Crescent hot dog roll ups are a classic American snack made by wrapping hot dogs in buttery, flaky crescent roll dough and baking until golden brown. They are a guaranteed hit at parties, game day gatherings, and for kids’ lunches. This recipe is incredibly simple, uses just two main ingredients, and delivers a satisfyingly crunchy exterior with a juicy hot dog center every time.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz / 226 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
- 8 hot dogs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g total)
- Optional: 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
- Optional: 2 tbsp (30 g) yellow mustard or ketchup, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Unroll the crescent dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Separate the dough along the perforated lines into 8 triangles.
- Place a hot dog on the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough around the hot dog, tucking the pointed end underneath. Place the roll-ups seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of space between them.
- If using, brush the tops of the roll-ups with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or bagel seasoning, if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and deep golden brown. The hot dogs are already cooked, but the roll-ups are done when the dough reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer (USDA FSIS safe minimum for leftovers and dough).
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes on the baking sheet. Serve warm with mustard or ketchup.
Tips
- Don’t overfill: If your hot dogs are very long, trim them to fit the dough triangle. Overhanging dough or hot dog can cause uneven baking.
- Seal the edges: Press the dough edges gently to seal, especially the pointed tip, so the roll-ups don’t unravel while baking.
- Substitute dough: You can use puff pastry or pizza dough instead of crescent rolls. Puff pastry will be flakier, while pizza dough will be chewier—both work, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- Make ahead: Assemble the roll-ups, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Add 2–3 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these roll-ups as an appetizer with a side of ketchup, yellow mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They also make a fun main dish for a casual dinner alongside a simple green salad, coleslaw, or baked beans. For a game-day spread, pair them with other finger foods like chicken wings or nachos.
Variations
- Cheesy: Cut a slit lengthwise in each hot dog and stuff with a strip of cheddar, pepper jack, or American cheese before wrapping.
- Spicy: Use spicy jalapeño hot dogs or brush the dough with a little hot sauce before rolling.
- Breakfast-style: Replace the hot dogs with breakfast sausages and serve with maple syrup for dipping.
- Veggie: Use vegetarian hot dogs or substitute with mozzarella sticks (cut in half) for a meatless version.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. You can also microwave them for 30–45 seconds, but they will be softer. For longer storage, freeze unbaked or baked roll-ups for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crescent dough sheets instead of triangles? Yes, you can. Unroll the sheet and cut it into 8 rectangles (or 8 strips). Place a hot dog on each and roll up. The baking time remains the same.
How do I keep the roll-ups from getting soggy? The most common cause is underbaking. Make sure the dough is deep golden brown and cooked through. Also, avoid covering them while they cool, as trapped steam can soften the crust.
Can I make these in an air fryer? Absolutely. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook in a single layer for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Check the dough reaches 165°F (74°C).
What if I don’t have hot dogs? You can use smoked sausages, kielbasa, or even cooked chicken sausages. Just make sure they are fully cooked before wrapping.
Can I add cheese inside? Yes, but be sure to seal the dough edges well to prevent the cheese from leaking out. You can also sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 2 minutes of baking.
How do I make them ahead for a party? Assemble the roll-ups, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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