Slow Cooker Hot Dogs are a wonderful way to feed a crowd and taste just as good as hot dogs from a food cart!
Don’t feel like grilling all afternoon and want to keep the hot dogs warm during your party? Try this easy way to make hot dogs in the slow cooker. If you are looking for an appetizer, try my bourbon hot dogs recipe.
I had been on the fence about cooking hot dogs in the slow cooker, unsure what the texture would be. I decided to serve a hot dog bar to a group of my neighbors this summer and test out how hot dogs in the slow cooker taste.
I’ve got to tell you we all were shocked that there was nothing weird about the texture, in fact, the hot dogs taste just as good as hot dogs from a hot dog cart that steams their hot dogs! The slow cooker also keeps the dogs nice and warm for the entire party, so second servings are never cold.
What size hot dogs do I need for them to stand up in the slow cooker?
- Tall round sow cooker – this slow cooker can handle a longer hot dog such as Hebrew national or bun length, though regular ones work fine here too.
- Oval slow cooker – standard size hot dogs recommended (bun length or Hebrew national will not fit standing up).
- If you buy hot dogs that are too long, this cooking method will still work though the hot dogs will need to be laid on their sides.
- If you are worried about if they will fit, measure the inside of your slow cooker from the lip down, and bring a measuring tape to the store to measure the hot dogs.
How to make hot dogs in the slow cooker:
- Add the hot dogs to the slow cooker. Lay them on their sides if they are too tall to stand up.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or until the hot dogs that are in the center are hot.
Serve the hot dogs with desired toppings, and why not make it fun with baskets for servings and fruit and chips on the side.
Should I add water?
No, the hot dogs are moist enough to create steam in the slow cooker and will turn out wonderful without added water.
How long can I keep the hot dogs warm after heating them up?
The hot dogs keep very well
What toppings should I serve?
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise – I bought the hot dog bottles here
- Sweet relish
- Minced onions
- Sauerkraut – serve cold or heat in a mini crockpot
- Celery seed
- Mini hot peppers
- Thinly sliced tomatoes
- Hot dog chili – canned or homemade (see my slow cooker version!)
- Shredded cheese – if you serve chili
How to make a hot dog bar:
- Hot dogs, buns and toppings
- Baskets with paper liners
- Drinks on ice
- Fruit such as watermelon
- Chips in a big bowl or serve mini bags
- Tablecloth
- Napkins
Slow Cooker Hot Dogs
Equipment Needed:
- Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger
Ingredients:
- 56 hot dogs (more or less works, this is the amount I used) See my notes below for hot dog sizes
Instructions:
Slow Cooker Size and Hot Dog Lengths:
- Tall round sow cooker – this slow cooker can handle a longer hot dog such as Hebrew national or bun length, though regular ones work fine here too.Oval slow cooker – standard size hot dogs recommended (bun length or Hebrew national will not fit standing up).If you buy hot dogs that are too long, this cooking method will still work. Though the hot dogs will need to be laid on their sides.If you are worried about if they will fit, measure the inside of your slow cooker from the lip down, and bring a measuring tape to the store.
How to make:
- Place the hot dogs in your slow cooker standing up, if they do not fit with the lid on standing up, place them on their sides.
- DO NOT ADD WATER. The hot dogs have plenty of moisture. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. It takes time for the hot dogs in the center to warm up.
Keeping the hot dogs warm:
- Turn the slow cooker to warm after the cooking time is up. They can keep for up to 3 hours on the warm setting.
Recipe Notes:
Topping suggestions:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet Relish – I bought the bottles here
- Minced Onions
- Sauerkraut
- Celery seed
- Mini hot peppers
- Thinly sliced tomatoes
- Hot dog chili – canned or homemade (see my slow cooker version)
- Shredded cheese – if you serve chili
Hot Dog Bar necessities:
- Hot dogs, buns and toppings
- Baskets with paper liners
- Drinks on ice
- Fruit such as watermelon
- Chips in a bowl or mini bags
- Tablecloth
- Napkins
Wow, they were a hit!!!
How long would you suggest for only 6 hot dogs?
This recipe was a game changer when I found it a couple of years ago. Hot dogs are now a go-to season opening team dinner for our football program. We’ve done it several times and they’re perfect. I’m doing 450 hot dogs for the players and families for our post-scrimmage team dinner tomorrow!
I use this method for my football tailgates. The first of the year is this Saturday. I made the chili last night. Thanks to my generator, I can plug in a couple crockpots and I’m good to go. I’m not tied to a grill and can enjoy my guests.
BTW… I highly recommend you trying your next hot dog “West Virginia Style”. Topped with homemade, slightly spicy chili, yellow mustard, finely chopped coleslaw (creamy & sweet) and finely chopped onions.
I have made a lot of the recipe you post and they always turn out like you say unless I did something wrong going to make the hot dogs at our next family get together thank you keep posting
I think you will love that recipe, very easy and tastes like it’s from a ballpark.
I usually steam the buns also. Can you do that in the slow cooker?
If you have a seperate slow cooker you may be able to. If you put them in with the hot dogs they will be wet and soggy.
Can you explain more about how the texture of the hotdog will be after being cooked in the crock pot without using water? i’m scared they might shrivel up.
Hi! They taste like hotdogs off a food cart. Very moist. I had them in the water for hours, did not shrivel.
Hi, I’m confused because the recipe said not to add any water??
No water, your right. They create their own moisture I should have said.
Are the hot dogs frozen or thawed to start? Thank you!
Thawed. But you could use frozen and add a little time.
Thank you so much I forgot most of the hot dogs are steamed when bought at snack bar or cart. Lifesaver!!!
Hi there! Are these skin on or skin off? I’m worried skin off will go soggy? Many thanks!
Hi! Hot dog skins aren’t normally removed. I would leave the skin on.
This just became a game changer for my sons birthday party on the 11th! Thank you so much for posting this! I had no clue you could steam Hotdogs in the slow cooker and Googled in out a whim!
Are you kidding me? What kind of toppings should I serve? Do you really have to waste your time answering that? Or any of those other mindless questions for that matter.
Figures that your name is Karen with such a hateful comment.
I hope you included slaw. After I make my hot dog, with all the fixings, chili and all, there is always a place for a nice helping of slaw spread over the top. A great finishing touch!
Have you ever tried this with Aidell’s sausages? I’m thinking about using this idea for my daughters second birthday. She loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and the hot diggity dog song at the end 🙂