Mummy Dogs: Spooky and Delicious Halloween Treat!

Get ready for a frightfully fun and delicious Halloween treat! Mummy Dogs are a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer or snack that’s perfect for Halloween parties, spooky movie nights, or just a fun family activity. They’re essentially pigs in a blanket dressed up for the occasion with clever pastry “bandages” that make them look like adorable little mummies. Kids and adults alike will love these savory, spooky snacks.

This recipe walks you through each step, ensuring your Mummy Dogs are perfectly cooked, delightfully creepy, and irresistibly tasty. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on creating these Halloween masterpieces!

## What are Mummy Dogs?

Mummy Dogs are a festive take on the classic pigs in a blanket. Instead of simply wrapping the hot dog (or in this case, little smokies) in pastry, the pastry is carefully cut into strips and wrapped around the hot dog in a way that resembles the bandages of a mummy. A touch of mustard or ketchup is then used to create spooky little eyes, bringing these edible mummies to life.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is straightforward to follow. It’s a great recipe to get the kids involved in! They’ll love wrapping the “bandages” around the smokies.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Mummy Dogs are always a hit at parties. Their fun appearance and savory flavor make them irresistible to guests of all ages.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Use different types of pastry, add cheese, or experiment with various dipping sauces.
* **Festive and Fun:** They’re the perfect way to add a spooky touch to your Halloween celebrations.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these spooky treats:

* **Little Smokies:** 1 (12-14 ounce) package. These are the “mummies” themselves. You can also use regular hot dogs, cut in half or thirds, but little smokies are the perfect bite-sized option.
* **Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough:** 1 (8-ounce) can. This is what you’ll use to make the mummy bandages. Puff pastry can also be used for a flakier result.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash). This will give your mummy dogs a beautiful golden-brown color. It also acts as an adhesive to keep the bandages in place.
* **Mustard or Ketchup:** For the eyes. You can use regular yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or ketchup. For a bolder look, try using a squeeze bottle for precision.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning (Optional):** Sprinkle on top for added flavor and texture. Sesame seeds or poppy seeds also work well.

## Equipment

* **Baking Sheet:** To bake the mummy dogs on.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** To prevent the mummy dogs from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Pizza Cutter or Knife:** To cut the crescent roll dough into strips.
* **Small Bowl:** To whisk the egg (if using).
* **Pastry Brush:** To apply the egg wash (if using).
* **Small Squeeze Bottle or Toothpick:** For adding the mustard or ketchup eyes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Mummy Dogs! Follow these simple steps:

**Step 1: Preheat and Prep**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

**Step 2: Prepare the Dough**

* Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface.
* Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into long, thin strips, about ¼ inch wide. The thinner the strips, the more bandage-like your mummies will look. Aim for consistency in the width of the strips.

**Step 3: Wrap the Little Smokies**

* Take one little smokie and wrap a strip of dough around it, leaving a small gap near the top for the “eyes.” Don’t worry about being perfect – the imperfect wrapping adds to the mummy-like effect.
* Continue wrapping with additional strips, overlapping them slightly, until most of the little smokie is covered. Leave enough space at the top for the eyes to be visible.
* Repeat this process with all the remaining little smokies.

**Step 4: Egg Wash (Optional)**

* In a small bowl, whisk the egg until it’s smooth.
* Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over the wrapped dough. This will give the Mummy Dogs a beautiful golden-brown color while baking. Be careful not to let the egg wash pool in the crevices.
* Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional).

**Step 5: Bake**

* Place the wrapped little smokies on the prepared baking sheet.
* Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the little smokies are heated through. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

**Step 6: Add the Eyes**

* Remove the Mummy Dogs from the oven and let them cool slightly for a few minutes.
* Using a small squeeze bottle or a toothpick, add two small dots of mustard or ketchup to the exposed area near the top of each Mummy Dog to create the eyes. Be creative with the placement of the eyes to give each mummy its own unique personality.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Mummy Dogs warm with your favorite dipping sauces. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

## Tips for Perfect Mummy Dogs

* **Don’t Overwrap:** Leave some space between the pastry strips to allow the little smokie to peek through. This makes them look more like mummies and ensures the little smokies heat through properly.
* **Keep the Dough Cold:** Cold dough is easier to work with. If the dough becomes too warm and sticky, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
* **Use Different Pastry:** While crescent roll dough is the most common choice, you can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture. Simply thaw the puff pastry according to package directions and cut it into strips.
* **Get Creative with the Eyes:** Instead of mustard or ketchup, you can use small dots of mayonnaise with a sprinkle of black pepper for a spookier look. Edible candy eyes are also a fun option.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the Mummy Dogs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Add the egg wash just before baking.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the Mummy Dogs and adjust the baking time as needed.

## Variations and Add-Ins

Here are a few ideas to customize your Mummy Dogs:

* **Cheesy Mummy Dogs:** Add a small cube of cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese to each little smokie before wrapping it in dough. The cheese will melt as the Mummy Dogs bake, adding a delicious cheesy flavor.
* **Jalapeño Popper Mummy Dogs:** Add a small piece of pickled jalapeño to each little smokie along with a dab of cream cheese before wrapping. These are great for adults who like a bit of spice.
* **Bacon-Wrapped Mummy Dogs:** Wrap each little smokie in a small piece of bacon before wrapping it in dough. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the pastry perfectly.
* **Garlic Herb Mummy Dogs:** Mix minced garlic and your favorite herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) into the beaten egg before applying the egg wash. This will add a fragrant and flavorful touch to the Mummy Dogs.
* **Pizza Mummy Dogs:** Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the dough strips before wrapping the little smokies. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

## Serving Suggestions

Mummy Dogs are a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Halloween Party Appetizer:** Serve them as part of a Halloween-themed appetizer spread along with other spooky snacks and treats.
* **Movie Night Snack:** Enjoy them while watching a scary movie with family and friends.
* **School Lunch:** Pack them in your child’s lunchbox for a fun and festive surprise.
* **Game Day Snack:** They’re also a great option for game day parties or tailgating events.

## Dipping Sauces

Here are some delicious dipping sauces to serve with your Mummy Dogs:

* **Mustard:** Classic yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or honey mustard.
* **Ketchup:** Regular ketchup or flavored ketchup (such as spicy ketchup).
* **BBQ Sauce:** Adds a smoky and tangy flavor.
* **Ranch Dressing:** A creamy and classic dipping sauce.
* **Cheese Sauce:** A warm and cheesy dipping sauce that’s perfect for cheese lovers.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.

## Storage Instructions

* **To Store:** Leftover Mummy Dogs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **To Reheat:** To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, heat for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the pastry can become soggy.
* **To Freeze:** While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze Mummy Dogs for up to 1-2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 100-150 per Mummy Dog (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 7-10 grams
* Protein: 3-5 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-8 grams

## Make Your Halloween Spooktacular!

Mummy Dogs are a fun, easy, and delicious way to add a touch of Halloween magic to your celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a movie, or just looking for a festive snack, these spooky treats are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, get creative with your wrapping skills, and enjoy these adorable and tasty Mummy Dogs this Halloween!