Serves: 6 | Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
Hey there!
Okay, this recipe is one of my cozy go-to meals when I want something simple, hands-off, and just straight-up satisfying. Slow Cooker Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut might sound super basic, but the flavors are so comforting—tangy, juicy, a little sweet, a little savory, and totally delicious. I’ve made this for family get-togethers, Sunday lunch, even football game nights. It’s always a hit.
The best part? You throw everything into the slow cooker and walk away. By the time you’re ready to eat, the hot dogs are bursting with flavor and the sauerkraut is mellow and delicious. It’s perfect served on a bun with mustard or just in a bowl with a fork!
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 package (6-8 count) of hot dogs (beef or your favorite kind)
- 1 (32 oz) jar of sauerkraut, drained slightly
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (plus more for serving)
- Hot dog buns (optional, for serving)
💡 Why I Love This Recipe
I grew up eating hot dogs and sauerkraut—my grandma made it on the stovetop, but once I learned you could throw everything in the slow cooker? Game changer.
- It’s budget-friendly
- It makes the house smell amazing
- Everything cooks down and blends into one perfect bite
- You can serve it plain, on a bun, or over mashed potatoes
It’s like a hug in food form.
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The sauerkraut adds moisture and natural acidity that keeps the hot dogs juicy. The grated apple and brown sugar balance the tanginess with just a touch of sweetness. Cooking it all low and slow lets the flavors meld together—no extra effort needed.
🥄 Meal Plan Ideas
- Weeknight dinner with baked potatoes or buttered noodles
- Picnic-style lunch with buns, chips, and pickles
- Oktoberfest spread with soft pretzels and mustard
- Meal prep for easy lunches—just reheat and go
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using un-drained sauerkraut – too much liquid waters down the flavor
- Skipping the apple or sugar – you need something to balance the tang
- Not slicing the onions thin – thick slices don’t cook down as well
- Overcrowding the slow cooker – lay things in evenly
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Soft sandwich buns or hoagie rolls
- German-style potato salad
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Rye bread and mustard
- Pickles or pickled beets
❓ FAQ
Can I use turkey or veggie hot dogs?
Yep! Just know that veggie dogs might get a little softer with the long cooking time.
Do I need to rinse the sauerkraut?
Not totally, but I do recommend draining it a little so it’s not overly wet.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This freezes well for up to 2 months.
🔧 Tools Needed
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Sharp knife
- Grater
- Small bowls for prep
- Cutting board
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- Use bratwurst or kielbasa instead of hot dogs
- Add sliced potatoes for a one-pot meal
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar
- Stir in some cooked bacon for extra flavor
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- Slice the onion and grate the apple the day before
- Mix sauerkraut, apple, sugar, and mustard in a bowl ahead of time and refrigerate overnight
- Store in an airtight container until ready to dump in the slow cooker
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Load Up the Slow Cooker
Add sauerkraut to the slow cooker. Top with onion, apple, brown sugar, caraway seeds (if using), pepper, and mustard. Give it a quick stir, then lay the hot dogs on top—whole or halved.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Put the lid on and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until hot dogs are plump and the kraut is tender and mellow.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot dogs and kraut on buns with mustard or straight from a bowl. Spoon a bit of that sauerkraut mixture right on top—it’s the best part.
🧊 Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
🎉 Time to Try It!
This is one of those meals that’s way more delicious than it looks—and it couldn’t be easier. I hope you love it as much as I do. If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you made any fun changes!
Let your slow cooker do the work—you just grab the mustard. 🥰
