How Many Hotdogs to Buy for a Large Group

How Many Hotdogs to Buy for a Large Crowd

Hot dogs are always the best and go-to food during potluck parties, family reunions, and other events. They are always one of the best-selling products in almost all supermarkets across the world. In fact, when you go to malls, carnivals, kiddie parties, camping groups, and birthdays, you will never miss seeing a hot dog food cart or several plates of hotdogs and buns. Why everyone loves a hotdog and they only need a short cooking time and are easy food preparation.


Now, if you are planning to shell out for a lot of hotdogs during your planned event this weekend, we got you covered with the amount you need for a crowd and some great hotdog tips.

Exactly how much fried chicken should I serve for 100 people at a party?

How Many Hotdogs Should I Buy For a Party?

For a crowd, a party or large group you should buy 2 or 3 hot dogs per person

Regardless of the recipe that you plan to cook, the details are similar to the number of hotdogs for each person but it can depend on the sizes of hotdogs available in the market as well as the type of event. For example, people will eat fewer hot dogs at a birthday party because there are games and events and cake. But at a graduation party, or a family reunion or a football gathering people will eat more.

You can also turn them into corndogs, and if you do – see how to reheat corndogs

See or 20 Tips On How To Cook Hot Dogs For A Large Group

How many six-inches hot dogs for large group parties?

For a group of 20 guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 60 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 6 packs
  • Amount needed: $11.80

For a group of 30 guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 90 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 9 packs
  • Amount needed: $17.82

A group of 40 guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 120 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 12 packs
  • Amount needed: $23.76

A group of 50 guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 150 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 15 packs
  • Amount needed: $29.70

A group of 60 guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 180 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 18 packs
  • Amount needed: $35.64
For a crowd, a party or large group you should buy 2 or 3 hot dogs per person
For a crowd, a party or large group you should buy 2 or 3 hot dogs per person

A group of 70 guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 210 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 21 packs
  • Amount needed: $40.58

A group of 80 guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 240 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 24 packs
  • Amount needed: $47.52

A group of 90 guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 270 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 27 packs
  • Amount needed: $53.46

A group of 100 guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 300 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 30 packs
  • Amount needed: $59.40

How many twelve inches hot dogs for large group parties?

These super size hotdogs are really popular and you can get some good deals on them. You only need 1 or 2 12 inch hot dogs (foot long) per person.

Number Of 12 Inch Hot Dogs For A Crowd Of 20 Guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 40 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 8 packs
  • Amount needed: $46.32

Number Of 12 Inch Hot Dogs For A Crowd Of 50 Guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 100 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 20 packs
  • Amount needed: $115.80

Number Of 12 Inch Hot Dogs For A Crowd Of 80 Guests 

  1. Number of hot dogs: 160 hot dogs 
  2. Number of packed hot dogs: 32 packs
  3. Amount needed: $185.28

Number Of 12 Inch Hot Dogs For A Crowd Of 80 Guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 200 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 40 packs
  • Amount needed: $231.60
How Many Hotdogs to Buy for a Large Group
How Many Hotdogs to Buy for a Large Group

How Many Hot Dogs For Kids’ Parties?

Now, this is a good one – you need to get a soft hot dog bun – kids like those much better than a crusty bun. Remember also that kids like lots of tomato ketchup and simple side dishes or condiments. If you really want to know what the ultimate side dish is for a kids’ hot dog party then it is!!!

French Fries

Hot Dogs For A Kids Party of 20 Guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 40 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 4 packs
  • Amount needed: $7.92

Hot Dogs For A Kids Party of 40 Guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 80 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 8 packs
  • Amount needed: $15.84

Hot Dogs For A Kids Party of 50 Guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 100 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 10 packs
  • Amount needed: $19.80

Hot Dogs For A Kids Party of 80 Guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 160 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 16 packs
  • Amount needed: $31.68

Hot Dogs For A Kids Party of 100 Guests

  • Number of hot dogs: 200 hot dogs 
  • Number of packed hot dogs: 20 packs
  • Amount needed: $39.60

How Many Hot Dogs Can the Average Person Eat?

Many competitive eating hot dog champions can consume 75 hotdogs in 10 minutes. This was proven by the eating champion Joey Chestnut at the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest. 

However, this may differ from ordinary people who only eat around 1 to 3 pieces of hot dogs a day. 

Hot Dog Consumption Statistics

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council concluded that Americans buy 350 million pounds of hotdogs annually, which works out to about 9 billion units. 

Another interesting statistic is that each American will eat 70 hot dogs per year on average.

Also, it is reported that fifteen percent are purchased from street vendors or hot dog stands, 9 percent are purchased at ballparks.

How Much Ketchup Is Needed To Make 200 Hotdogs?

If you are serving 200 hotdogs to an event or party, you would probably need about 100 ounces of ketchup to let them cover their hotdogs liberally – there is nothing worse than not having enough ketchup to mix in with mustard and even mayonnaise for a hot dog!

While there are a lot of people who do not like to put ketchup in their hot dogs, there are also people who religiously pour out a huge amount of ketchup on their hot dogs. So to be sure get an extra couple of large bottles – they keep for a long time.

What do you need for a hot dog bar
What do you need for a hot dog bar

How Do You Cook Hot Dogs For a Crowd?

Using a slow cooker is the secret to the convenient cooking of hot dogs for a crowd. This simple recipe will save you a lot of hours from preparation to cooking time. 

How to Cook Slow Cooked Hot Dogs

Serving: Group of 60 people

Ingredients

  • 120 twelve-inch hot dogs
  • 120 buns
  • Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard)

Directions

1. Place the hotdogs depending on how many will fit into your slow cooker. Place them in a standing position and then cook hot dogs until done.

2. Turn on the slow cooker to high heat and cook for 1 to 2 hours.

3. Serve well in buns with your guests’ favorite toppings.

What is the perfect bun for a hotdog?

What is the best place for a hot dog? Many people say New England, or even in my stomach – but I say in the perfect bun. So without going super specific as each state or town has its own best hot dog bun. (Want to know how many people in your town eat a rare steak – see our online survey results of how your town has its steak done) 

We all remember our first hot dog at the ballpark – and it was the best -so one of the best buns you can buy are Ball Park Hot dog Buns.

New England Split Top buns are also great, plus I would add Schwebel buns to the list.

A new trend is also low carb hot dog buns – so have a look for those in your store if you are going to make a keto-friendly hot dog.

Did you know bun length is very important to prepare the ultimate hot dog, not just in competitive eating- but also to the taste of the overall beef sausage that has been perfectly kept warm in a crockpot.

How To Make A Chili Dog?

How to make chili dogs with canned chili – get some nice franks (6), use 1 can (15 oz) chili – grab a six pack of good hot dog buns, add in â…“ of a cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a the same amount of finely diced onions – and you are there. Then just follow our heating recipes.

  • Warm the Franks to a safe medium heat
  • Heat the chili
  • Fill the buns with the franks and top with chili and onions and lastly the cheese

Gordon Ramsay – will add a good slug of Worcestershire sauce to give his one an extra zing!

How do I make a Sonic Chili Dog!
How do I make a Sonic Chili Dog!

How do I make a Sonic Chili Dog!

You make it by getting an oversize jumbo frankfurter served in a new england split bun. You put a generous amount of ketchup and chopped onions and if you really like it spicy add in some jalapenos, this is a sonic hedgehog chili dog.

Can you prepare your hot dog bar ahead of time?

Yes, that is the best way – and also keep your side dishes warm if you need to. (see our article on how professional caterers keep food warm)

What do you need for a hot dog bar?

To set up a hot dog stand – you can get a roller grill and you will be called the king and be called to be grilling hot dogs for years to come. 

Actually, if you have big family gatherings then a hotdog bar with a roller grill is not a silly idea. It is easy to set up and everybody loves a hotdog. And with gluten free, keto and many more options today you can cater for almost everyone with a Homemade Hotdog Bar.

Hot Dog Roller Grill
Hot Dog Roller Grill

Here is the best one I used for my son’s 21st birthday – I just checked the price and it is pretty reasonable. Certainly less than I paid for it years ago. It can sit beside the table or hot dog cart. Now here is the best table to make a hot dog bar, and simply cover it with a plastic tablecloth.

What goes on a hot dog bar?

Building a hot dog bar is all about a variety of fillings, keeping them warm if they need to be, but most importantly having a good choice of condiments for all your different types of guests.

Great Condiments for a hot dog bar full of flavor are

  • Onion hot Dog Bun
  • potato salad side dish
  • favorite topping mustard
  • chili sauce
  • bbq sauce
  • shredded cheddar
  • caramelized onion
  • Nathan’s famous sauce
  • jalapeno
  • bacon bits
  • baked beans

What size hot dogs do you need for them to stand up in the slow cooker?

The best size is 8 inch, if you get a 12 inch you may need to buy a commercial slow cooker or crockpot.

Best Slow Cookers for Hot Dogs in 2024

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker

This slow cooker from Instant Pot is huge enough to accommodate good quantities of hot dogs for your parties. It has 14.8 L x 13.18 W x 10.4 H inches that work as an electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer all in one appliance. 

It does pressure-cooking up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cooking for traditional grandma-approved recipes. Plus, it is finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides, and dishwasher-safe lid, an inner pot, and comes with essential accessories that you need. It really is a great device for slow cooker hot dogs.

Hamilton Beach Portable Slow Cooker With Lid Latch Strap

This best-selling slow cooker from Hamilton comes with a lid latch strap to reduce spills while cooking and transporting food. It has an item dimension of 10.6 x 15.5 x 8.8 inches, just enough to be travel-friendly for camping adventures and other outdoor events. 

This unique slow cooker comes with removable stoneware that can also be used in the refrigerator oven or microwave. It also features a keep warm setting that maintains the ideal serving temperature of your hot dogs during the entire party.