How To Cook Hot Dogs In Slow Cooker [GUIDE]

Hot dogs are a quintessential comfort food, enjoyed at backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and simple weeknight dinners. While many associate them with grilling or boiling, using a slow cooker to prepare hot dogs offers a uniquely hands-off approach that enhances convenience without sacrificing flavor. Cooking hot dogs in a slow cooker allows the sausages to absorb subtle flavors from accompanying ingredients, keeps them juicy and tender, and provides the perfect opportunity to prepare large batches for parties, game days, or meal prepping. This method is especially useful for feeding crowds or when you want dinner ready without hovering over the stove. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from cooking times to troubleshooting tips, ensuring your slow-cooked hot dogs come out perfectly every time.

How Long To Cook Hot Dogs In Slow Cooker

The cooking time for hot dogs in a slow cooker depends largely on whether you are using pre-cooked or raw sausages and the temperature setting of your cooker. Most commercially available hot dogs are pre-cooked, meaning the slow cooker’s primary role is to heat them evenly and infuse them with any additional flavors.

• Low setting: 2-3 hours
• High setting: 1-1.5 hours

If you’re using raw sausages, the cooking time will naturally be longer to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature. On low, plan for approximately 4-6 hours; on high, 2-3 hours is usually sufficient. Slow cookers vary in heat distribution, so it’s important to check periodically, especially if this is your first time using a particular appliance.

How To Tell If It Is Done

For pre-cooked hot dogs, the goal is to heat them through evenly without overcooking. They should feel plump, tender, and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid leaving them in the slow cooker for extended periods, as they can begin to split or dry out.

For raw sausages, the critical indicator is an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for beef/pork and 165°F (74°C) for poultry-based sausages. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the sausage to ensure safety and proper doneness. The hot dogs should also exhibit a uniform color and a slight bounce when gently pressed.

Ingredients Needed

Cooking hot dogs in a slow cooker can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. For a basic recipe, you’ll need:

• 8-12 pre-cooked hot dogs (beef, pork, chicken, or plant-based)
• 1 cup of water, broth, or beer (for flavor)
• Optional additions for flavor: sliced onions, bell peppers, or garlic
• Condiments for serving: mustard, ketchup, relish, sauerkraut, cheese

For variations, you can also include:

• BBQ sauce or chili for smothered hot dogs
• Soft buns or rolls for serving
• Herbs and spices (paprika, chili powder, black pepper) for extra seasoning

How To Cook Hot Dogs In Slow Cooker

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the bottom or use a liner for easy cleanup.
2. Add liquid and optional flavorings: Pour water, broth, or beer into the slow cooker. Add any sliced onions, peppers, or spices.
3. Arrange the hot dogs: Place hot dogs in a single layer for even cooking. If stacking, stir or rotate halfway through.
4. Set the temperature: Use low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-1.5 hours for pre-cooked hot dogs. For raw sausages, increase cooking time accordingly.
5. Check periodically: Stir gently if needed and verify doneness.
6. Serve immediately: Hot dogs are best served fresh from the slow cooker to retain their moisture and texture.

When Things Go Wrong

Even with the slow cooker’s simplicity, mistakes can happen:

• Hot dogs dry out: This often occurs when cooked too long or without enough liquid. Adding a small amount of broth or covering the sausages with foil can help.
• Uneven heating: Avoid over-stacking sausages. Stir or rotate occasionally to ensure uniform warmth.
• Flavor imbalance: If using sauces or spices, add gradually and taste-test to avoid overpowering the hot dogs.

Expert Tips

• Layer wisely: Place vegetables or onions at the bottom to create a natural bed, keeping hot dogs from sticking and adding flavor.
• Use liners for easy cleanup: Slow cooker liners save time and prevent residual odors.
• Avoid overcooking: Even pre-cooked hot dogs can split if left too long, so set a timer and check early.
• Infuse flavor: Add small amounts of beer, broth, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to create a savory finish.
• Warm buns simultaneously: Wrap buns in foil and place them on top of the hot dogs during the last 10-15 minutes.

Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?

Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can achieve similar results using:

• Stovetop simmering: Place hot dogs in a pan with a little water or broth, cover, and simmer gently over low heat for 10-15 minutes for pre-cooked or 20-25 minutes for raw.
• Oven roasting: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place hot dogs in a covered baking dish with a bit of liquid, and bake for 15-20 minutes.

The slow cooker, however, excels at unattended cooking and subtle flavor infusion.

Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker

Reheating hot dogs in a slow cooker is simple and keeps them juicy:

1. Add leftover hot dogs to the slow cooker with a splash of water, broth, or sauce.
2. Set to low for 30-45 minutes or high for 15-20 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heat distribution.

Avoid overcooking during reheating, as it can dry out the hot dogs.

FAQs

How Long Should I Cook Hot Dogs In A Slow Cooker?

Hot dogs typically take 2 to 3 hours to cook on low heat in a slow cooker, or 1 to 1.5 hours on high heat. This will result in hot dogs that are fully heated through and infused with flavor.

Do I Need To Add Water Or Liquid When Cooking Hot Dogs In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, it’s recommended to add some liquid (water, broth, or a combination of both) to the slow cooker to keep the hot dogs moist. Typically, 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid is enough for a batch of hot dogs.

Can I Cook Frozen Hot Dogs In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can cook frozen hot dogs in a slow cooker. They will take a little longer to heat through-around 3 to 4 hours on low heat-but they will cook safely and thoroughly.

Can I Cook Different Types Of Hot Dogs In The Slow Cooker At The Same Time?

Yes, you can cook different types of hot dogs in the slow cooker at the same time. Just ensure they are all fully covered by the liquid and stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Do I Need To Slice Or Pierce The Hot Dogs Before Cooking Them In A Slow Cooker?

No, it’s not necessary to slice or pierce the hot dogs before cooking them in a slow cooker. However, if you want to add extra flavor or allow the hot dogs to absorb liquid more quickly, you can make a few small slits along their length.

Can I Add Toppings Like Onions Or Peppers To The Slow Cooker With The Hot Dogs?

Yes, you can add onions, peppers, or other vegetables to the slow cooker along with the hot dogs. These will soften and flavor the hot dogs as they cook. Just ensure that they are added in the last 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Can I Use A Slow Cooker To Cook Hot Dogs In A Bun?

It’s not recommended to cook hot dogs in buns directly in the slow cooker, as the buns can become soggy. However, you can heat the hot dogs in the slow cooker and then place them in the buns separately just before serving.

What Is The Best Way To Serve Hot Dogs Cooked In A Slow Cooker?

Once the hot dogs are cooked, they can be served directly in buns with your favorite toppings, such as mustard, ketchup, relish, or sauerkraut. For an extra touch, you can add some grilled onions or cheese.

Can I Use The Slow Cooker To Cook Hot Dogs For A Party Or Gathering?

Yes, a slow cooker is perfect for serving hot dogs at parties or gatherings. It keeps them warm and ready to serve for extended periods of time, allowing guests to help themselves. Just ensure the heat is kept on low to prevent overcooking.

Can I Cook Hot Dogs In A Slow Cooker Without A Lid?

It is not advisable to cook hot dogs in a slow cooker without a lid, as the lid helps trap moisture and heat, ensuring the hot dogs cook evenly and stay moist. Without it, they may dry out and not cook as thoroughly.