Crockpot Hot Dogs When You Need to Feed A Crowd Without Fuss
Crockpot hot dogs are how I feed a crowd without standing over the stove or the grill. They heat through, stay juicy, and sit there ready while everything else gets handled. It’s simple food that lets you stay present.
We had six kids, and there were always extra friends around, especially in the summer. This was how I fed them without much fuss. I’d set out the crockpot, line up the buns and toppings, and they could fix their own plates whenever they wanted. The hot dog bar also worked great when the whole youth group showed up!
This is the kind of setup that works for ball games, church nights, birthday parties, or anytime folks are coming and going. You set them up once, and they’re ready when people are hungry. Folks can help themselves, making this easy party food.
Key Ingredients Options
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Hot Dogs: Any kind works. Beef, turkey, chicken, or all-beef franks all work great.
Best Liquid To Cook Hot Dogs In
Choosing a cooking liquid is a flexible option in this hot dog recipe, so you can tweak it to your taste.
- 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, sour flavor.
- 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.
Tip: When the hot dogs are standing upright, a 1.5-quart round slow cooker holds about 24 regular-length hot dogs, a 4-quart round holds about 48, and a 7-quart oval holds around 64.
The Perfect Crock Pot For Hot Dogs
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Choose crockpot hot dogs when you want a no-fuss option that feeds people well and shares easily.
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Tip: Newer slow cookers tend to run hotter, so they’re often ready a little sooner. Start checking closer to the 2-hour mark.
Variations and Recipe Tips
When the cooking time is up, be sure to switch the crock pot to warm so the hot dogs do not overcook.
Besides hot dogs, these all work well in a crockpot because they heat evenly, stay juicy, and can sit on warm without drying out: bratwurst, Italian sausage, smoked sausage or kielbasa, chicken sausage, and andouille.
Using this crock pot method is a great way to infuse them with beer and then toss them on your grill for a quick char, delicious!
How You Can Practice Hospitality with Crockpot Hot Dogs
You don’t need a big plan or perfect timing to invite people over. With these Crockpot hot dogs, dinner gets handled early and stays put once it’s ready. Perfect for a group of teens or for a church potluck.
Set the crockpot right on the counter with buns and a few toppings, like Old-Fashioned Coney Sauce Made From Scratch or Copycat Chili Wendy’s Style Recipe to Make at Home. If you want a few easy add-ons without adding stress, bring in Classic Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe, Homemade Mustard, or Apples and Bourbon Baked Beans, and let everyone fix their own plate. This keeps the vibe relaxed, easy, and doesn’t need a formal sit-down moment.
Make crockpot hot dogs when you want dinner handled early, and the kitchen stays calm. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help! You can also snap a photo and tag @intentionalhospitality on Instagram.💛 I love seeing your creations!
Cockpot Hot Dogs That Stay Juicy for A Crowd
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Ingredients
- 24 hot dogs
- 2 cups broth, see notes for liquid options
Instructions
Set Up the Slow Cooker
- Plug in the slow cooker and set it to the low setting.
Add the Hot Dogs
- Stand the hot dogs upright in the slow cooker, nestling them tightly together so they stay vertical while cooking.24 hot dogs
- If there is extra space, place an empty glass canning jar in the slow cooker to help keep the hot dogs from tipping over.
Add the Liquid
- Pour the broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. The liquid will create steam and help keep the hot dogs juicy.2 cups broth
Cook
- Cover with the lid and cook on low until the hot dogs are heated through.
- Check occasionally, as cooking time can vary depending on the slow cooker.
Serve
- Serve the hot dogs directly from the slow cooker with buns and your favorite toppings.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
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