How to Boil Hot Dogs {Quickly & Easily!}

Name: How to Boil Hot Dogs
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 quart water; 8 hot dogs

Learn how to boil hot dogs for the fastest and easiest way to cook for a crowd or for your family dinner. You will love it!

Master how to boil hot dogs for the quickest way to whip up dinner. If you need to make several hot dogs for a crowd, I highly recommend trying to cook Hot Dogs in the Crock Pot!

Two boiled hot dogs inside buns on a white plate.

So Many Ways to Cook Them!

Have you ever boiled hot dogs before?

It’s such a cinch to do and takes almost no time at all. It’s perfect for when you need a handful of cooked hot dogs in just a short amount of time. You can even boil frozen hot dogs – just double the cooking time.

I LOVE hot dogs. There are so many different and easy ways to cook them. Take notes on how to boil hot dogs for a favorite quick-cook method.

My kids love boiled hot dogs for a fast lunch or dinner. Pair them with a Fruit Salad or some Roasted Vegetables and you’ve got a well-rounded meal!

Hot Dog vs Bratwurst

Hot dogs can be made with pork, beef, chicken, and turkey, and can be prepared in different amounts and combinations. They are more finely processed and are pre-cooked.

Whereas brats are more coarsely ground and are not always pre-cooked. If the brats are raw you will need between 12-15 minutes to cook all the way through.

Boiling hot dogs in a saucepan on the stove.

How long to Boil Hot Dogs

It is important to know how long to boil hot dogs. Overboiling the hot dogs can change the taste, color, and texture of the hot dogs.

JUST BOIL! Using a large saucepan add 1 quart of water and bring it to a boil. Add 8 hot dogs to the water. Bring to a full boil and heat for 4-5 minutes.

If you are using frozen hot dogs, boil for about 8 minutes.

Note. Hot dogs are typically already fully cooked. All you need to do is reheat them. This will help kill any bacteria that may have begun to form.

Keep hotdogs from splitting. I don’t usually have trouble with hot dog skins splitting unless I’m using the grill or microwave, but if you are worried this will happen simply use a fork to poke holes all over the hot dog before putting it in the pot of water.

Don’t Forget the Buns

The hot dog buns can be just as important as the hot dog itself. Choose a bun that is similar to a hamburger bun in taste and texture. If you can, buy hot dogs that are labeled “bun length” so that the hot dog will fit perfectly without any excess bun.

Toasting your bun is a wonderful way to elevate your dog. Simply spread a layer of butter on the inside of the bun and broil them for 1-2 minutes or until the butter is melted and the bun has begun to brown. Watch carefully so you don’t charbroil the bun.

You can also heat up a frying pan and lay the bun butter side down to heat and toast. For extra flavor sprinkle garlic salt on the butter before toasting.

Hot Dog Toppings

Aside from the traditional ketchup and mustard, there are so many toppings that you can dress your dog up with. Some of our favorite toppings include:

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

Removing a cooked hot dog from a pot of water.

Party Tips

Boiling hot dogs is a go-to for parties. For a few more party tips keep reading!

Party planning. The worst is running out of food right in the middle of a party. Plan on 1-2 dogs per child and 2-3 per adult. I typically err on the higher end since hot dogs store wonderfully. Any extras, whether cooked or uncooked, can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later.

Keep hot dogs warm. Like most foods, you do not want your hot dogs to sit out for more than two hours. Not just because they’ll grow cold, but they may also grow harmful bacteria. To keep your hot dogs warm during the party and for longer than two hours there are a few things you can do:

Use a crock pot set to warm.
Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
Use a chafing dish.
Keep them in a large thermos or insulated plastic cooler with hot water.

Serving + Storing Tips

Boiled hot dogs go great with many sides. Here are some of our favorites:

Store unopened hot dogs. Unopened hot dog packages can last 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 in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just reheat in a pot of water or in the microwave.

How to boil a hot dog and serve it up in a but with ketchup.

Recipe FAQ

Can I boil cheese-stuffed hot dogs?

Absolutely, you can boil most types of hot dogs or brats.

How do I keep hot dogs from splitting open?

Be sure that you do not overboil the hot dogs. If you are worried that the hot dogs will split, even when not overcooked, you can poke each hot dog with a fork. The holes will allow steam to escape instead of building up and exploding.

Can I boil hot dogs in broth instead of water?

Using broth instead of water is a great way to infuse the hot dogs with extra flavor. Just match the type of broth with the ingredients in your hot dog; beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth.

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