How to Cook Hot Dogs on the Stove

Updated on February 3rd, 2025

There are many fun occasions to enjoy hot dogs, especially in the genres of summer gatherings and family cookouts. But let’s talk basics for a moment — what’s the simplest way to make hot dogs taste amazing without fuss? The answer is cooking them on the stove. 

If you haven’t tried stovetop hot dogs yet, consider this your sign to start. Whether you want a snack or you’re feeding a hungry group, stove top hotdogs are a delight. You’re sure to agree once you try it.

What to expect

• Taste: They have a savory, smoky flavor with a slightly crispy outside if you sear them well.
• Texture: Expect a firm but juicy hot dog with a bit of a crispy exterior. The inside stays soft and easy to bite into, but you’ll still get that satisfying snap when you take a bite.
• Foolproof factor: This method is super easy, even for beginners. The key is to avoid overcooking, which can dry them out. A bit of water for steaming helps so they heat evenly, and you don’t need any fancy tools — just a basic pan and lid.  
• Timing: You can have perfectly cooked hot dogs on the table in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients overview

• Hot dogs: Any type works. Choose beef, chicken, turkey, or even sausages for variety.
• Butter: Ok, butter isn’t the healthiest choice, but the flavor you get is unreal. Hot dog connoisseurs will agree. You can alternatively use oil.
• Buns: Toasted if you want a little crunch, or keep them soft. It’s up to you.
• Water: You’ll use water to steam the dogs so they don’t dry out.
• Toppings: Keep it classic with ketchup, mustard, and relish, or go wild with cheese, jalapeños, and other random stuff you have on hand. Consider the dog your canvas and create your flavor masterpiece.

Advantages of cooking hot dogs on the stove

• All-weather method: This is probably the biggest reason you’ll want to cook hot dogs on the stove. You don’t have to worry about grilling in bad weather or setting up an outdoor space. Instead, stay inside and satisfy that hot dog craving at the same time. Everything you need is already in your kitchen.
• Quick: Believe it or not, you can prepare hot dogs on the stove in less than 10 minutes. Once your pan is heated, it’s just a matter of cooking and steaming them to perfection.
• Convenient: There’s no need for complicated setups or waiting for equipment to preheat. You only need pan, a bit of butter or oil, and a splash of water. You can get hot dogs ready to serve in minutes — no stress involved.
• Versatile: This stovetop method allows for experimentation, too. Use oil instead of butter, for example. Or saute some peppers and mushrooms in the same pan. You could even slice the dogs down the middle and add some cheese at the end. Simply cover the pan for a minute so the cheese will melt.

Other ways to cook hot dogs

Crockpot

Got a crowd to feed? Dump the hot dogs into a crockpot, set it to low, and let them hang out for 2 to 4 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high and cook for 1 to 2 hours instead. They’ll stay warm and ready to grab — perfect for parties or game day. Get the full instructions for cooking hot dogs in the crockpot here.

Oven

Using the oven is a game-changer for cooking hot dogs — it’s hands-off, cooks them evenly, and gives you a slightly crispy finish without any fuss. All you have to do is to preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the hot dogs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Get the full instructions for baking hot dogs here.

Tip: Throw the buns in during the last 2 minutes to warm them up.

Weeknight meal hero

Stovetop hot dogs are my secret weapon for busy nights, lazy weekends, or when I want a quick bite. They’re quick and totally customizable — what’s not to love? Give this method a shot, and you might just retire your grill tongs for good.

Stovetop Hot Dogs

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Try this stovetop method for cooking hot dogs when you’re not in the mood for grilling. Expect a juicy center and a nice crisp on the outside.

• Author: Bobby
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• Three hotdogs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons water
• 3 hotdog buns

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Instructions

1. Add some water to a skillet at medium heat, just enough to cover the base. Once the water starts to boil off, gently place the hotdogs in the skillet and leave them to cook until the water disappears. Roll them around so all sides brown and cook evenly.
2. Add the butter and let it melt, then cook the hotdogs in it till it browns even more. Transfer the hotdogs to a plate and toast the bun in the remaining juice. Serve the hotdogs in the buns with your favorite toppings.

For more directions, check out this stovetop hotdog video recipe.

Notes

For an extra treat, spread softened butter on the inside of your buns and place them face-down in the same pan to toast.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6.4 g
• Sodium: 435.6 mg
• Fat: 7.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 44.1 g
• Protein: 8.6 g
• Cholesterol: 10.2 mg