Crock Pot Hot Dogs Recipe
These slow-cooker hot dogs are an easy way to serve a crowd without tying up the grill. Warm them gently in the Crock Pot, then let everyone choose their own toppings.
Ingredients
- to tasteHot dogs
- to tasteHot dog buns
- to tasteToppings of your choice
Instructions
- 1
Load the slow cooker
Put the hot dogs in the Crock Pot. Stand them upright if they fit with the lid closed; otherwise, lay them down.
- 2
Cook the hot dogs
Set the Crock Pot to low and cook for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Check that the hot dogs have reached an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- 3
Serve and keep warm
Serve straight away with your chosen toppings, or set the Crock Pot to low to keep the hot dogs warm for up to 2 hours.
What are Crock Pot hot dogs?
Hot dogs are a familiar American cookout staple: cooked sausages served in buns with toppings. This slow-cooker version uses gentle heat instead of a grill, making it convenient when you are feeding a group.
No water is added, so the hot dogs warm in the slow cooker without becoming waterlogged. The method is simple, and the toppings can be set out for guests to customise their own.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 300 calories, 10g protein, 25g carbs, 18g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use lighter toppings | 210 kcal | 7g | 18g | 13g |
| This serving | As written | 300 kcal | 10g | 25g | 18g |
| Hungry | Serve an extra hot dog | 450 kcal | 15g | 38g | 27g |
Most of the carbohydrates come from the buns, while the hot dogs contribute most of the fat and protein; toppings can add more of each. For a more balanced plate, serve with a side salad or vegetables and choose toppings to suit your meal.
Choosing the hot dogs
Hot dogs: Use the type you enjoy, checking the package directions if they give specific heating guidance. The recipe does not specify a brand or style.
Buns: Have enough buns ready for serving, and keep them separate from the hot dogs until you assemble each one so they do not become damp.
Arranging them in the cooker
Upright: Stand the hot dogs on end if they fit beneath the closed lid. This can make good use of the cooker’s height.
On their sides: Lay them down if they do not fit upright. Keep the lid on during cooking so the cooker can heat steadily.
Checking doneness
Temperature: The method calls for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Check a hot dog with a food thermometer rather than relying only on how long it has been in the cooker.
Timing: Allow 2–3 hours on low and stir occasionally. Slow cookers can vary, so use the temperature check to confirm they are ready.
Setting out toppings
Toppings: Offer your preferred choices alongside the buns, so each person can finish their own hot dog. Keep any toppings that need chilling refrigerated until serving.
Serving: Bring the cooker to the table if it is safe and practical to do so, or transfer the hot dogs to a serving dish. They can stay warm in the Crock Pot on low for up to 2 hours.
Planning the cookout
Make room on the grill: The slow cooker handles the hot dogs while the grill is free for other cookout food. Start them early enough to allow the full 2–3 hours of cooking.
Keep buns separate: Add hot dogs to buns just before serving. This helps the bread keep its shape while guests choose their toppings.
Recipe notes & tips
- Arrange the hot dogs upright only if the lid can close securely.
- Stir occasionally as they cook, as directed, to help them heat evenly.
- Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
- Keep the buns separate from the hot dogs until serving.
- Use the warm setting only if your cooker has one; otherwise follow the recipe and keep the cooker on low for holding.
- Set out toppings just before serving so guests can build their own.
Variations
- Classic condiments: Offer mustard, ketchup and relish for familiar toppings.
- Chilli topping: Spoon prepared chilli over the hot dogs just before serving.
- Cheese finish: Add grated cheese to each assembled hot dog.
- Onion topping: Offer chopped onion for a sharp, savoury addition.
- Pickle crunch: Serve sliced pickles alongside the buns.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding water: The method does not call for it, so leave the hot dogs to warm without added water.
- Overfilling the cooker: The lid must close; lay the hot dogs down if they do not fit upright.
- Skipping the temperature check: Confirm they reach 74°C (165°F) internally before serving.
- Relying on the timer alone: Slow cookers vary, so check the hot dogs during the 2–3-hour cooking window.
- Leaving them warm too long: Keep them on low for no more than the stated 2 hours after cooking.
- Putting hot dogs in buns early: Assemble them just before serving to help prevent soggy buns.
How to store
Refrigerate leftover hot dogs promptly in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot throughout, checking with a food thermometer; store buns and toppings separately.
Frequently asked questions
Do I add water to the Crock Pot?
No. This method warms the hot dogs without adding water.
How long do hot dogs take in a Crock Pot?
Cook them on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, then check that they have reached 74°C (165°F) internally.
Can I stand the hot dogs upright?
Yes, if they fit and the lid closes. Otherwise, lay them down in the cooker.
How long can I keep them warm?
The recipe says to keep them warm on low for up to 2 hours.
Can I cook the hot dogs ahead?
You can cook them in advance and refrigerate them promptly, then reheat them until steaming hot throughout before serving. The recipe itself recommends keeping them warm on low for up to 2 hours.
What toppings should I serve?
Use the toppings you like. Set them out separately so everyone can customise their hot dog.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from upstateramblings.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on upstateramblings.com