Hot Dog Roll-Ups: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Snack & Party Appetizer

Hot dog roll-ups are a timeless classic for a reason. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids. This recipe elevates the simple hot dog roll-up, offering variations and tips for a perfectly golden and delicious snack or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunchboxes, or just need a quick and satisfying bite, these hot dog roll-ups are the answer.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple and Quick:** Requires only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A guaranteed hit with children of all ages.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different cheeses, seasonings, and dipping sauces.
* **Perfect for Parties:** Makes a great appetizer for gatherings and potlucks.
* **Budget-Friendly:** An affordable option for feeding a crowd.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Hot Dogs:** Use your favorite brand of hot dogs. All-beef, chicken, or vegetarian options all work well.
* **Crescent Roll Dough:** Refrigerated crescent roll dough is the easiest and most convenient option. You can also use puff pastry for a flakier result, but it will require slightly longer baking time.
* **Cheese (Optional):** Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese adds a delicious cheesy flavor.
* **Egg Wash (Optional):** An egg wash (egg beaten with a tablespoon of water or milk) gives the roll-ups a shiny, golden-brown finish.
* **Seasonings (Optional):** Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or garlic powder for added flavor.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** To bake the hot dog roll-ups on.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** To prevent sticking.
* **Pizza Cutter or Knife:** To slice the dough.
* **Small Bowl:** For the egg wash (if using).
* **Pastry Brush:** To apply the egg wash (if using).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make perfect hot dog roll-ups:

**Preparation (5 minutes)**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. **Prepare Hot Dogs:** If using full-length hot dogs, you can cut them in half or thirds, depending on the desired size of your roll-ups. Cutting them makes them more manageable and easier to roll.
3. **Prepare the Dough:** Open the can of crescent roll dough. Unroll the dough onto a clean surface. If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour the surface.

**Assembly (10 minutes)**

4. **Separate Triangles:** Gently separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles. You can either use the pre-cut lines or cut them yourself if using a sheet of dough.
5. **Add Cheese (Optional):** If using cheese, sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese onto each triangle of dough. About a tablespoon is usually enough.
6. **Place Hot Dog:** Place a piece of hot dog at the wide end of each triangle. Make sure it is centered so the dough can fully cover it.
7. **Roll Up:** Starting at the wide end, roll the dough tightly around the hot dog. Pinch the edges to seal the dough and prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking. Ensure the seam is on the bottom when placing it on the baking sheet.
8. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the rolled-up hot dogs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. This allows for even baking.

**Baking (12-15 minutes)**

9. **Egg Wash (Optional):** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water or milk. Brush the tops of the roll-ups with the egg wash for a golden-brown finish. If you are using seasonings, sprinkle them on after the egg wash.
10. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the hot dogs are heated through. Check the bottoms to be sure they are also browned.
11. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the roll-ups cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This prevents burning your mouth.

**Serving (2 minutes)**

12. **Serve with Dipping Sauces:** Serve the hot dog roll-ups warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

## Tips for Perfect Hot Dog Roll-Ups

* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid adding too much cheese, as it can leak out during baking and make the roll-ups soggy.
* **Seal the Dough:** Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to seal in the hot dog and any cheese. This will prevent the filling from escaping.
* **Even Baking:** Space the roll-ups evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly.
* **Check for Doneness:** The roll-ups are done when the crescent rolls are golden brown and the hot dogs are heated through. You can check the internal temperature of the hot dogs with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your hot dogs and crescent roll dough, the better the taste of your roll-ups.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, provolone, or Swiss cheese.
* **Seasoning Variations:** Try different seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, onion powder, or chili powder.
* **Jalapeño Popper Roll-Ups:** Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese for a spicy kick.
* **Pizza Roll-Ups:** Add pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-flavored treat.
* **Bacon-Wrapped Roll-Ups:** Wrap the hot dogs in bacon before rolling them up in the dough for a smoky and savory flavor. Par-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping to ensure it gets crispy.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Brush with egg wash and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
* **Garlic Herb Butter:** Melt butter with minced garlic and herbs (like parsley and oregano). Brush over the roll-ups before baking for added flavor.
* **Mini Roll-Ups:** Cut the hot dogs into smaller pieces and use smaller pieces of dough for mini bite-sized appetizers.
* **Corn Dog Roll-Ups:** Dip the hot dog roll-ups in a cornmeal batter before baking for a corn dog-inspired snack.

## Dipping Sauce Ideas

* **Classic Ketchup and Mustard:** A timeless combination.
* **Barbecue Sauce:** Adds a smoky and sweet flavor.
* **Ranch Dressing:** A creamy and tangy option.
* **Honey Mustard:** A sweet and savory combination.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Cheese Sauce:** Melt cheddar cheese with milk and butter for a cheesy dipping sauce.
* **Sweet Chili Sauce:** Adds a sweet and spicy Asian-inspired flavor.
* **Guacamole:** A fresh and flavorful option.
* **Salsa:** Adds a zesty and spicy kick.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the hot dog roll-ups ahead of time and bake them later. Here’s how:

1. **Assemble:** Assemble the roll-ups according to the recipe instructions.
2. **Refrigerate:** Place the assembled roll-ups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. **Bake:** When ready to bake, remove the roll-ups from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake as directed in the recipe.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover hot dog roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the roll-ups in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly soggy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per roll-up, without cheese or dipping sauce)

* Calories: 150-200
* Protein: 5-7g
* Fat: 10-12g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Recipe Card

**Hot Dog Roll-Ups**

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 12-15 minutes
**Total Time:** 17-20 minutes
**Yield:** 8 roll-ups

**Ingredients:**

* 8 hot dogs, cut in half or thirds
* 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
* ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
* 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk (optional, for egg wash)
* Everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds (optional)
* Ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving

**Equipment:**

* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Pizza cutter or knife
* Small bowl
* Pastry brush (if using egg wash)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. If using cheese, sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese onto each triangle.
4. Place a piece of hot dog at the wide end of each triangle.
5. Roll the dough tightly around the hot dog, starting at the wide end. Pinch the edges to seal.
6. Place the roll-ups seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7. If using egg wash, brush the tops of the roll-ups with the egg wash and sprinkle with seasonings, if desired.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the hot dogs are heated through.
9. Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

**Notes:**

* For best results, use quality hot dogs and crescent roll dough.
* Don’t overfill the roll-ups with cheese.
* Seal the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.

## Enjoy Your Hot Dog Roll-Ups!

These hot dog roll-ups are a simple, delicious, and fun treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a kid-friendly lunch, they’re sure to be a hit. Get creative with different variations and dipping sauces to customize them to your liking. Happy cooking!