Hot Dog Nuggets are bite-sized treats that are a twist on the classic pigs in a blanket. Made with just two ingredients, these savory snacks are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these little bites, and they’re so easy to make!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
-
5 hot dogs
-
1 can of crescent roll dough
-
Condiments for dipping (optional): mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch, or cheese sauce
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Slice the hot dogs into half-inch pieces. Set them aside.
-
Roll out the crescent dough, press the seams together, and cut it into 8 strips. Then cut each strip lengthwise into 8 more pieces, resulting in 64 small pieces.
-
Wrap each hot dog piece with a strip of crescent dough and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
-
Calories: 21
-
Carbohydrates: 2 g
-
Fat: 1 g
-
Protein: 1 g
-
Sodium: 51 mg
-
Potassium: 5 mg
-
Fiber: 0 g
-
Sugar: 1 g
Why Hot Dog Nuggets Are So Popular
The popularity of Hot Dog Nuggets lies in their simplicity, convenience, and satisfying flavors. Hot dogs themselves are a classic favorite, and when you wrap them in crescent dough, they become even more irresistible. The crescent roll dough crisps up to create a light, buttery exterior that complements the juicy, savory hot dog inside. This combination is a comforting treat that appeals to people of all ages.
Another reason these hot dog nuggets are so popular is their versatility. Not only are they easy to make, but they can also be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can serve them as part of a meal, a snack, or as an appetizer at gatherings. They’re perfect for both kids and adults, and their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for parties, school lunches, or casual family dinners.
How to Make Hot Dog Nuggets: A Simple and Quick Recipe
Making Hot Dog Nuggets is incredibly simple, and you can have them ready to serve in just about 15 minutes. Here’s how to do it:
-
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the nuggets.
-
Prepare the Hot Dogs: Slice the hot dogs into half-inch pieces. This creates the bite-sized nuggets that will be wrapped in the dough. Set them aside.
-
Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press the seams together to create a single sheet. Then, cut the dough into 8 strips and cut each strip into 8 smaller pieces. This will give you 64 small pieces of dough to wrap around each hot dog piece.
-
Wrap the Hot Dogs: Take each small piece of dough and wrap it around the hot dog pieces. Make sure to pinch the ends of the dough so that the filling stays inside during baking.
-
Bake the Nuggets: Place the wrapped hot dog pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out. Bake them in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed up.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once the nuggets are done, let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with a variety of dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch, or even cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Dipping Sauces to Elevate the Flavor
One of the best parts of Hot Dog Nuggets is how easily they can be customized with your favorite dipping sauces. Here are some ideas to add extra flavor to your snack:
-
Mustard: A classic choice, mustard adds a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the savory hot dog and buttery dough.
-
Ketchup: Another classic condiment, ketchup brings sweetness and acidity to balance out the richness of the dough and the hot dog.
-
BBQ Sauce: For a smoky, tangy twist, try BBQ sauce. It adds depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness that complements the hot dog well.
-
Ranch Dressing: If you prefer creamy, ranch dressing is an excellent choice. Its cool, herby flavor contrasts nicely with the warm, savory nuggets.
-
Cheese Sauce: For cheese lovers, a warm cheese dip is a delicious addition that makes these nuggets even more indulgent.
Feel free to mix and match sauces, or get creative and try something new!
Health Considerations for Hot Dog Nuggets
While Hot Dog Nuggets are delicious, they do contain some calories and sodium, so they should be enjoyed in moderation. The crescent dough provides a buttery, flaky texture, but it also contributes to the fat content. For those who are conscious of their fat intake, you can try making these nuggets with reduced-fat crescent dough or choose a leaner type of hot dog, like turkey or chicken sausages.
You can also increase the nutritional value by adding vegetables to the filling. For example, you could add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to the hot dog mixture before wrapping it in dough. This adds fiber and vitamins to the snack while keeping the flavors fun and familiar.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Hot Dog Nuggets are perfect for serving on their own, but you can easily turn them into a more complete meal by pairing them with sides. Here are a few serving ideas:
-
Veggies and Dip: Pair the nuggets with a side of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes and some dip for added crunch and nutrition.
-
Salads: Serve with a simple side salad or a coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the savory nuggets.
-
Fries or Potato Wedges: For a more indulgent meal, serve your hot dog nuggets with crispy fries or baked potato wedges.
-
Fruit: A side of fresh fruit like apple slices, grapes, or orange wedges can add a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors.
These pairings are perfect for making a more substantial meal out of your hot dog nuggets.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though they’re likely to be eaten quickly!), storing and reheating them is easy. Simply place the leftover nuggets in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to warm them through and regain their crispy texture. You can also microwave them, but they won’t have the same crispy exterior.
Conclusion: A Fun and Easy Snack for All Ages
In conclusion, Hot Dog Nuggets are a simple, delicious, and fun snack that can be made with just two ingredients. Perfect for kids, family dinners, or as a party appetizer, these little treats are a great addition to any occasion. The combination of juicy hot dogs and flaky crescent dough creates a satisfying bite that everyone will love. Plus, they’re so easy to prepare and customize with a variety of dipping sauces.
Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or bringing them to a party, Hot Dog Nuggets are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, they’re a go-to snack that will never go out of style. Enjoy!