When I am hosting a big crowd, I want recipes that give me more time with guests and less time stuck in the kitchen. Hot dogs in a crock pot are one of my favorite go-tos for game day, backyard BBQs, birthday parties, and church gatherings. They are juicy, stay warm for hours, and the slow cooker does all the work while you focus on the fun.
If you have ever wondered the easiest way to cook hot dogs for a crowd, this method will make you feel like a hosting pro with no fuss, no constant tending, just perfectly cooked hot dogs ready when you are.
Gina’s Notes For Hot Dogs in a Crock Pot
This recipe stands out for its juicy, crowd pleasing flavor every time, making it a hit at any gathering. It is incredibly foolproof, which means anyone can make it with confidence. I love how hands off it is, just a few minutes of prep, then the crock pot takes over, making it perfect for busy hosting days. It is also budget friendly, using simple, affordable ingredients. To make things even smoother, you can prep toppings and sides ahead of time. Plus, you can customize it with different liquids for cooking, like beer, broth, or even apple juice, for your own twist.
Gina’s Quick Tips Before You Get Started
Important Prep Tips
- Check your crock pot size before buying hot dogs so you know how many it can hold.
- Ingredients do not need to be room temperature, but cold hot dogs may take an extra 20 to 30 minutes.
- Have an instant-read thermometer handy to check for the safe serving temperature, at least 140°F.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking: newer slow cookers run hotter, so start checking at the 2-hour mark on low to see if the hot dogs are ready.
Adding too much liquid: You only need 1 to 2 cups, depending on crock pot size, or they can get soggy.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Hot dogs: Any type works, beef, chicken, turkey, veggie, or brats. Choose quality brands you love.
- Cooking liquid: Beef broth, chicken broth, beer, apple juice, or even sauerkraut juice for a tangy twist.
- Hot dog buns: Classic, whole wheat, or gluten-free options for guests with dietary needs.
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 Liquid 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.
How To Cook Hot Dogs In A Crock Pot
Prep Crock Pot and Add Hot Dogs
Place the crock pot on a heat-safe surface, plug it in, and set it to low. Stand the hot dogs upright in the slow cooker for maximum capacity. Nestle them tightly so they do not tip. If there is extra space, place a clean glass jar in the center to help them stay in place.
Pour your chosen liquid, about 1 cup for a small slow cooker, 2 cups for a large one, into the bottom. This keeps the hot dogs moist and infuses them with flavor.
Cook Hot Dogs Until Hot and Juicy
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until they reach at least 140°F. If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking at 2 hours.
Pro Tip: Slow cookers vary in the amount of heat they put out. If you have a new style, they tend to get hotter. Note that your cooking time might be a little less, 2-3 hours, until they reach at least 140°F.
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Hot Dogs in a Crock Pot
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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.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- 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.