You may think you know how to boil hot dogs, but you will be blown away by the delicious and most importantly, easy options there are. It is all about flavor optimization and then, of course, your favorite toppings.
Gather This
The options are endless when it comes to learning how to boil hot dogs, but here are the basics. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Water or beer – If you want a more adult flavor, you can substitute the water for beer. You will boil off the alcohol so it will still be kid-friendly. Either option is delicious.
- Bouillon cubes – Chicken or beef are both great, but vegetable bouillon will work in a pinch too. Think of it as a stock. You wouldn’t just use plain water for soup now, would you? I didn’t think so.
- Head of garlic
- Yellow onion
- Bunch or parsley
- Whole cumin seeds
- Whole star anise
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Favorite toppings
Tasty Companions
There are an infinite number of hot dog toppings to choose from. After learning how to boil hot dogs, start getting creative with your topping ideas!
- Spicy ketchup
- Caramelized Onions
- Mustard
- Yum Yum Sauce
- Relish
And don’t forget the bun! Go for a standard potato roll, pretzel bun or even a keto hot dog bun. And just like boiling corn, you might be surprised at how good it tastes!
To serve alongside these flavorful hot dogs, something like french fries, coleslaw, potato salad or pasta salad are always classics.
Hot Dogs in Crock Pot
Now that you know how to boil hot dogs, making hot dogs in the crockpot is also a good option. It is super easy, but takes a little more time. The benefits are that it is good for parties and to keep your dogs hot.
Set your slow cooker to the low settings and combine the same ingredient in the bowl, stirring to blend. Add hot dogs and cook on low for 1 hour, or until dogs are warm.
Change to the “keep warm” setting and they will be good for hours! Set up your hot dog bar toppings right next to the slow cooker and you are good to go!
How to Boil Hot Dogs
Ingredients
- 2 quarts water or 4 12oz cans of beer
- 2-4 bouillon cubes , beef or chicken flavor
- 1 head of garlic , cut in half crosswise, skin on
- 1 small yellow onion cut in half , skin on
- small bunch parsley
- 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds OR 1 or 2 whole star anise
- 8 package your favorite hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- favorite toppings
Instructions
- Heat the 2 quarts water or 4 12oz cans of beer and dissolve the 2-4 bouillon cubes into it. Add the 1 head of garlic, 1 small yellow onion cut in half, small bunch parsley, 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds OR 1 or 2 whole star anise on medium-high until you reach a rolling boil. Drop the heat down to a simmer and allow the flavors to meld. This will also boil off the alcohol in the beer if you are using that as your liquid.
- Turn the heat off and add the 8 package your favorite hot dogs gently into the pot. Allow them to warm through. This should take 2-4 minutes depending on how cold they are when they go in.
- Pull them out of the water and allow them to drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve on toasted 8 hot dog buns with your favorite toppings.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments and star ratings.
Video
Nutrition
Storage and Freezing
You can store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. They should last up to five days.
Yes you sure can! Store hot dogs in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months.
More Easy Meals
With two kiddos each involved in extra curriculars, easy meals are usually my go to! Here are some of our favorites.
First time flavoring the water. Used Bright Leaf hot dogs and Red Hots. Definitely flavoring this way from now on!
Woohoo! So glad you loved it- so many people turn their noses up before even trying it. LOL.