This Clever Hot Dog Hack Is So Much Better Than Grilling

Hosting a backyard hang during the summer months is certainly fun, but you know what’s not fun? Standing over a hot grill while you cook and missing out on all of the fun. Yes, it’s beautiful to be able to cook for your guests, because that’s the whole point. But what if you could cook those hot dogs for your guests early and still enjoy their company? Thankfully, Tara Ippolito from @aldentediva on TikTok has the perfect solution.

Here’s how it works: Place a cooked hot dog in a bun. Break off a piece of aluminum foil big enough to wrap the hot dog completely. Then place the wrapped hot dog in a slow cooker set to the warm setting. Repeat this process for multiple hot dogs until you can’t stuff any more in the slow cooker. Cover it with the lid, and you’ll have warm hot dogs sitting in the slow cooker for the duration of your party.

Along with having warm hot dogs all day, Ippolito also shared a tip for cooking hot dogs that make it easier to fill them up with all of your favorite hot dog fixings like Chicago style or chili cheese. Before cooking the hot dogs, cut a line down the center lengthwise, letting the top of the knife hit about halfway inside the dog. When you cook it (whether it be boiling, grilling, or even air frying) the hot dog will split open and create a pocket that will make it easy for guests to load up their hot dogs when it’s time to eat.