Name: Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 hot dogs; 2 slices American cheese; 1 package crescent roll triangle dough; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Ketchup; Mustard; Maldon salt (or any flaked sea salt)

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, cheesy bites wrapped in golden pastry, and that’s exactly what makes the Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe a total crowd-pleaser. Each little roll is packed with melty cheese and juicy hot dog, bringing a simple snack right up to party-star status.

A white plate holds a pile of golden brown crescent rolls wrapped tightly around small, shiny reddish-brown sausages. Each roll shows soft, flaky layers with a smooth, slightly glossy surface sprinkled with small green herb pieces. In the background, slightly out of focus, are two small white bowls filled with creamy pale yellow mustard and bright red ketchup. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, next to a white cloth with black stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for snacks that feel nostalgic but step up the flavor just enough to keep things interesting. This Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe nails that balance—classic, cozy, yet totally irresistible with that gooey cheese surprise inside.

Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a dozen fancy items; this recipe uses everyday staples you probably have already.
Quick to Prepare: In less than 20 minutes, you'll have a feast-ready batch of delicious pigs in a blanket.
Perfect Party Food: Bite-sized and shareable, these are always the first to disappear at any gathering.
Customizable Flavors: Whether you sneak in Dijon mustard or sprinkle with special seasonings, it’s easy to make them your own.

A white bowl filled with many small golden-brown crescent rolls wrapped around dark reddish-brown mini sausages, each piece sprinkled lightly with green herbs. On the right side of the bowl, there is a small section with bright red ketchup for dipping. The whole bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about harmony between simple ingredients. The buttery crescent roll dough crisps up while wrapping the juicy hot dogs and melty American cheese, then a touch of Dijon mustard adds just enough punch to keep every bite lively.

Flat lay of sliced hot dogs, small chunks of American cheese, thin strips of crescent roll dough, a small dish of Dijon mustard, melted butter with a sprinkle of garlic and onion powder, a scattering of flaked sea salt, and dollops of bright red ketchup and golden mustard, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Hot dogs: Choose your favorite brand, but I love beef or all-beef for that classic, savory flavor that holds up well to baking.
American cheese: This melts beautifully, giving you that perfect oozy texture without overpowering flavors.
Crescent roll dough: The store-bought triangles make this recipe fast and foolproof while delivering buttery, flaky texture.
Dijon mustard: Brushing just a little on the dough adds a subtle tang that balances the richness perfectly.
Salted butter: Used to create a flavorful glaze that gives a golden finish and a touch of garlic and onion powder for extra depth.
Onion powder and garlic powder: These pantry staples add savory complexity without needing fresh ingredients.
Maldon salt (or flaked sea salt): Sprinkled on top for a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite.
Ketchup and mustard: Classic dipping sauces that complement the savory rolls wonderfully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it exactly to your liking. Whether you love a little spicy kick or prefer dairy-free options, these snacks are a blank canvas for your taste buds.

Spicy Twist: Try swapping regular hot dogs for spicy or jalapeño-flavored ones—adds an exciting heat that’s a personal favorite for game day.
Cheese Variations: I’ve used pepper jack for an extra zing or even shredded mozzarella when I want a milder melt.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry alternatives to keep it allergy-friendly without missing out on texture.
Vegan Version: Plant-based hot dogs and vegan cheese work well here if you want a cruelty-free snack that everyone can enjoy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Dough Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. When working with the crescent roll dough, I find it easiest to gently pull the dough into four rectangular sections by pinching the triangles together—this keeps the dough intact for easy cutting. Using a pizza cutter, slice each rectangle into three long strips, roughly ¾-inch by 4-inches. This step helps avoid the classic crescent roll triangles falling apart once rolled.

Step 2: Layer Your Cheese and Hot Dog

Cut your hot dogs into thirds and prep the cheese by slicing it into small pieces that fit your dough strips. Brush each strip lightly with Dijon mustard before placing a cheese piece, then a hot dog slice on top. Rolling at this point is crucial—make sure to roll tightly enough to hold the ingredients, but don’t crush the dough.

Step 3: Bake and Prepare the Butter Glaze

Bake your rolled pigs in a blanket for about 12 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. While they bake, melt the butter and stir in your garlic and onion powders. This glaze is what makes these little snacks shine once brushed on hot from the oven.

Step 4: Finish with a Salty Crunch

As soon as they come out of the oven, brush generously with the butter mixture and finish with a sprinkle of Maldon or flaked sea salt. That little salty crunch paired with the buttery, cheesy filling is what keeps me coming back for more every time.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe from good to absolutely crave-worthy. These tips are my secret sauce (well, not so secret!) for ensuring success every time.

Don’t Rush the Dough Prep: Taking a moment to gently pinch the triangles together makes rolling so much easier and keeps everything tidy during baking.
Use a Pizza Cutter: It’s so much cleaner and quicker to cut even strips; I can’t imagine slicing by hand anymore.
Brush Immediately After Baking: The warm butter glaze soaks in best right when the rolls come out of the oven, locking in flavor and moisture.
Don’t Skip the Maldon Salt: Flaked sea salt adds a texture and burst of savory flavor that turns a simple snack into something special.

How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

hot dog pigs in a blanket - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra flaked sea salt on top, but if you want to get fancy, a light dusting of smoked paprika or freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a hint of smoky flavor. I’ve also dabbed on a touch of coarse ground black pepper sometimes for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

These pigs in a blanket practically pair themselves! I usually serve them alongside classic condiments like ketchup, yellow mustard, and sometimes spicy mustard for variety. For a fuller spread, crispy oven fries, a crisp green salad, or even some tangy coleslaw make fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try arranging the Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket on a wooden board surrounded by colorful bowls of assorted dips—think ranch, spicy honey mustard, or smoky BBQ sauce. I’ve also made a fun “piggy tower” by stacking them with toothpicks for a festive centerpiece that’s both cute and totally functional!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh batch, any leftovers I have usually get stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 2-3 days, though honestly, I haven’t had them around for that long—they vanish fast!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before by placing unbaked rolled pigs in a single layer on a sheet pan, freezing until firm, and then transferring them to a sealed bag. When ready to enjoy, just bake straight from frozen—add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time, and they turn out just as delightful.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in a toaster oven or a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to revive their crispiness. Microwaving can get soggy, so I try to avoid that.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen crescent roll dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen crescent roll dough works perfectly. Just thaw it according to package instructions before shaping and rolling your pigs in a blanket. This saves time and still gives you that deliciously flaky texture.

What’s the best cheese for the Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe?

American cheese is my go-to because it melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that hugs the hot dog without overpowering it. However, feel free to experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack if you like a different twist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the American cheese for your favorite vegan cheese and use a dairy-free crescent roll dough if available. Just check the ingredient labels to make sure everything fits your dietary needs.

How do I keep the pigs in a blanket from unrolling during baking?

To prevent unrolling, pinch the seams firmly after placing the fillings inside the dough strips. Also sticking to rectangular strips (instead of triangles) helps maintain their shape. Brushing with mustard before rolling also helps the dough stick better in my experience.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is one of those trusty snacks I keep coming back to whenever I want a quick, nostalgic bite that never disappoints. It’s simple but so satisfying, and once you try it, I bet you’ll have your own fun twists to add. So grab that crescent dough, let the cheese melt, and treat yourself—you deserve it!