Crock Pot Hot Dogs are easy to make and cook up tender and juicy with a snap. Not only does it take just minutes and minimal effort, this easy recipe is the perfect way to make hot dogs for a crowd!

Table of contents
Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are the perfect party food for many reason. Pretty much everyone loves hot dogs, they can be topped a variety of ingredients, and are an affordable way to feed large groups.
Because they can be cooked many different ways, you can serve them for just about any occasion in any location. Believe me when I say that this makes a kid’s birthday party child’s play!
I have made a ton of hot dogs in a pot on the stove, on the grill, in the smoker, over a campfire, and even the air fryer.
But of all these ways, this slow cooking method is by far the easiest.
Why cooking hot dogs in a crock pot is a game changer
- minimal effort
- one pot to clean
- you can cook up to 60 hot dogs at a time
- easy to keep warm after cooking
- makes serving easier
- best way to get cook them!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.

Can you cook hot dogs in a crock pot?
Before you start, here are a few things to consider.
- Are the hot dogs pre-cooked
- Size of your crock pot
- How many hot dogs
Are hot dogs pre-cooked?
Most hotdogs are precooked but they still need to be heated to a safe internal temperature before eating. My go to hotdog for cooking for a crowd is a chicken dog. They are tasty and lower in saturated fat.
Not just for chicken, this method works for any type of hot dogs: beef, pork, and even sausage dogs!
Here are my favorite brand:
- Chicken Dogs: Gwaltney
- Beef: Hebrew National, Nathan’s
- Pork: Ball Park, Oscar Meyer

How to Cook Hot Dogs in a Crock Pot
One: Open the hot dog packages and drain the liquid. Place the dogs in the slow cooker and either stand them up on end or lay them down. Spread them around evenly.
Two: Cover and cook on high 2-3 hours rotating them every 30-45 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Three: Reduce the temperature to the warm setting where they will keep for 3-4 hours.
For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How many hot dogs can you put in a crock pot?
I first used this crock pot I received when I got married, some 20ish years ago, and it is a round, 4.5 quart model. Most of the models now are between 6 and 10 quart, and are oval in shape.
Choose the size of the slow cooker based on how many hot dogs you want to cook.
- a 2.5 quart holds around 20-24 hot dogs
- 4 quart will hold up to 48 hot dogs
- 6 quart will hold up to 60 hot dogs
- 10 quart will hold over 100 hot dogs

Do I have to stand them up or can I lay them down?
Depending on the length of the hot dog. Regular size, bun length, and jumbo are not created equal.
- standard size = 4.8 inches
- bun length = 6 inches
- jumbo = 6 inches but thicker in diameter
- foot long = 12 inches
A round 6 quart can hold 60 regular size hot dogs standing up, because they are not particularly long. The bun length ones are too long to stand on end, so you will have to lay them flat. Because of this, it can really only cook about 40 bun length ones.
If you use a larger oval model you can stand them on end and cook more at one time. Best to measure your slow cooker insert before you head to the store to get your dogs.
Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!

Do you add water to crock pot when cooking hot dogs?
That’s the best part of cooking hot dogs this way. No hot dog water! And the texture of the hot dogs is amazing.
As the hot dogs slowly cook, they will release moisture which is enough steam to cook them in the crock pot. This creates a tender and juicy center and a crisp outside that snaps when you bite into it.
Just the way I like them!
Keeping them warm
After cooking the hot dogs in the crockpot, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting. Keep the hot dogs warm for 2-3 hours. After that they will start to dry out so enjoy them before then.
My old slow cooker doesn’t have a keep warm setting, just a low setting. If that is the case then they will keep on low for an hour. But, they were all eaten by then anyway!
How to store hot dogs
Unopened packages can be stored in the refrigerator until they reach their expiration date. If you are not planning on using them before then, they can be frozen for up to 6 months. Once the package is opened, they will last up to 5 days if stored in an air tight container in the fridge.
Leftover cooked hot dogs will keep in the fridge, stored in an air tight container for up to 4 days. You can freeze the cooked hot dogs the same as before for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Hot Dog Bar
Now that you have a large amount of tender and juicy hot dogs, what are you going to do with them? Make a hot dog bar! Since you didn’t use any time cooking them, take that time to set up all the various toppings. Here are a few ideas.
Favorite Hot Dog Toppings
Best Hot Dog Combinations
- Chili Cheese Dog: chili, cheese sauce, and diced onion
- Chicago Dog: All beef hot dog, yellow mustard, relish, chopped onion, tomato wedges, pickle spear, sport peppers, in a steamed poppy seed bun
- Reuben Dog: sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, 1000 island dressing
- California: veggie or chicken dog, avocado, pico de gallo, and bacon
- Southwest: BBQ sauce, fried onions, jalapeno slices
While you’re at putting together the buffet line, don’t forget the hot dog buns, plates, napkins, cutlery, side dishes, and drinks.
What sides go with hot dogs?
- coleslaw
- potato salad
- potato chips
- baked beans
- macaroni and cheese
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This crowd pleasing slow cooker hot dog recipe is perfect for picnics, backyard bbqs, summer parties, family reunions, birthday parties, tailgating, and sleepovers for the kids. It’s the easiest way to feed a crowd of hungry friends and makes the best hot dogs!

Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Crock Pot Hot Dogs are easy to make and cook up JUICY with a SNAP!
Ingredients
- 60 hot dogs
- Additional toppings and garnishes
Instructions
- Place hot dogs in crock pot.
- Turn on high and cook for 2-3 hours. Shuffle halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Keep warm while serving.
- Serve with your favorite toppings and side dishes.
Notes
Choose the size of the slow cooker based on how many hot dogs you want to cook.
- a 2.5 quart holds around 20-24 hot dogs
- 4 quart will hold up to 48 hot dogs
- 6 quart will hold up to 60 hot dogs
- 10 quart will hold over 100 hot dogs
Best Hot Dog Combinations
- Chili Cheese Dog: chili, cheese sauce, and diced onion
- Chicago Dog: All beef hot dog, yellow mustard, relish, chopped onion, tomato wedges, pickle spear, sport peppers, in a steamed poppy seed bun
- Reuben Dog: sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, 1000 island dressing
- California: veggie or chicken dog, avocado, pico de gallo, and bacon
- Southwest: BBQ sauce, fried onions, jalapeno slices
While you’re at putting together the buffet line, don’t forget the hot dog buns, plates, napkins, cutlery, side dishes, and drinks.
Recommended Products
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 60 Serving Size: 1 hot dogAmount Per Serving: Calories: 155Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 409mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 6g
This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.
{Originally published 07/19/2020 – photos and notes updated 06/09/2022 to improve reader experience}
LeftoversThenBreakfast.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encourages and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Ciro
Sunday 14th of February 2021
Yes I went there. HOT DOGS. This is a common slow cooker or electric pressure cooker recipe or more so, method of cooking hot dogs. I didn t come up with this brilliant idea myself. These come out tasting like steamed hot dogs which personally I love. You know, the type of hot dogs you get at a baseball stadium.
Kathleen
Tuesday 23rd of June 2020
These were so perfect! We loved the taste, we gave them away to guests for our drive by graduation party and they loved them!
Deb Clark
Sunday 21st of June 2020
I made hotdogs just last night and I've never thought to use the slow cooker - brilliant!!