Spicing Up Slow-Cooked Hot Dogs: A Crock-Pot Adventure

Cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is a great way to feed a crowd. They're perfect for summer parties, birthday parties, BBQs, potlucks, family reunions, and even homeless shelters. The best part is that they're so easy to make – all you need is a slow cooker and some hot dogs. You can also add your favourite toppings, such as spicy chilli, relish, onions, or sauerkraut.

How long to cook hot dogs in a crock pot

Cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is a great way to feed a crowd at a party or potluck. The slow cooker does all the work and keeps the hot dogs warm, so you don't have to worry about cooking in batches or timing your meal perfectly.

The cooking time for hot dogs in a crock pot will depend on the heat setting you use. On low heat, the hot dogs will take 3-4 hours to cook, while on high heat, they will be ready in 1-2 hours.

Once the hot dogs are cooked through, you can switch your slow cooker to the warm setting. This will keep your hot dogs warm for up to 3 hours, which is perfect for serving at parties.

It's important to note that all slow cookers cook differently, so these cooking times are just a basic guideline. You may need to adjust the timing based on your own slow cooker's performance.

Additionally, the number of hot dogs you are cooking may also impact the cooking time. Most recipes suggest cooking times based on cooking a large batch of hot dogs (anywhere from 20 to 60 hot dogs), but if you are cooking fewer hot dogs, they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

What size hot dogs to use

The size of the hot dogs you use in your crock pot will depend on the size of your crock pot. Regular-sized hot dogs will fit in most traditional oval crock pots. If you have a taller crock pot, you can use Hebrew National or bun-length hot dogs. If your hot dogs don't fit lengthwise, you can lay them down in the crock pot.

The number of hot dogs you can fit in your crock pot will depend on the size of your crock pot and the length and thickness of the hot dogs. When placed vertically, a 4-quart crock pot can hold about 48 regular-length hot dogs. A 6-quart crock pot can hold about 52 to 64 regular-length hot dogs. If you want to use bun-length hot dogs and your crock pot isn't tall enough, you can place them horizontally.

How to serve hot dogs

Hot dogs are a great dish to serve at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. They are simple to make and can be served in a variety of ways. Here is a guide on how to serve hot dogs, including cooking methods, toppings, and side dishes.

Cooking Hot Dogs in a Crock Pot

Cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is an excellent way to prepare them for a crowd. It is simple, convenient, and keeps the hot dogs warm throughout the event. Here are the steps to follow:

• Place the desired number of hot dogs in the crock pot, either standing up or laying them down. The number of hot dogs will depend on the size of your crock pot. For a 4-quart crock pot, you can fit about 48 regular-length hot dogs, while a 6-quart pot can hold up to 64.
• Do not add water to the crock pot. The moisture released by the hot dogs is sufficient.
• Cook the hot dogs on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 3-4 hours, depending on the heat setting.
• Once cooked, switch the crock pot to the warm setting to keep the hot dogs warm for up to 3 hours.

Toppings and Condiments

The beauty of serving hot dogs is the variety of toppings and condiments you can offer, allowing your guests to customize their dogs. Here are some popular options:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Relish (sweet or dill)
• Onions (red or white), either minced, diced, or fried
• Sauerkraut
• Tomatoes, thinly sliced
• Jalapenos or hot peppers
• Shredded cheese (Mexican blend, sharp cheese, or queso cheese)
• Chili
• Bacon, cooked and chopped
• Avocados, thinly sliced
• Beans (black, pinto, or both), drained and rinsed
• Sport peppers or pepperoncini
• Pickles

Side Dishes

When serving hot dogs, it's essential to offer a variety of side dishes to complete the meal. Here are some ideas:

• Cheesy potatoes
• Corn casserole
• Pasta salad
• Potato salad
• Corn on the cob
• Baked sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Chips (corn chips or your favorite brand)
• Fruit (such as watermelon)

Other Tips

• If you want to warm the hot dog buns, it is recommended to use an air fryer or the oven instead of the crock pot.
• For a fun presentation, create a hot dog bar with all the toppings and condiments laid out for your guests to choose from.
• If you are serving a large number of people, plan for 1-2 hot dogs per child and 3 per adult.

What toppings to use

When it comes to toppings for crock pot hot dogs, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Condiments

The most traditional toppings for hot dogs are ketchup and mustard. You can also offer relish, either sweet or dill. If you're feeling adventurous, try something different like Worcestershire sauce or mayonnaise.

Crunchy Toppings

Add some texture to your hot dog with toppings like minced or fried onions, sauerkraut, or thinly sliced tomatoes. If you like it spicy, throw on some jalapenos or hot peppers. For an extra crunch, top your dog with crispy bacon bits.

Cheesy Goodness

Shredded cheese is always a great option, especially if you're serving chili dogs. You can go with classic cheddar, or mix it up with Mexican cheese blend, queso cheese, or sharp cheese.

Fresh Produce

Aside from tomatoes, there are plenty of other fresh toppings you can use. Try some sliced avocados, quartered cherry tomatoes, or even some fruit like watermelon slices on the side.

Beans and Chili

Beans can be a great topping for hot dogs, try black beans or pinto beans. Of course, you can't go wrong with a hearty helping of chili, whether it's canned or homemade.

Buns

Don't forget the buns! You can go with classic hot dog buns, or get creative with buns that have poppy seeds. If you want to warm up your buns, try using an air fryer or a quick warm-up in the oven.

Remember, the beauty of a crock pot hot dog bar is that everyone can customize their dog to their liking. So lay out all the toppings and let your guests get creative!

How to store hot dogs

Hot dogs are a great food to buy in bulk and store for later. They are usually sold pre-cooked and vacuum-packed, giving them a long shelf life for meat products.

Storing Unopened Hot Dogs

Unopened hot dogs can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed by the manufacturer's use-by date. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to six months at 0°F.

Storing Opened Hot Dogs

Once the package has been opened, hot dogs should be kept in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator and used within three days.

Storing Cooked Hot Dogs

If you have cooked a batch of hot dogs, they can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days if refrigerated within two hours of cooking. To store them, put them in shallow, airtight containers or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

If you want to keep cooked hot dogs for longer, you can freeze them. They will maintain their best quality for about 1-2 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that.

Frequently asked questions