Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut Slow Cooker

There are some recipes that feel like they were made for busy weekends, chilly evenings, and those days when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. This Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut Slow Cooker recipe is exactly that kind of meal.

I first tried this combination after a friend recommended it to me, and I honestly wasn’t expecting it to become such a regular in our kitchen. Last weekend, I made it for my family, and by the time dinner was ready, the whole house smelled warm, savory, and just a little tangy from the sauerkraut. Everyone kept sneaking into the kitchen to see when it would be ready!

What I love most is how little effort it takes. You add everything to the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and before you know it, dinner is ready. It’s one of those recipes I reach for when I’m tired or stressed and don’t want to think too much about cooking.

And yes, the sauerkraut can be a little polarizing. But when it cooks alongside the hot dogs, the flavors mellow together beautifully. The result is simple, hearty, and surprisingly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Almost effortless: The slow cooker does most of the work.
• Comforting and filling: Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
• Budget-friendly: You only need a handful of simple ingredients.
• Great for busy days: Start it earlier and come back to dinner.
• Lots of flavor: The salty, savory hot dogs pair wonderfully with tangy sauerkraut.

Ingredients

• 1 package (about 8) beef or pork hot dogs
• 1 large jar or can (about 24–32 ounces) sauerkraut, drained
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
• 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste, if needed

How to Make Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut in the Slow Cooker

1. Prepare the sauerkraut

Drain the sauerkraut well. If you prefer a milder flavor, give it a quick rinse under cold water and drain again. I usually do this when I’m cooking for the whole family because it takes some of the sharpness away.

2. Layer the ingredients

Place about half of the sauerkraut in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, then arrange the hot dogs on top.

Add the remaining sauerkraut around and over the hot dogs.

3. Add the flavor

Pour in the broth and add the mustard, brown sugar, butter, black pepper, and caraway seeds if using.

Give the sauerkraut and liquid a gentle stir around the hot dogs. There’s no need to overdo it.

4. Let the slow cooker do the work

Cover and cook on LOW for about 4–6 hours or HIGH for about 2–3 hours, until everything is heated through and the onions are tender.

Since hot dogs are already cooked, you’re really giving the ingredients time to mingle and develop that cozy, savory flavor.

5. Serve and enjoy

Give everything a gentle stir before serving. I like to serve the hot dogs and sauerkraut with mustard on the side and something simple like mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.

A Few Tips From My Kitchen

Don’t skip the onion. It adds a little sweetness that balances the tanginess of the sauerkraut.

Rinse the sauerkraut if you prefer a milder taste. If you love that strong fermented flavor, simply drain it and use it as-is.

Try different hot dogs. Beef hot dogs give the dish a rich, savory flavor, while pork or smoked varieties can add a slightly different character.

Watch the salt. Both hot dogs and sauerkraut can already contain quite a bit of sodium, so taste before adding extra salt.

Don’t overcook the hot dogs. Because they’re already cooked, there’s no real benefit to leaving them in the slow cooker all day.

What to Serve With Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut

This is one of those meals where simple sides work best. Try it with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Potato salad
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls
• German-style potato salad
• Steamed vegetables
• A simple green salad

A little extra mustard on the side is also highly recommended in my house!

Can I Make This Ahead?

Absolutely. Once cooled, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days.

The flavors actually have a chance to blend even more after sitting overnight, so I never mind having leftovers. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Can I Freeze It?

You can freeze the cooked hot dogs and sauerkraut, although the texture of the sauerkraut may become a little softer after thawing. For the best texture, I prefer making only as much as we expect to eat within a few days.

My Favorite Part

The funny thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t look particularly fancy. It’s just hot dogs, sauerkraut, onions, and a few pantry ingredients. But those are often the recipes that become family favorites.

Last weekend, we sat around the table with everyone serving themselves, talking about the week and going back for another helping. It reminded me that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that make everyone slow down for a while.

I’ve started making this recipe on weekends when I want something cozy without spending my whole afternoon cooking. And on stressful days, it’s especially nice knowing I can put dinner in the slow cooker and forget about it for a few hours.

By the end of the meal, the serving dish was nearly empty — which, in my family, is probably the best recipe review there is.

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition estimates are approximate and will vary depending on the brand and type of hot dogs used.

Nutrition is estimated for approximately 6 servings and should be treated as a general guide. Actual values can vary considerably by ingredients and serving size.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that feels comforting and homemade, give these Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut Slow Cooker a try. It’s easy, inexpensive, hearty, and requires very little hands-on cooking.

And if your family is anything like mine, don’t be surprised if someon