This crescent roll hot dog bake turns everyday hot dogs and refrigerated crescent dough into a fun, kid-friendly dinner that comes together in about half an hour. The buttery, flaky pastry wraps each frankfurter like a cozy blanket, and a light brush of egg wash gives the rolls a golden, shiny finish. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that works for weeknight dinners, game-day snacking, or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz / 226 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 triangles)
- 8 hot dogs (about 1.6 lb / 725 g total)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon (15 g) sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning
- Optional: 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese, for sprinkling inside
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles along the perforations. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Place a hot dog on the wide end of each triangle, then roll it up toward the pointed tip, making sure the tip is tucked underneath. The hot dog should be mostly covered, with the ends peeking out.
- Arrange the wrapped hot dogs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between them.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the water until well combined. Brush the tops of each roll with the egg wash. If using, sprinkle with sesame seeds or bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown and puffed. If you’re unsure about doneness, check that the internal temperature of the hot dog reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer—this is the USDA FSIS safe minimum for reheating leftovers and for this dish.
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes on the baking sheet before serving. Serve warm.
Tips
- Don’t overfill: If you add cheese, keep it to a tablespoon or less per roll, or the filling will leak out during baking.
- Seal the seams: Press the pointed tip firmly into the dough to prevent it from unrolling in the oven. You can also pinch the edges slightly.
- Use cold dough: If the crescent dough gets too warm, it becomes sticky and hard to handle. Work quickly, and if the dough becomes too soft, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Add 2–3 minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hot dog bakes with classic sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. They’re also great with ketchup, mustard, or a creamy dip like ranch or honey mustard. For a fun dinner, pair them with baked beans or mac and cheese.
Variations
- Cheesy Hot Dog Bake: Add a slice of cheddar or a strip of American cheese inside each roll before baking.
- Spicy Version: Use spicy hot dogs or brush the dough with a little sriracha mixed with the egg wash.
- Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each hot dog with a half-slice of bacon before rolling in the crescent dough. Increase bake time to 18–20 minutes to ensure the bacon is crisp.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based hot dogs or substitute with halved smoked sausages (check that they are fully cooked). Bake as directed.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover baked hot dog rolls 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. You can also microwave them for 30–45 seconds, but the pastry will be softer. For best texture, avoid freezing, as the crescent dough can become soggy after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crescent roll sheets instead of triangles?
Yes, you can. Crescent roll sheets come as one rectangular piece. Cut it into 8 equal rectangles, then proceed with rolling. The bake time may be similar, but check for golden brown color.
Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
You can freeze the unbaked rolls. Assemble them, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Then transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
Why did my crescent rolls come out doughy in the middle?
This usually happens if the dough was too thick or the oven temperature was too low. Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Also, check that the rolls are golden brown all over before removing.
Can I use turkey or chicken hot dogs?
Yes, any fully cooked hot dog works. Turkey or chicken hot dogs are lower in fat, but they may shrink more during baking. The cooking time stays the same.
Do I need to boil the hot dogs first?
No, hot dogs are pre-cooked, so they only need to be heated through. The oven baking is enough to warm them and crisp the pastry.
Can I add mustard or ketchup inside?
You can, but it may make the dough soggy. If you want a flavored filling, spread a thin layer of mustard on the dough before adding the hot dog, and avoid over-saucing.
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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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