Slow Cooker Bourbon Hot Dogs
9 Comments Jun 26, 2021
Updated Jun 02, 2025
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These Slow Cooker Bourbon Hot Dogs are exactly what you need to enjoy your BBQ without heating up the whole house! The best part is that most of these ingredients can be found in your kitchen already.
These bourbon hot dogs are sweet, tangy, and a little smoky—with just a touch of heat. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you want a no-fuss crowd-pleaser. Cooking them low and slow lets the hot dogs soak up all that rich, sticky-sweet sauce.
I think one can not have enough appetizer recipes! I would serve these bourbon hot dogs along with another appetizer such as slow cooker spinach dip or Rotel dip for a great spread at a party.
Ingredients for Bourbon Hot Dogs
These are the simple ingredients needed to make these hot dog appetizers. Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the images.
You’ll need beef hot dogs (I use Oscar Mayer), ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. If possible, don’t skimp on the hot dogs—a good quality beef hot dog adds much more flavor than chicken or mixed varieties. The bourbon brings a deep, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy sauce.
How to Make Bourbon Hot Dogs
See how I make these in two simple steps.
Step One: Slice the hot dogs into quarters (on an angle) and add to the slow cooker.
Step Two: Pour in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, Worcestershire, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer they cook, the more flavor they absorb.
Cook’s Notes
Bourbon adds a rich depth of flavor, but if you only have beer on hand, that works too.
Looking for something heartier? Swap the hot dogs for sliced brats, kielbasa, little smokies, or even frozen meatballs—they all soak up the sauce beautifully.
Five hours might seem long, but it’s key. The hot dogs won’t dry out—instead, they absorb all the sweet and smoky flavor while the alcohol in the bourbon mellows out completely.
What should I serve with these?
- I serve these as an appetizer with toothpicks. Makes for a perfect snack for game day or any potluck. You can serve other appetizers with this such as chili queso dip or 7-layer bean dip.
- Or, these bourbon hot dogs can easily be paired with a nice coleslaw recipe, crockpot mac and cheese, or crockpot baked beans.
Featured Comment
“Excellent! Added an additional 2 tablespoons of bourbon to accentuate this flavor!”
– Joe
Slow Cooker Bourbon Hot Dogs
How to Video
Ingredients
- 30 oz. beef hot dogs, (two 15-oz. pkgs) I use Oscar Meyer
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cut the hotdogs into fourths. Do this by cutting them on an angle.
- Place the hot dog pieces in the slow cooker.
- Add the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes, stir.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 5 hours. Stirring occasionally.
- Note: 5 hours is not too long to cook these. We are NOT just heating these up. The longer they cook, they marinate in the bourbon and sauce and soak up flavor. The hot dogs will not shrivel.
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Other hot dog recipes for the crock pot
Try Slow Cooker Hot Dogs for a simple crowd-pleaser, or dress them up with a batch of Hot Dog Chili on the side.
For something nostalgic, Slow Cooker Beanies and Weenies bring sweet and savory comfort in every bite.
And if you’re looking for an easy party appetizer, Grape Jelly Little Smokies are always a hit.
Can I use beer instead of bourbon?
Yes! That would work great.
Excellent! Added an additional 2 tablespoons of bourbon to accentuate this flavor!
Just put these in the crockpot for a New Years Eve party tonight. Hoping everyone loves them! So easy to make. Thanks
I think they will love them!
Can these be frozen after being cooked and reheated to eat.
Yes! They freeze well.
I always though a hot dog was a wiener in a bun
these hot dogs look amazing can’t wait to see more awesome ideas