Slow Cooker Kraut Dogs

By: Shannon Epstein

This slow cooker kraut dog recipe takes the hassle out of preparing this classic comfort food. It’s perfect for game day parties, potlucks, busy weeknight dinners, or backyard cookouts. Using only 4 simple ingredients – hot dogs, sauerkraut, onion, and mustard, this crockpot kraut dog recipe couldn’t get any easier. Using the slow cooker means the hot dogs are soak up the sauerkraut, mustard, onions, while keeping them juicy and tender. Free up your stovetop or grill, and cook these easy and tasty kraut dogs in the slow cooker or Instant Pot!

overhead shot of cooked hot dogs covered in sauerkraut a black slow cooker

Ingredients For Kraut Dogs

  • Hot Dogs
  • Sauerkraut (in juices)
  • Onion
  • Mustard
  • Oil (for Instant Pot, optional for slow cooker)

collage of ingredients for Slow Cooker Kraut Dogs

How To Make Kraut Dogs In The Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker

Optional step: add the oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onion and cook until soft, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

  1. Add the onion, mustard, and sauerkraut to the slow cooker. Stir until well blended.
  2. Nestle the hot dogs into the sauerkraut mixture.
  3. Cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW 4 to 6.

Instant Pot

  1. Turn on the pressure cooker and select sauté. Add the oil. Once hot, add the onion and cook until soft, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. 
  2. Pour in the water. Add the hot dogs to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add mustard and the sauerkraut on top of the hot dogs. Do not stir. 
  3. Close lid and seal valve. Set or high pressure setting for 1 minute.
  4. When cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure.

FAQ’s & Tips

What is a kraut dog?

A kraut dog is a hot dog topped with sauerkraut and usually mustard as well among other ingredients. 

Should you drain the sauerkraut?

Nope! Add the kraut with the juices to the slow cooker.

Do you have to sauté the onions first? 

You do not. This is a recommended but optional step. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. Of course you can always omit the onions. 

What else can you add to this recipe?

I would recommend a fresh or dried herb like caraway, dill seed, or parsley.

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover Crock-Pot kraut dogs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

What size slow cooker did I use?

I used my 3.5-quart slow cooker for this recipe. Feeding a larger crowd? Double the recipe and use a larger slow cooker.

Hot Dog & Sauerkraut Recipes

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Slow Cooker Kraut Dogs

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5 from 1 review

Slow cooker kraut dog recipe takes the hassle out of preparing this classic comfort food. It’s perfect for game day parties, potlucks, busy weeknight dinners, or backyard cookouts. Using only 4 simple ingredients – hot dogs, sauerkraut, onion, and mustard, this crockpot kraut dog recipe couldn’t get any easier. Using the slow cooker means the hot dogs are soak up the sauerkraut, mustard, onions, while keeping them juicy and tender. Free up your stovetop or grill, and cook these easy and tasty kraut dogs in the slow cooker or Instant Pot!

  • Author: Shannon Epstein
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 5 hot dogs 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 5 hot dogs
  • 15 ounces sauerkraut, with juices
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons yellow or Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon oil for Instant Pot, optional for slow cooker
  • 1 cup water for Instant Pot only

Instructions

Slow Cooker

Optional step: add the oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onion and cook until soft, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

  1. Add the onion, mustard, and sauerkraut to the slow cooker. Stir until well blended.
  2. Nestle the hot dogs into the sauerkraut mixture.
  3. Cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW 4 to 6.

Instant Pot

  1. Turn on the pressure cooker and select sauté. Add the oil. Once hot, add the onion and cook until soft, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Pour in the water. Add the hot dogs to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add mustard and the sauerkraut on top of the hot dogs. Do not stir.
  3. Close lid and seal valve. Set or high pressure setting for 1 minute.
  4. When cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 300

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Meet The Author

Hi, I’m a home cook from Los Angeles. I received a slow cooker as a wedding gift in 2011, but it wasn’t until six months later, facing my highest weight and hypertension, that I started using it. Follow me to learn more about my journey to healthier living and discover delicious recipes along the way.

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1 thought on “Slow Cooker Kraut Dogs”

  1. Crumbl Cookie Spoilers

    Simple, flavorful, and effortless—kraut dogs never tasted this good before,

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