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
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Slow Cooker Hot Dogs
Equipment Needed:
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
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
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.
I put eight hot dogs in a slow cooker on low for 5 hours and in 3 hours they burned. I used an oval slow cooker and the hot dogs were laying on their side. The hot dogs were all split and burn and the smell in the kitchen was horrendous.
Does anyone know how long they would stay warm in the crockpot if not able to keep plugged in? I would like to make this before a soccer tournament and take to the field where there wouldn’t be electric option at that point. Would they stay warm enough 2hrs just sitting in the hot crockpot or would they get too cold? Has anyone tried serving after not having electric after fully cooking?
They would get cold I think. Newer cars have a plug-in, possibly some one there would have that?
Since you can’t keep them plugged in, place hot dogs in buns and wrap individually in aluminum foil. Then place wrapped dogs in a cooler or cooler bag (no ice, of course) and they will stay nice and warm, including the buns!
Do anyone read these comments in your office ??? Will Micheal read my REPLY to his QUESTION ??
I’m happy to help if I can. But, as I’ve checked back…..no response from you OR Micheal.
Thank you for responding. Sometimes questions get missed.
Thanks for your response…..still I gave you grand reviews for the dog bash & my response was for Micheal back in April…..will he find my comment or just find it when he goes back to your email .? I’ve encouraged my family to use this method last year…..for Labor Day at the Volunteer Firehouse….cooked off 400 Hot Dogs & ALL the FIXINGS……for a small amount of dogs….I put a small ceramic/ Pyrex BOWL in the center….so the dogs stand up & roast/steam delicious just like from a vender….I like well done & used 3+ hours on HIGH. NO WATER NEEDED & turned to LOW/WARM to serve.
Is it just me ? Why would you STEAM the buns ? SOGGY MESS ! Room TEMP is just fine…..Why do people make HOT DOGS TOO COMPLICATED ? Wasn’t the whole point …..MAKE FOR A CROWD ????? Set it up & can enjoy the celebration, & don’t forget….FOOTBALL SEASON coming soon !
YES !!! THIS IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO SERVE A CROUD ….ANY TIME OF THE YEAR !!! TOO EASY WITH NO MESSING AROUND…..AND THE GUESTS CAN HELP THEMSELVES. !!! BEING A SERVER FOR 40 YEARS…..MY FRIENDS & FAMILY CAN “ ACT LIKE THEY KNOW WHAT THEY’RE DOING “….IM MAKING THIS DOG FEST ON SATURDAY…..ALL THE FIXINGS WITH MAC SALAD, BAKED BEANS, WATERMELON & THE REAL KICKER IS MY ROOTBEER CAKE FOR DESSERT WITH VANILLA BUTTER CREAM FROSTING.
NOW THATS HOW TO ROCK A LUNCHEON, KID PARTY, SPORTS PARTY. EASY PEASY !! WENDY
looks great,but we are a family of 3,are there cooking directions for may 12 hot dogs?
Hey Micheal….I put 12 Hot Dogs in my crockpot ….put a Pyrex bowl in the center so the dogs could stand up on end. They were just like a vender would serve them…..delicious with all the garnish you like on the side via bun. You could make a few extra dogs….put them in a freezer zip-lock bag for another time….time saved for another meal lunch or dinner…..reheat thawed dogs to just hot in a skillet…. Maybe a lid as not to dry out& you’re good to go!