Pillsbury Crescent Mummy Dogs are a playful Halloween appetizer or main dish made by wrapping hot dogs in strips of crescent roll dough to resemble mummies. The buttery, flaky dough contrasts perfectly with the savory hot dog, and the bake creates a golden, crispy exterior that’s both fun and satisfying. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for parties, and it’s simple enough for kids to help assemble.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz / 226 g) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls (8 count)
- 8 hot dogs (about 1.6 lb / 725 g total)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Mustard or ketchup, for decorating eyes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean work surface. Press the perforations together to seal the dough into a single rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into 8 long strips, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
- Take one strip of dough and wrap it around a hot dog, starting at one end and working toward the other, leaving a small gap at the top for the “face.� Overlap the dough slightly as you go to create a mummy-like bandage effect. Tuck the ends of the dough under the hot dog to secure. Repeat with the remaining dough strips and hot dogs.
- Place the wrapped hot dogs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between them.
- Brush the tops of the dough with the beaten egg wash. This helps achieve a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown. The hot dogs are already cooked, but the dough must reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as checked with a food thermometer, per USDA FSIS guidelines.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Add two small dots of mustard or ketchup on the exposed hot dog end to create “eyes� if desired. Serve warm.
Tips
- Seal the dough: Press the perforations of the crescent dough well before cutting. If you skip this, the strips may fall apart during wrapping.
- Don’t over-wrap: Leave a small gap at the top for the face, and avoid wrapping too tightly—the dough needs room to expand as it bakes.
- Substitutions: Use turkey or chicken hot dogs, or even cheese-filled sausages for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, use veggie dogs or mozzarella sticks (adjust baking time if using cheese).
- Common mistake: Overlapping the dough too much can leave raw, doughy spots in the center. Keep the overlap light and even.
Serving Suggestions
Serve mummy dogs as a fun main course with a side of baked beans or a simple green salad. They also shine as party appetizers—arrange them on a platter with extra mustard, ketchup, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. For a Halloween-themed meal, pair them with “witch’s brew� soup or roasted pumpkin seeds.
Variations
- Cheesy Mummies: Slice a small slit in the hot dog and insert a strip of cheddar or mozzarella before wrapping.
- Spicy Mummies: Brush the dough with a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce before baking, or use spicy jalapeño hot dogs.
- Breakfast Mummies: Swap hot dogs for breakfast sausages and serve with maple syrup for dipping.
- Pizza Mummies: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the dough strips before wrapping, and add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover mummy dogs 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 dough will lose some crispness. For longer storage, freeze unbaked wrapped mummy dogs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crescent roll dough sheets instead of the perforated rolls? Yes, if you find sheets, simply cut them into 8 strips. If you only have the perforated rolls, you can press the seams together as directed.
What if I don’t have an egg for the egg wash? You can brush the dough with milk, cream, or melted butter instead. The finish will be slightly less shiny, but it will still bake nicely.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the mummy dogs and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. If you need to prepare them further in advance, freeze them unbaked as described above.
Why did my dough split during baking? This can happen if the dough was wrapped too tightly or if the strips were cut too thin. Make sure to leave a little slack and use strips at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
Are these safe for kids to make? Yes, with adult supervision for the oven. Kids can help wrap the dough and add the “eyes� after baking.
Can I use cocktail sausages instead of hot dogs? Absolutely, but you’ll need to cut the dough strips into shorter pieces to match the size, and reduce the baking time to 8–10 minutes.
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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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