwise, you can just dump them in.

Step 3: Cook the Hot Dogs

There's no need to add water to the crock pot. Hot dogs will release enough moisture on their own. Cover the crock pot and cook the hot dogs on low for 3-4 hours or on high for about 2 hours. Stir them occasionally with tongs to prevent burning.

Step 4: Check for Doneness and Keep Warm

After the allotted time, check to make sure the hot dogs are fully heated, especially those in the middle. If they're done, you can serve them right away or keep them warm in the crock pot for up to 3 hours. Most crock pots have a "warm" setting, which is perfect for this.

Step 5: Serve with Buns and Toppings

Serve the hot dogs in buns and offer a variety of toppings and condiments. You can set up a fun hot dog bar and let everyone help themselves. Some popular topping ideas include:

• Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise
• BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce
• Relish, sliced tomatoes, and minced onions (Chicago-style)
• Sauerkraut
• Chili and cheese (for chili dogs)
• Black beans, pinto beans, salsa, and Mexican cheese (for taco dogs)
• Bacon bits, avocado, and lettuce (for BLT dogs)
• Coleslaw
• Corn salsa and salsa verde

How to serve hot dogs

How to Cook the Hot Dogs

Firstly, remove all hot dogs from their packaging. You can then place them in the slow cooker standing up or laying down, depending on the size of your crock pot. If you are cooking a large number of hot dogs, you may need to stand them up to fit them all in.

There is no need to add water to the crock pot as the hot dogs will release enough moisture themselves.

Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on a low heat setting for 3-4 hours, or a high heat setting for 1-2 hours. Stir the hot dogs occasionally to prevent them from burning.

How to Serve the Hot Dogs

Once the hot dogs are cooked, switch the crock pot to a low or warm setting to keep them warm until serving. You can serve the hot dogs straight from the crock pot using tongs.

The number of hot dogs you can cook will depend on the size of your crock pot. A 4-quart crock pot can hold around 48 regular-length hot dogs, while a 6-quart crock pot can hold around 60-64.

Toppings and Condiments

You can serve the hot dogs with a variety of toppings and condiments, such as:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• BBQ sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Relish
• Sliced tomatoes
• Onions
• Sauerkraut
• Chili
• Cheese
• Avocado
• Bacon
• Coleslaw

How to store leftover hot dogs

If you have leftover hot dogs, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover hot dogs:

Storing Opened Hot Dogs:

• Refrigerate leftover hot dogs within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Place the hot dogs in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container. Ensure the packaging is tightly closed to prevent air from entering.
• You can also wrap the hot dogs tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
• Store the wrapped or bagged hot dogs in the refrigerator.
• Consume the refrigerated hot dogs within three to four days for optimal freshness and quality.

Storing Hot Dogs Long-Term:

• If you want to store hot dogs for an extended period, freezing is a great option.
• Wrap the hot dogs individually in freezer wrap or place them in heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure they are well sealed.
• Label the storage container or bag with the date of freezing.
• Frozen hot dogs will maintain their best quality for about one to two months but can be stored safely beyond that.
• When ready to use, thaw the hot dogs in the refrigerator and consume within three to four days. Alternatively, thaw them in the microwave or cold water and eat immediately.

Additional Tips:

• Hot dogs are highly processed and contain a lot of salt, so they have a relatively long shelf life even after being opened.
• If you're storing unopened hot dogs, keep them in their original packaging and consume them by the manufacturer's use-by date.
• You can also freeze unopened hot dogs for up to six months.
• To save space, consider freezing individual hot dogs separately and then placing them in a freezer bag. This way, you can take out only the number of hot dogs you need at a time.

Crock pot hot dog toppings

When it comes to Crock Pot hot dog toppings, the world is your oyster! You can set up a hot dog bar with a variety of toppings and condiments to suit all tastes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Condiments

Start with the classics: ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. You could also add BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

Chicago-Style

For a Chicago-style dog, offer pickle relish, sliced tomatoes, pepperoncini, and minced white onions.

Germanic Roots

Cook sauerkraut in the Crock Pot with your hot dogs for a Germanic twist.

Dirty Water Dogs

Try adding beef broth and red wine vinegar to the Crock Pot, along with spices like cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper. A pinch of brown sugar can also add a touch of sweetness.

Chili Dogs

Top your dog with homemade chili, ground beef, minced red onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Taco Dogs

Black beans, pinto beans, shredded Mexican cheese, salsa, pickled jalapeño slices, taco sauce, and Queso cheese sauce are perfect for taco-themed toppings.

BLT Hot Dogs

Add quartered cherry tomatoes, bacon bits, and finely shredded iceberg lettuce for a BLT-inspired dog.

Avocado or Guacamole

Thinly sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole adds a creamy touch to your hot dog.

Other Toppings

Other toppings that go well with Crock Pot hot dogs include corn salsa, salsa verde, creamy coleslaw, sweet relish, and sport peppers.

Side dishes to serve with crock pot hot dogs

There are many side dishes that can be served with crock pot hot dogs. Here are some ideas:

• Potato Salad: Potato salad is a classic side dish that goes well with hot dogs. You can make it with mayo, vinegar, or sour cream, depending on your preference.
• Baked Beans: Baked beans and hot dogs are a perfect pair, whether you eat them together or separately. If you're short on time, go for canned baked beans, or make a pot of homemade beans if you have more time.
• Pasta Salad: Pasta salad is a fantastic side dish that can be made ahead of time, as the flavours meld and improve over a day or two. You can also add in some leftover bacon or ham for extra flavour.
• Coleslaw: The tang and crunch of coleslaw offer a nice contrast to the savoury flavour and meaty texture of hot dogs. You can make it creamy, tart, or sweet by adding ingredients like shredded apple or diced chillies.
• Fruit Salad: A chilled fruit salad is a refreshing option to pair with hot dogs, especially during hot weather. Cut up some seasonal fruit like watermelon, grapes, strawberries, and oranges, or grill the fruits to add a twist to your salad.
• Chilli: A bowl of chilli, either canned or homemade, pairs well with hot dogs as a side dish or topping. You can make it with ground beef, pork, or beans, and if you have leftovers, try making Chili Cheese Dog Pockets.
• French Fries: French fries are a classic side dish that goes well with hot dogs. You can also get creative and try sweet potato fries or wrap those sweet potatoes in bacon for an extra crispy treat.
• Salads: If you're looking for something healthier, a simple salad like a Caesar salad or Greek salad can be a great side dish. You can also get creative with combinations like Brussels sprouts and bacon or cucumber watermelon salad.

Frequently asked questions