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Hot dogs in a crock pot are the easiest way to make hot dogs for a crowd! They’re perfect for your summer potluck needs.
I love learning about easier ways to cook things, like when I learned you could cook Bacon in the Oven?! Life changing! After cooking hot dogs in the crock pot you’ll never do it any other way.
Perfect for Parties + BBQs
Are you ready for your life to be changed for the better? Hot dogs in a crock pot is such a game changer when you need to make a lot of food for a lot of people. Use this trick for birthday parties, BBQs, potlucks, or a summer pool party in your backyard!
I am so glad this recipe (it’s so easy it almost isn’t a recipe at all!) is in my life. Throw these into the crockpot for 2-4 hours (depending on the heat setting) and lunch/dinner is served.
You can even leave the hot dogs in the slow cooker on the warm setting until ready to serve. Then everyone can help themselves when it’s time to eat dinner. Just make sure to keep the lid on to keep the heat in.
How to Cook Hot Dogs in a Crockpot
Crock pot hot dogs literally take a minute to prep! They are perfect for feeding a crowd.
HEAT. Open the package(s) of hot dogs and place them in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 3-4 hours. Then turn to the WARM setting while serving.
There’s no need to add water! The moisture released by the hot dogs will be enough.
Recipe Tips
Hot dogs in a slow cooker are perfect for feeding the masses! You want to make sure to cook enough, but not have too many leftovers.
Cooking these in a crock pot is ideal for any party.
- Plan for 1-2 hot dogs for children and 3 per adult.
- When placed vertically, a 4 qt crock pot can hold about 48 regular-length hot dogs. A 6 qt pot should be able to hold about 64 regular-length hot dogs.
- Bun length: If you want to use bun length and your crockpot isn’t tall enough, just place them horizontally.
Toppings. Aside from the traditional ketchup and mustard, there are so many toppings that can dress up your dog. Also, note that it’s easy to make a hot dog bar so they can grab their buns and have all the toppings laid out. Everyone loves it!
- Best Chili Recipe
- sweet relish, mayo
- minced/fried onions, sauerkraut, thinly sliced tomatoes, jalapenos or hot peppers
- Shredded cheese
- Easy Coleslaw
Storing + Serving Info
Store unopened hot dog packages in the fridge (see the expiration date on the package) or for up to 6 months in the freezer. Once the package has been opened, keep the remaining hot dogs in a Ziploc bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.
STORE. Leftover hot dogs that have been cooked can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Serving suggestions. Honestly, the options are endless. We have so many go-to’s but just think of any of the side dishes you bring to parties and picnics, and almost all of them will be great as a side to slow cooker hot dogs.
- Baked Beans
- Boiling Corn on the Cob
- Easy Fruit Salad
- Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Recipe FAQ
Once the hot dogs are heated up switch the setting to warm. The hot dogs can stay warm for up to 3 hours.
There’s no need to add water! The moisture released by the hot dogs will be enough.
It depends on the size of your crockpot and the length and thickness of the hot dogs. When you use regular-length hot dogs and you place them vertically, you can fit about 48 hot dogs in a 4-quart crock pot.
For More Crock Pot Recipes, Try:
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
- Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
- Crockpot Meatballs
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Rice Pudding
Hot Dogs in Crock Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 48 hot dogs
Instructions
- Place in slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 3-4 hours. Keep slow cooker on warm to get hot dogs warm for a party.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
how do you use the slow cooker to warm the hot dog buns
I don’t warm up the buns in the slow cooker, just the hot dogs. If you like the buns warmed up, I’d recommend a quick warm up in the oven.
Absolutely delicious
OMGoodness! Love love love this party tip. I love hots – raw or cooked – game changer for a potluck pleaser. Thanks.
You’re welcome!