This slow-cooker hot dogs recipe is perfect for parties or family gatherings. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in juicy, flavorful hot dogs that are a real crowd-pleaser. It's a simple, hassle-free way to serve a large group without having to man the grill or stove.
For this recipe, the only ingredient you'll need to double-check is your hot dogs. Go for quality; this will significantly affect the taste of your dish. You can find hot dogs at any supermarket, but keep an eye out for brands that use real, quality meats without fillers or additives.
List of Ingredients for Crock Pot Hot Dogs Recipe
Hot dogs: Hot dogs are the star of this dish. They are processed meats that come in a variety of types, like beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Some are smoked, and others are not. For this recipe, you can use your favorite type.
One reader, Davon Gaddy says:
This crock pot hot dogs recipe is a game-changer! It's so convenient and the hot dogs turn out perfectly juicy and flavorful. It's a hit at parties and gatherings. Plus, it's hassle-free and keeps the hot dogs warm for hours. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Crock Pot Hot Dogs
How to cook hot dogs in a slow cooker: Place the hot dogs in the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. Keep the slow cooker on warm to keep the hot dogs warm for a party.
These crock pot hot dogs are perfect if you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or tasty food to feed a crowd. This crock pot recipe checks all the boxes: it’s delicious, effortless to make, and makes enough for a big group. It’s downright one of the best ways to cook hot dogs, and it only requires very minimal effort.
Easy to cook and beloved by adults and kids alike, hot dogs are that one food that’d never go out of style. I always include these crowd-favorite snacks in my menu whenever we’re having a backyard cookout or celebrating a birthday party, and they’re a HUGE hit every time! The thing is, cooking for a crowd can be daunting. Luckily, I have a simple trick up my sleeve: cooking hot dogs in a crock pot!
The functionality of the crock pot is straight-up unparalleled. Case in point: crock pot recipes are my savior whenever I have to cook for large groups but don’t feel like spending hours chained to the stove. And if you think this cooking appliance is only good for stews and saucy meat dishes, think again. I used a slow cooker to cook hot dogs in bulk, and the results are absolutely yummy and more tender! I even had the luxury of time to prepare other delicious snacks for my party while the hot dogs were cooking.
When placing the hot dogs in the crock pot, I positioned them vertically so they would cook evenly all at once. But if you happen to have hot dogs that are a bit too long, like Hebrew National Bun-Length, place them horizontally in the crock pot. Just make sure to rotate them as they cook for even heating. I also didn’t add water since the hot dogs would release moisture in the cooking process anyway, creating enough steam in the slow cooker. Plus, if you cook hot dogs with water, the hot dog casings might split, affecting the juiciness.
I simply let my crock pot do a superb job for a few hours, and I was later welcomed with juicy and tender hot dogs. Keep in mind that two hours would be enough if cooking on High heat and three to fours hours on Low. Overcooking your hot dogs might affect the taste and texture. To prevent such a scenario, keep the crock pot in a Warm setting once the hot dogs are done cooking.
Learning how to cook hot dogs in crock pot is just the prelude to a lively party. The next part is where the real fun begins: dressing up your hot dogs with exciting toppings! Serving these snacks with sauce might be the simplest way to go. Ketchup and mustard are perhaps the most popular options. But for me, crock pot hot dogs and sauerkraut make for a mouthwatering combination! You can also top your hot dogs with chili, shredded cheese, and onions and make batches of chili cheese dogs.
Try this crock pot hot dogs recipe for your next party, especially if you’re pressed for time. Hot dogs with various toppings are already pleasing to the eyes and palate. Still, you might want to serve these juicy snacks with your go-to party side dishes to wow your guests! Fruits and chips would be a great accompaniment. All that is to say, slow cooker hot dogs will make your party more enjoyable!
How To Make Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Cook your hot dogs in the crockpot for an absolutely tender and juicy snack! Dress them up with sauce, shredded cheese, and other flavorful toppings to impress your guests even more.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 48hot dogs
Instructions
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Place in a slow cooker and cook on High for 2 hours or on Low for 3 to 4 hours.
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Keep the slow cooker on warm to get hot dogs warm for a party.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- You can also top your hot dogs with taco sauce, pickled jalapeno slices, and beans to make some taco hot dogs for your guests.
- If you want a Tex-Mex-inspired hot dog bar, use BBQ sauce, fried onions, and cheese as hot dog toppings.
Nutrition
- Calories: 137.25kcal
- Fat: 12.44g
- Saturated Fat: 4.85g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.23g
- Carbohydrates: 0.77g
- Protein: 5.19g
- Cholesterol: 22.50mg
- Sodium: 368.55mg
- Calcium: 4.95mg
- Potassium: 75.15mg
- Iron: 0.52mg
- Vitamin A: 8.10µg
Expert Advice: Technique Tip for Crock Pot Hot Dogs
To ensure your hot dogs cook evenly in the slow cooker, you might want to consider stirring them around every so often. This will also help to distribute the heat more effectively, resulting in hot dogs that are perfectly cooked all the way through.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Prep ahead: Prepare the hot dog toppings and condiments in advance, such as chopped onions, relish, and mustard, to save time on the day of the party.
Use a larger slow cooker: If making a large batch of hot dogs, consider using a larger slow cooker to accommodate all the hot dogs at once, saving time and effort.
Keep warm: Once the hot dogs are cooked, keep the slow cooker on the warm setting to ensure the hot dogs stay warm and ready to serve throughout the party.
Pre-slice the buns: Pre-slice the hot dog buns before placing them in the slow cooker to save time when serving the hot dogs.
One-pot cleanup: Use slow cooker liners for easy cleanup, eliminating the need for scrubbing the slow cooker after the party.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of hot dogs at once to save time, especially for larger gatherings.
Substitute Ingredients For Crock Pot Hot Dogs Recipe
hot dogs - Substitute with veggie dogs: Veggie dogs are a great plant-based alternative to hot dogs, providing a similar texture and flavor while being suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
hot dogs - Substitute with sausages: Sausages can be used as a substitute for hot dogs, offering a different flavor profile and adding variety to the dish.
Creative Ways to Serve Up Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Elevate the hot dog bun: Use a brioche or pretzel bun to add a touch of sophistication and elevate the overall presentation.
Garnish with condiments: Arrange a variety of gourmet mustards, house-made relishes, and specialty ketchups in small, individual serving dishes to allow guests to customize their hot dogs.
Create a hot dog bar: Set up a visually appealing station with an array of toppings, including caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy bacon, displayed in elegant serving vessels.
Incorporate a side dish: Pair the hot dogs with a visually stunning side dish, such as truffle-infused mac and cheese or a colorful slaw, to add depth and variety to the presentation.
Artful plating: Arrange the hot dogs on a sleek, modern platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of color and freshness.
Elevate the condiments: Instead of traditional squeeze bottles, present the condiments in elegant ramekins or small jars, adding a touch of refinement to the overall presentation.
Consider the serving vessel: Serve the hot dogs on individual wooden boards or slate platters to create a rustic yet sophisticated presentation that highlights the quality of the dish.
Essential Equipment for Making Delicious Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Slow cooker: A kitchen appliance used for cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period of time, making it perfect for slow-cooking hot dogs to perfection.
Tongs: Essential for handling and flipping the hot dogs in the slow cooker without damaging them.
Platter: A large, flat serving dish for presenting the hot dogs once they are cooked and ready to be served.
Condiment dishes: Small serving dishes for holding various condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and relish to accompany the hot dogs.
Buns: Soft, fresh hot dog buns to serve as the base for the slow-cooked hot dogs.
Storing and Freezing Guidelines for Crock Pot Hot Dogs
- Allow the hot dogs to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled hot dogs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the hot dogs:
- Wrap each hot dog individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped hot dogs in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat frozen hot dogs:
- Remove the desired number of hot dogs from the freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the frozen hot dogs in a microwave-safe dish or on a plate.
- Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Serve the reheated hot dogs in buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
How To Reheat Leftover Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Microwave: Place the leftover hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. This method is quick and easy, but may result in a slightly rubbery texture.
Stovetop: Fill a pot with enough water to cover the hot dogs and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the leftover hot dogs. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to restore some of the moisture lost during storage.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover hot dogs on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method is ideal for reheating larger quantities of hot dogs and helps to maintain their texture.
Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the leftover hot dogs on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly charred. This method adds a smoky flavor and crispy exterior to the hot dogs.
Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. This method is quick and produces a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
Interesting Trivia About Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Crock pot hot dogs are a popular dish at parties and events. They are easy to prepare and can be kept warm in a slow cooker for extended periods. This method is convenient for serving a large number of guests and ensures that the hot dogs remain hot and ready to eat. Additionally, using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in delicious hot dogs that are perfect for any gathering.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
Crock Pot Hot Dogs are undeniably cost-effective for a household. With just one ingredient, the simplicity of this recipe makes it incredibly budget-friendly. A package of 48 hot dogs typically costs around $10, making it an economical choice for feeding a family of four. The convenience of using a slow cooker also saves time and energy. In terms of cost-effectiveness, this recipe scores a solid 10.
Are Crock Pot Hot Dogs a Healthy Choice?
This recipe for crock pot hot dogs is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- Hot dogs are typically high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess
- Processed meats like hot dogs have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer
- The recipe lacks any vegetables or whole grains, which are important for a balanced diet
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Choose lower-fat, lower-sodium hot dogs made from turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork
- Serve the hot dogs on whole wheat buns to add fiber and nutrients
- Offer a variety of vegetable toppings, such as diced onions, tomatoes, and pickles, to boost the nutritional value
- Limit the number of hot dogs consumed per person, and encourage guests to fill up on healthier side dishes like a fresh salad or fruit platter
- Provide mustard as a condiment instead of ketchup or mayonnaise, which are higher in sugar and fat
By making these adjustments, you can transform this crock pot hot dog recipe into a more balanced and nutritious option for your party guests. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying processed meats like hot dogs.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Crock Pot Hot Dog Recipe
This recipe is a simple and convenient way to prepare a large quantity of hot dogs for a party or gathering. The slow cooker method ensures that the hot dogs are heated through evenly and kept warm for an extended period. However, it's important to note that hot dogs can become overcooked and dry if left in the slow cooker for too long. To enhance the flavor, consider adding some sliced onions, peppers, or a splash of beer to the slow cooker. Additionally, serving a variety of condiments and buns will allow guests to customize their hot dogs to their liking. Overall, this recipe provides a fuss-free solution for serving hot dogs to a crowd.
Why trust this Crock Pot Hot Dogs Recipe:
This recipe guarantees perfectly cooked hot dogs every time, making it a hassle-free option for any gathering. The slow cooker method ensures that the hot dogs are evenly heated and maintain their juicy flavor. Plus, the extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a delicious outcome. Trust the tried-and-true slow cooker technique to deliver mouthwatering hot dogs that will surely impress your guests.
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