Hot Dogs in Crock Pot

The easiest way to make hot dogs for a crowd! Cook hot dogs in the crock pot for all of 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! You’ll never want to cook hot dogs any other way after you try this crock pot version.

A bunch of hot dogs in a crock pot

Perfect for Parties + BBQs

Are you ready for your life to be changed for the better? Making hot dogs in the 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 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. Just make sure to keep the lid on to keep the heat in.

Two large packages of hot dogs

How to Cook Hot Dogs in Crock Pot

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. Keep slow cooker on warm to get hot dogs warm for a party.

NOTE: There’s no need to add water! The moisture released by the hot dogs will be enough. Once they have been cooked, turn the crock pot to warm so that the hot dogs do not overcook. They should be able to keep for about 3 hours on the warm setting. 

Feeding a Crowd + Storing

For a crowd: 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. 

Storage: Unopened hot dog packages can last in the fridge (see expiration date on 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.

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. 

Slow cooker hot dogs inside buns on a plate

Toppings + Side Ideas

Toppings: Aside from the traditional ketchup and mustard there are so many toppings that you can dress your dog up with. 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!

  • Chili
  • Sweet relish
  • Minced/Fried onions 
  • Sauerkraut 
  • Jalapenos or hot peppers
  • Thinly sliced tomatoes
  • Shredded cheese 
  • Coleslaw
  • Mayo

What to serve with hot dogs? 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 hot dogs. Here are some of our favorites…

Crock pot hot dogs on a plate topped with ketchup and mustard

For More Crock Pot Recipes, try:

How to Cook Hot Dogs in Crock Pot

5 from 10 votes
The easiest way to make hot dogs for a crowd! Cook hot dogs in the crock pot for all of your summer potluck needs.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 2 minutes
Servings 48
Calories 111 kcal
Author Lil' Luna

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.

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    Simple but game changer. We did this for a Birthday party and it freed up a whole lot of time for me to tend to other things.