Slow Cooker Hot Dogs
53 Comments Aug 28, 2019
Updated May 10, 2025
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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 slow 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
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Slow Cooker Hot Dogs
How to Video
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.
Sarah’s 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
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Do the bottom of the dogs burn?
No, not at all. The slow cooker stays very moist and they do not burn.
I liked this recipe when they were hot but found they got really salty when they were cooling off
It sounds like a wonderful idea. Would it work the same with fewer weiners? Like 12 or 15 instead of 50?
It’s hard to say without testing. You will need less time for sure.
Love this idea. But what if you need to start them earlier? Can you set them on low, or maybe even warm for 8 hours?
What about streaming the buns? Cold buns with steamed dogs and chili are yucky!
Best hotdogs ever, taste just like bought from a street vendor
Good tasting hotdogs for a big group!
My church doubles for a homeless shelter. We always have many people living there
Although they usually cook individual meals, I try to take something for the whole group once or twice a month. Last time I made chili and this seems easy and not to expensive. Add some chips and a few fixings, and there you go. Who doesn’t like chili dogs? Thanks
Oh my so simple…and delicious.
The folks I served it too could not believe it was that simple. Thank you. Every picnic in PA will be gray
Do I keep the lid on the hotdogs during the warm setting?
Yes! Keep the lid on.