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Hot Dog Nuggets only require TWO ingredients and make a perfect for lunch, dinner or even a party appetizer! Kids and adults alike will love these little bites.

These Hot Dog Nuggets are really mini Pigs in a Blanket. For some reason, everything is better when it’s bite-sized! For more kid-friendly bites, try Mini Deep Dish Pizzas and homemade Chicken Nuggets.

Mini hot dogs on a plate with a side of ketchup and mustard


Kid AND Adult Friendly

I am so excited to share this recipe with you guys today! It’s a recipe that is SO simple to make and one the kids absolutely loved. In fact, we’ve already made it twice this month. 😉 It’s for Hot Dog Nuggets!

You see, we’re not super fancy around these parts and tend to have hot dogs or corn dogs each month. Because we have them each month, I feel like it gets a little boring so I wanted to be able to try a “new version” of this classic meal and was pleased at how simple and delicious they were.

And don’t be fooled into thinking these bites are only for kids! Adults love them just as much, especially for appetizers. Don’t you think these would be perfect to serve as an appetizer on game day??

Hot dogs cut into bite sized pieces for hot dog nuggets

Just TWO Ingredients!

All you need to make these savory little bites is (1) hot dogs, and (2) crescent roll dough!

PREP. Begin by preheating you oven to 400 degrees.

HOT DOGS. Slice your hot dogs into thin pieces (ours were about half inch each). Set aside.

DOUGH. Roll out your crescent dough and press the seams together. Cut into 8 strips. Then cut lengthwise into 8 more strips. You should end up with 64 1.5 inch x .5 inch pieces.

WRAP. Wrap the hot dogs in the crescent pieces and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

BAKE. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes. Serve warm.

Air Fryer Instructions

 If you want to make these in the airfryer you certainly can.

  1. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your basket. Add a batch of the wrapped hot dogs to the basket. Be sure they are not touching.
  2. Turn the fryer to 325°F and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until crescent tops are light brown. Use tongs to turn over each one then bake for 3 to 4 more minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Remove and repeat with the remaining mini dogs.

Note: you do not need to preheat the airfryer. Simply add the mini hot dog nuggets to the basket set temp and bake.

Step by step photos of cutting the crescent dough for hot dog bites

Recipe Tips

  • If serving as a main dish, plan to serve 4-6 bites per child and 6-10 bites per adult
  • If serving as an appetizer, plan to serve 3-4 per person
  • Use puff pastry dough or homemade roll dough instead of canned dough
  • Make em cheesy: create a small slit in the center of the hot dog and add a small piece of cheese inside
  • Use little smokies instead of hot dog pieces

dip It!

Set out a condiment bar: One of the reasons my children like these hot dog nuggets is they can easily be used to dip into sauces. Some delicious sauces include:

A hand holding a corn dog nugget

Make Ahead & Freeze

You can assemble your hot dog nuggets a few hours ahead of time. Cover the pan with plastic and store in the fridge. Bake according to the directions. 

To freeze: Bake and allow to cool. Flash freeze them first: place baked pigs in a blanket on a sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours then transfer to a freezer safe container. Freeze for 1-2 months.

To reheat: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place frozen pigs in blankets on a baking sheet. Bake until warm for about 5-10 minutes.

Close up of hot dog nuggets stacked on a plate with sides of ketchup and mustard

If your kids love nuggets and corn dogs, then they’ll love these Hot Dog Nuggets. And SCORE for finding another simple recipe everyone loves, right?!

And for even more party appetizer recipes, check out:

4.93 from 41 votes

Hot Dog Nuggets Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Hot Dog Nuggets only require TWO ingredients and make a perfect for lunch, dinner or even a party appetizer! Kids and adults alike will love these little bites.
Servings: 64 nuggets
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 18 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 5 hot dogs
  • 1 can crescent rolls
  • ketchup and mustard for dipping

Instructions 

  • Begin by preheating you oven to 400 degrees.
  • Slice your hot dogs into thin pieces (ours were about half inch each). Set aside.
  • Roll out your crescent dough and press the seams together.
  • Cut into 8 strips. Then cut lengthwise into 8 more strips. You should end up with 64 1.5 inch x .5 inch pieces.
  • Wrap the hot dogs in the crescent pieces and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 8 to 9 minutes. Serve warm. ENJOY!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 21kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 51mg, Potassium: 5mg, Calcium: 1mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
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Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!


About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Recipe Rating




81 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is such a great quick meal that pleases the whole family. Thank you for the best family friendly recipes.

  2. 5 stars
    What a fun, quick, kid friendly meal! We’ve done the little smokies but haven’t thought to use regular hot dogs! 🙂

  3. How do I keep these warm? These are being made prior to a party but the venue has no way to reheat them

    1. I’d say cover with aluminum foil. Or if you have one of those insulated casserole carriers, you could always use something like that? I have always either served right away or been able to reheat, so hopefully something like that will keep them warm but not get too soggy either.

  4. 5 stars
    I’ve always made pigs in a blanket with the canned dough, but never thought to make them mini. They’re perfect to serve as an appetizer at a party with different dip choices.