This easy recipe will give you all the tips and tricks to create great-tasting hot dogs for a crowd. Quick, easy, and saves you time.
With just a few simple steps, you can feed a crowd with slow cooker hot dogs in no time and use your slow cooker to help you create an unforgettable hot dog bar for your guests to enjoy
Why should I use a slow cooker to make hot dogs?
- Easy For You: There is minimal effort on our part to prepare the main meat dish for a lot of people. The cooking process only takes 5 minutes of prep, and you get juicy hot dogs every time!
- Make Ahead: Using your slow cooker for preparing hot dogs is a great way to set it and forget it, freeing up your time to do other tasks and getting ready for a party.
- Best Hot Dogs: You can make this recipe your own by changing up the variety of hot dogs you choose to cook and the type of liquid you cook them in.
Ingredients
For this crock pot recipe, you only need a few ingredients. Hot dogs and a flavorful cooking liquid are all you need. That’s why this is the best way to feed a crowd without running up your grocery bill.
- Hot dogs: For this recipe, I used chicken hot dogs, but any variety will work. The best type of hot dogs are your favorite varieties.
- Cooking liquid: If your hot dogs are beef, then use beef broth. Chicken hot dogs use chicken broth, and veggie hot dogs use vegetable broth. Or you can do what I did. I wanted to infuse a little beef flavor into my chicken hot dogs, so I combined and used beef broth. Beer is option and the flavor infused into the hot dog meat is really good.
What size hot dogs for a slow cooker?
It depends on the size and shape of your slow cooker. According to the USDA info on hot dogs, a 1-ounce hot dog is about 6 inches long and 0.5 inches in diameter. It’s best to measure your slow cooker and then decide what size hot dogs to buy.
How many hot dogs can I get in a slow cooker?
Knowing how many hot dogs you can cook at one time is measured by the size of your slow cooker. If you have a really big crowd to feed, plan on using several slow cookers.
- 1.5 Quart Round Crock Pot: If you stand the hot dogs up vertically, it should hold up to 24 regular-length hot dogs.
- 4.0 Quart Round Crock Pot: If you stand the hot dogs up vertically, this size should hold up to 48 regular-length hot dogs as well.
- 7 Quart Oval Slow Cooker: If you stand the hot dogs up vertically, this larger size can hold up to 64 hot dogs.
Best Liquide To Cook Hot Dogs In
Choosing a cooking liquid is a flexible choice in this hot dog recipe that you can tweak to your taste by changing up the cooking liquid.
- Broth: Using chicken or beef broth can add a savory and slightly salty flavor to the hot dogs. It’s a good choice if you want to enhance the overall taste.
- Beer: Cooking hot dogs in beer can add a unique, malty flavor. Choose a beer you like, as its flavor will infuse into the hot dogs.
- Sauerkraut Juice: If you like sauerkraut, simmering hot dogs in sauerkraut juice can impart a tangy and sour taste to the hot dogs.
- Apple Juice: Cooking hot dogs in apple juice can add a touch of sweetness and fruity flavor. These are delicious hot dogs that kids especially enjoy.
- Water: Boiling hot dogs in water is a straightforward and neutral option. It keeps the hot dogs moist without adding any additional flavor.
Why do I need to stack my hot dogs?
It’s basic math: number of hot dogs = (volume of the slow cooker) / (volume of a regular-length hot dog). You get more hot dogs into the slow cooker by standing them up (vertically) than laying them down.
How To Cook Hot Dogs In A Slow Cooker
- Prepare the slow cooker: Plug in your slow cooker and set it to the low setting.
- Fill the slow cooker: Carefully place the hot dogs vertically into the slow cooker. Nestle the hot dogs together tightly. This will prevent them from shifting and falling over while they are cooking. If you have extra space, place an empty glass canning jar in the crockpot to fill up the space.
- Add liquid: Pour 1 cup of broth or beer into the bottom of the slow cooker. The liquid will help keep the hot dogs moist as they cook.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and let the hot dogs cook on the low setting for about 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Pro Tip: Slow cookers vary the amount of heat they put out. If you have a new style, they tend to get hotter. Note that you might your cooking time might be a little less, 2-3 hours, until they reach at least 140°F.
What temperature should a hot dog be when done?
Hot dogs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of at least 140°F. It’s a good idea to keep an instant-read thermometer handy to check the internal temperature of your hot dogs when cooking them in a slow cooker.
How To Keep Hot Dogs Warm Using A Slow Cooker
To keep your crock pot hot dogs safely warm after they are finished cooking:
- Turn the slow cooker to its “warm” setting or the lowest heat setting.
- Make sure the lid remains securely closed to retain heat and moisture.
- If your slow cooker is on warm for over an hour, check the liquid level and add more if needed.
Hot Dog Bar – Easy Party Menu
If you have a big game on TV that you will be hosting or some casual backyard BBQs, then setting up a hot dog bar is a great idea for a party.
Set Up A Slow Cooker Hot Dog Bar
- If you are hosting a big party, use a few 1.5-quart slow cookers to prepare your hot dogs. Offer a variety of choices such as classic Hebrew National, chicken, turkey, beef hot dogs, or brats.
- Condiment and Topping Stations: Arrange condiments and toppings in an organized manner. You can use serving trays, bowls, or even mason jars for a rustic look.
- Buns and Sides: Place the buns in a basket or on a tray near the condiment station. Set up a separate table for side dishes, along with serving utensils.
- Drinks: Keep the drinks in a cooler or on a separate beverage station with ice to keep them cold.
- Plates and Utensils: Place plates, napkins, and utensils near the hot dog bar so guests can grab what they need easily.
- Signage: Create fun and informative signs to label the condiments, toppings, and hot dog types. This makes it clear for guests and adds to the decorative aspect.
- Decorations: Add some decorations to create a festive atmosphere, such as tablecloths, hot dog bar banner, balloons, or themed decorations that match the occasion.
What To Put On A Hot Dog Bar
- Hot Dogs: Purchase a variety of hot dog types, including regular-sized hot dogs, bun-length hot dogs, and specialty hot dogs like sausages or bratwurst. Consider dietary restrictions and offer vegetarian or vegan options if needed.
- Buns: Buy a variety of buns, including regular hot dog buns, whole wheat buns, and gluten-free options to accommodate different preferences.
- Condiments: Provide a variety of condiments for guests to choose from. Standard options include ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, bbq sauce, and hot honey.
- Various Toppings: Offer a range of favorite toppings for guests to customize their hot dogs. Some popular toppings include diced onions, sauerkraut, shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, coleslaw, pickles, cheese sauce, and hot dog chili.
- Sides: Consider serving side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and chips to complement the hot dogs.
- Drinks: Stock up on a variety of beverages, including soda, water, and possibly some mocktails or cocktails.
How long can I keep hot dogs warm on my hot dog bar?
Hot dogs can typically be kept on the “warm” setting of a slow cooker for several hours safely, usually up to 2-4 hours. The exact duration may vary depending on the specific slow cooker model and the size and quantity of hot dogs you are keeping warm. It’s essential to periodically check the hot dogs to ensure they maintain a safe temperature (above 140°F or 60°C) and don’t become overcooked or dry. If you plan to keep hot dogs warm for an extended period,
What do I do with leftover hot dogs?
- Refrigerate: Allow the leftover hot dogs to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Leftover hot dogs can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover hot dogs, you can reheat them in several ways:
- Microwave: Place the hot dog in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it in 15-30 second intervals until it’s heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat the hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat, turning them occasionally until they’re warmed.
- Oven: Place the hot dogs on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
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How To Make Slow Cooker Hot Dogs For A Crowd (Beer Or Broth)
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 24 hot dogs
- 2 cups broth, See notes for liquid flavor options
Instructions
- Plug in your slow cooker and set it to the low setting.
- Carefully place the hot dogs vertically into the slow cooker. Nestle the hot dogs together tightly. This will prevent them from shifting and falling over while they are cooking. If you have extra space, place an empty glass canning jar in the crockpot to fill up the space.24 hot dogs
- Pour 1 cup of broth or beer into the bottom of the slow cooker. The liquid will help keep the hot dogs moist as they cook.2 cups broth
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and let the hot dogs cook on the low setting for about 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Notes
- 1.5 Quart Round Crock Pot: If you stand the hot dogs up vertically, it should hold up to 24 regular-length hot dogs.
- 4.0 Quart Round Crock Pot: If you stand the hot dogs up vertically, this size should hold up to 48 regular-length hot dogs as well.
- 7 Quart Oval Slow Cooker: If you stand the hot dogs up vertically, this larger size can hold up to 64 hot dogs.
- Broth: Using chicken or beef broth can add a savory and slightly salty flavor to the hot dogs. It’s a good choice if you want to enhance the overall taste.
- Beer: Cooking hot dogs in beer can add a unique, malty flavor. Choose a beer you like, as its flavor will infuse into the hot dogs.
- Sauerkraut Juice: If you like sauerkraut, simmering hot dogs in sauerkraut juice can impart a tangy and sour taste to the hot dogs.
- Apple Juice: Cooking hot dogs in apple juice can add a touch of sweetness and fruity flavor. These are delicious hot dogs that kids especially enjoy.
- Water: Boiling hot dogs in water is a straightforward and neutral option. It keeps the hot dogs moist without adding any additional flavor.