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Have you tried to cook hot dogs in the crock pot? It’s a game-changer dinner when you need to make a lot of food for a lot of people.

We have used this trick for birthday parties, BBQs, potlucks, family reunions, and summer pool parties in the backyard, and it works like a charm.

We love recipes where the slow cooker does all of the work for you, and this one does just that. It makes any get-togethers so much easier! Just add your favorite side dishes and favorite toppings.

  • Feed a large crowd. Use this easy dinner idea to make as few or as many as you need. It’s a tasty dinner idea for kids or adults and makes a ton of hot dogs!
  • Crazy easy. Simply fill the crock pot and heat! This easy meal requires minimal effort and has a quick prep time.
  • Keep it warm. Leave the hot dogs in the slow cooker on the warm setting until ready to serve.
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Two packages of hot dogs on a kitchen counter.

Crock Pot Hot Dogs Ingredients and Substitutions

  • 48 hot dogs – We recommend regular-length hot dogs as they fit best in most standard slow cookers.

How to Cook Hot Dogs in the Crock Pot

  1. HEAT. Place 48 hot dogs in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 3-4 hours. Turn to the WARM setting while serving.
    • There’s no need to add water! The moisture released by the hot dogs will be enough. Serve in buns and top with your favorite condiments.
  • When placed vertically, a 4-quart crock pot can hold about 48 regular-length hot dogs. A 6-quart pot should hold about 64 regular-length hot dogs.
  • Bun-length dogs that are too tall can be placed horizontally, but fewer will fit.
  • Once the hot dogs are heated up, switch the setting to warm. The hot dogs can stay warm for up to 3 hours.
  • Aside from ketchup and yellow mustard, bbq sauce, we like to provide pickle relish, jalapeno, sauerkraut, pepperoncini, white onions, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chili to make chili dogs. Set up a hot dog bar at your next backyard BBQ!
Two hot dogs in crock pot served in buns with grapes.
5 from 40 votes

Crock Pot Hot Dogs

Hot dogs in the crock pot is the easiest way to feed the masses and keep your hot dogs warm and juicy for hours.
Servings: 48
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 2 minutes

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

Recipe tips.
  • When placed vertically, a 4-quart crock pot can hold about 48 regular-length hot dogs. A 6-quart pot should hold about 64 regular-length hot dogs.
  • Bun-length dogs that are too tall can be placed horizontally, but fewer will fit.
  • Once the hot dogs are heated up, switch the setting to warm. The hot dogs can stay warm for up to 3 hours.
  • Aside from ketchup and mustard, we like to provide pickle relish, jalapeno, onions, and chili to make chili dogs.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 308mg, Potassium: 66mg, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to store?

Once the package has been opened, keep the remaining hot dogs in a Ziploc bag in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store leftover crock pot hot dogs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

This recipe was originally published May 2020.

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 from 40 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




21 Comments

  1. Sha says:

    5 stars
    This is brilliant! It is a convenient way to satisfy my family! I also use this method every time the kids bring their friends or classmates at home!

  2. Karen H says:

    5 stars
    Thank you for sharing this! My son wanted hot dogs for his party and our grill broke- this was perfect!

  3. Natasha says:

    5 stars
    This is by far the best method to cook hotdogs! Hot Dogs in a Crock Pot Is a great way to keep the hotdogs warm and it’s the easiest way to cook a lot of hotdogs in one batch!

  4. Renee T says:

    5 stars
    Perfect! I love using my slow cooker for as much as I can and this is an awesome way to keep the hot dogs warm. I use my air fryer to toast the buns. YUM!

  5. Linda Hampton says:

    how do you use the slow cooker to warm the hot dog buns

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      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.

  6. Agathe says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious

  7. Karen Sanders says:

    5 stars
    OMGoodness! Love love love this party tip. I love hots – raw or cooked – game changer for a potluck pleaser. Thanks.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You’re welcome!

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