Hot Dogs, But Make It Potluck: A Guide To Sharing This Classic At Your Next Gathering

Hot dogs are a classic American dish, often served at backyard cookouts, block parties, or baseball games. They're also a great option for a potluck, as they're easy to prepare and can be made in large quantities. Here's how to take hot dogs to a potluck:

First, decide on the number of hot dogs you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 1-2 hot dogs per child and 3 per adult. If you're using a 4-quart crock pot, you can fit about 48 regular-length hot dogs, or 60 if you're using a 6-quart crock pot.

Next, prepare the hot dogs. Unwrap all the hot dogs and place them in the crock pot. There's no need to add water, as the moisture released by the hot dogs will be enough. If you're short on space, you can stand the hot dogs on end.

Cooking time will depend on the number of hot dogs and your crock pot's heat setting. For a large batch, cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for about 2 hours. Check to make sure the hot dogs in the middle are fully heated before serving.

To serve, use tongs to place the hot dogs in buns and offer a variety of toppings. Classic options include ketchup, mustard, relish, and onions, but feel free to get creative! Some unique topping ideas include fried onions, sauerkraut, sliced jalapeños, or crushed pineapple.

To keep the hot dogs warm during the potluck, leave them in the crock pot on the \warm\ setting. The hot dogs can stay warm for up to 3 hours.

How to cook hot dogs in a slow cooker

Slow cookers are a great way to cook hot dogs for a crowd. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook hot dogs in a slow cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Firstly, you will need to unwrap all the hot dogs and place them in the slow cooker. If you are cooking for a large crowd, you can fit around 60 hot dogs in a 6-quart slow cooker. However, the number of hot dogs will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the length of the hot dogs. For example, a 4-quart crock pot can hold about 48 regular-length hot dogs, while a 6-qt pot can hold around 64. If you are using bun-length hot dogs, you may need to place them horizontally if your crockpot is not tall enough.

Step 2: Cook the Hot Dogs

Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook. You do not need to add any water as the hot dogs will release enough moisture on their own. Cooking time will depend on the number of hot dogs you are cooking and the setting you are using. As a general guide, cook the hot dogs on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to rotate the hot dogs halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Serve the Hot Dogs

Once the hot dogs are cooked, you can switch your slow cooker to the "warm" setting. The hot dogs can be kept warm for up to 3 hours. Use tongs to serve the hot dogs into buns and offer a variety of toppings and condiments for your guests to choose from. Some popular toppings include caramelized onions, tomato sauce, ketchup, guacamole, mustard, sauerkraut, sliced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.

Tips:

• Avoid using forks when handling the hot dogs as they can pierce the sausage and cause juice to leak out, making the hot dogs dry.
• If you are serving the hot dogs with chili, you can cook the chili directly in the slow cooker. Simply pour the chili over the hot dogs and cook for a few hours.
• If you want to warm the hot dog buns, you can place them in the air fryer for 2 minutes or warm them in the oven.

Slow cooker hot dogs are a great option for feeding a crowd and are perfect for summer potlucks, birthday parties, and backyard BBQs.

How to serve hot dogs

Hot dogs are a classic American dish, often served at backyard cookouts or baseball games. They are also a great option for a potluck as they are easy to make in large quantities and can be served in a variety of ways. Here is a guide on how to serve hot dogs:

Cooking the Hot Dogs

Hot dogs can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, grilling, or slow cooking in a crockpot. If you are serving hot dogs at a potluck, it is advisable to cook them in a crockpot as this will keep them warm for up to 3 hours. To cook hot dogs in a crockpot, simply place the desired number of hot dogs in the slow cooker, cover with a lid, and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. There is no need to add water as the moisture released by the hot dogs will be sufficient.

How Many Hot Dogs to Serve

When planning how many hot dogs to serve, it is generally recommended to plan for 1-2 hot dogs for children and 3 per adult. A 4-quart crockpot can hold about 48 regular-length hot dogs, while a 6-quart crockpot can hold about 64. If you are using bun-length hot dogs and your crockpot is not tall enough, you can place them horizontally.

Serving the Hot Dogs

Hot dogs can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your personal preference. Here are some options:

• Traditional Hot Dogs: Serve the hot dogs in buns with ketchup and mustard, and a variety of other toppings such as minced/fried onions, sauerkraut, thinly sliced tomatoes, jalapenos, or hot peppers.
• Chili Cheese Dogs: Top the hot dogs with chili and cheese, and garnish with white onion.
• Corn Dogs: Instead of using buns, coat the hot dogs in a cornmeal crust and cook them until golden.
• Pretzel Dogs: Wrap the hot dogs in homemade pretzel dough and sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking.
• Hawaiian Hot Dogs: Top the hot dogs with grilled pineapple and jalapeño peppers, and serve with teriyaki mayo.
• Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: Serve the hot dogs with yellow mustard, green relish, chopped raw onion, dill pickles, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt on a poppy seed bun.

Side Dishes for Hot Dogs

Hot dogs can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Corn on the cob
• Sweet potato fries
• Mac and cheese
• Baked beans
• Potato salad
• Coleslaw
• Fries
• Grilled vegetables
• Salads

Toppings and sides

Hot dogs are a classic American dish, often served at backyard cookouts or baseball games. While they are tasty on their own, they are even better with toppings and sides. Here are some ideas for your next potluck:

Toppings:

• Minced or fried onions
• Sauerkraut
• Thinly sliced tomatoes
• Jalapenos or hot peppers
• Mustard and ketchup
• Relish
• Coleslaw
• Chili
• Cheese
• Bacon
• Pineapple
• Pickles
• Onions
• Tomato slices
• Sport peppers
• Celery salt

Sides:

• Sweet potato fries
• Potato salad
• Macaroni salad
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• French fries
• Baked beans
• Cucumber watermelon salad
• Roasted cauliflower
• Pasta salad
• Sweet barbeque beans
• Spicy sweet potato chips
• Grilled corn
• BLT salad
• Honey-mustard roasted potatoes
• Maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Roasted cauliflower sliders
• Ranch pasta salad
• Spicy chili french fries
• Rainbow vegetable skewers
• Slow cooker baked beans
• Grilled watermelon-feta skewers
• Loaded baked potato chips
• Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
• Zesty chargrilled broccolini
• Corn and tomato salad with feta and lime
• Summer millet salad
• Avocado and black bean pasta salad
• Minty-fresh zucchini salad with marinated feta
• Cold soba noodle salad with strawberries
• Pearl couscous with chickpeas, eggplant and peaches
• Burrata salad with stone fruit and asparagus
• Zucchini caprese salad
• Crunchy ramen noodle salad
• Peach, tomato, corn and arugula pasta salad
• Caesar pasta salad
• Caramelized kimchi baked potatoes
• Celery salad with walnuts and pecorino
• Kale and Brussels sprout Caesar slaw
• Cauliflower "tater" tots

How many hot dogs to cook

When cooking hot dogs for a crowd, it's best to use a slow cooker. You can fit 60 hot dogs in a 6-quart slow cooker, but you can cook fewer if necessary. If you're cooking for a smaller group, a 3-quart slow cooker will work, but slow cookers work better when they're full.

To cook the hot dogs, unwrap them and stand them on their ends in the slow cooker. There's no need to add water as the hot dogs will release moisture on their own. Cover the slow cooker and cook the hot dogs on low for four hours or on high for about two hours. Check that the hot dogs in the middle are fully heated before serving. The hot dogs can stay on the ""warm"" setting for a long time.

If you're cooking hot dogs in the oven, you can cook as many as you need to feed your guests. Arrange the hot dogs in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving 1/2 to 1 inch of space between each sausage. Roast in the oven at 400 F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the skin is brown and crisp, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of a hot dog reads at least 165 F.

Storing and reheating

Storing

Hot dogs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days after opening the package. To store them for longer, keep them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and place them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat hot dogs:

• In a slow cooker or crockpot on the "warm" setting for up to 3 hours.
• In the oven for a quick warm-up of the buns and hot dogs.
• On the grill, alongside corn on the cob, for a classic summer cookout.
• In an air fryer, for a charred texture without the need to fire up the grill.
• In an instant pot or pressure cooker, for a quick and easy reheat.

Tips

• No water is needed when reheating hot dogs, as they release enough moisture on their own.
• To save time, prepare a hot dog bar with all the toppings and let guests help themselves.
• Plan for 1-2 hot dogs per child and 3 per adult.
• For a unique twist, try wrapping hot dogs in crescent roll dough or pretzel dough, or spiralizing them onto long wooden skewers.
• For a simple side dish, serve your hot dogs with baked sweet potato fries or a refreshing cucumber watermelon salad.

Frequently asked questions