Steaming Hot Dogs: Slow Cooker Style

Steaming hot dogs in a slow cooker is a great way to feed a crowd and is perfect for parties and potlucks. The best part is that the slow cooker does all the work and keeps the hot dogs warm for up to 3 hours. The hot dogs taste just as good as those from a food cart or baseball stadium. You can cook as many hot dogs as your slow cooker will fit, and the process is simple. All you need to do is place the hot dogs in the slow cooker, making sure they fit with the lid on. If they don't, lay them on their sides. Do not add water, as the hot dogs will release enough moisture to create steam and cook themselves. Then, cook on high for 2-3 hours or until the hot dogs in the centre are hot.

How long to cook hot dogs in a slow cooker

Slow cookers are a great way to cook hot dogs in bulk and keep them warm for a party. The cooking time will depend on the number of hot dogs you are cooking, the size of your slow cooker, and whether you are cooking on a high or low setting.

For example, if you are cooking 56 hot dogs in a 5-quart slow cooker, it will take 2.5 to 3 hours on a high setting. If you are cooking 20 hot dogs in a 2.5-quart slow cooker, it will take 1 to 2 hours on a high setting or 3 to 4 hours on a low setting. If you are cooking 52 hot dogs in a 6-quart slow cooker, it will take 2 to 3 hours on a high setting.

In general, it takes about 2 hours to cook hot dogs on a high setting and 4 hours on a low setting. However, it is important to note that the hot dogs in the center of the slow cooker may take longer to warm up, so it is recommended to cook them for the longer amount of time specified or until the hot dogs in the center are hot.

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can keep them warm in the slow cooker for up to 3 hours by switching it to the warm setting.

How to keep hot dogs warm in a slow cooker

Keeping hot dogs warm in a slow cooker is a great way to feed a crowd and is perfect for parties and potlucks. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

First, decide on the size of your slow cooker. A medium-size slow cooker (3.5 to 4-quart) should hold up to 48 regular-length hot dogs. A 6-quart appliance should hold up to 64. If you have a tall, round slow cooker, you can use longer hot dogs such as Hebrew National or bun-length ones, but if you have an oval slow cooker, standard size hot dogs are recommended as the longer ones will not fit standing up.

Step 2: Add the Hot Dogs

Place the desired number of hot dogs in the slow cooker. If they are too long to stand upright, lay them on their sides. You can cook as many hot dogs as will fit in your slow cooker, but make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will affect even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Hot Dogs

Do not add water to the slow cooker. The hot dogs have enough moisture and will create steam as they cook. Cook the hot dogs on high heat for 2-3 hours or until the hot dogs in the center are hot. You can also cook them on low heat for 3-4 hours.

Step 4: Keep Warm

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can keep them warm in the slow cooker for up to 3 hours by switching it to the "warm" setting. This is perfect for parties, as your guests can help themselves to hot dogs that are still warm.

And that's it! You now have a batch of warm, juicy hot dogs ready to be enjoyed. Don't forget to provide a variety of toppings and condiments so your guests can customize their dogs!

How many hot dogs can fit in a slow cooker

The number of hot dogs that can fit in a slow cooker depends on the size of the slow cooker and the length of the hot dogs. A medium-size slow cooker (3.5 to 4-quart) can hold up to 48 regular-length hot dogs standing up vertically. A 6-quart appliance can hold up to 64 regular-length hot dogs. If you are using an oval-shaped slow cooker, standard-size hot dogs are recommended as longer hot dogs will not fit standing up with the lid on. If your hot dogs are too long, you can lay them on their sides.

For example, one source recommends placing 20 hot dogs in each 2.5 qt crock, but notes that you can place as many as will fit, even up to 60 depending on the size of your slow cooker. Another source recommends 56 hot dogs for a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.

What type of hot dogs to use for a slow cooker

When it comes to choosing the right hot dogs for your slow cooker, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the brand of hot dog is not as important as the size. You want to make sure the hot dogs you choose will fit comfortably in your slow cooker, either standing up or laid on their sides. Regular-sized hot dogs will typically fit in most slow cookers, while longer, bun-length hot dogs may require a taller, round slow cooker. If you're using an oval-shaped slow cooker, you may need to lay the hot dogs horizontally.

To determine the right size, measure the inside of your slow cooker from the lip down, and bring a measuring tape with you to the store to measure the hot dogs. If in doubt, it's better to choose a slightly smaller hot dog, as even if they don't fit standing up, you can always lay them on their sides.

Another consideration is the number of people you need to feed. Slow cookers can typically hold anywhere from 8 to 60 hot dogs, depending on their size and the capacity of your slow cooker. If you're cooking for a large crowd, you may need to cook the hot dogs in batches or use multiple slow cookers.

Finally, when it comes to the type of hot dog, you can use any variety you like. Classic American-style hot dogs are a popular choice, but you can also opt for healthier options with all-natural ingredients if you prefer. Ultimately, the choice of hot dog depends on your personal preference and the theme of your event.

What to serve with slow-cooked hot dogs

Slow-cooked hot dogs are a great way to feed a crowd. You can serve them with a variety of toppings and sides to make a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas on what to serve with your slow-cooked hot dogs:

Toppings:

• Mayonnaise
• Sauerkraut
• Thinly sliced tomatoes
• Hot dog chili (canned or homemade)
• Shredded cheese

Sides:

• Buns
• Fruit, such as watermelon
• Chips
• Salads
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Fries
• Puffed rice
• Crushed ramen

You can also get creative and make a hot dog bar with different toppings and sides for your guests to choose from. This way, everyone can customize their hot dogs to their liking. Enjoy your slow-cooked hot dogs!

Frequently asked questions