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Crescent Dogs

Updated May 22, 2025
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Crescent dogs are a dinner version of pigs in a blanket that the entire family will love. Hot dogs and melty cheese wrapped inside flaky crescent rolls are simple to make and irresistible.

This recipe first appeared in a Pillsbury™ cookbook over 20 years ago. Our fans are crazy for crescents dogs! Since then, we’ve created dozens of additional crescent dog recipes, including mini and breakfast versions, as well as different cooking methods—from air fryers to campfires. It’s been perfected over the years with dozens of tests in our test kitchens to land on the perfect melty cheese to use and the best method to keep it tucked inside the crescent dogs. The delicious results speak for themselves with over 700 5-star ratings.

How to Make Crescent Dogs

Making crescent dogs is very easy especially when using our best tips for success. Refer to the recipe for all the specifics.

1. Stuff the Hot Dogs

We’ve rolled up our sleeves, getting into the kitchens for dozens of tests to determine maximum amount of cheese you can stuff in the crescent dogs. We found stuffing the cheese inside the hot dogs helps prevent it from oozing out of the crescents while baking.

2. Wrap the Hot Dogs

Place stuffed hot dog on wide end of triangle and roll up to the point. Then place on the cookie sheet with the side with the most crescent dough underneath.

3. Bake and Enjoy

Start baking the crescents the minimum time and add a minute or two as needed until they are golden brown. With a rich golden color, you can be sure the crescent dough is no longer doughy inside, while the hot dogs are hot and cheese is melty.

Crescent Dog Variations

This versatile recipe has been extensively tested in our kitchens and modified for many different occasions.

Crescent Mummy Dogs: A spook-tacular way to enjoy crescent dogs at Halloween. They’re so cute and just as delicious as the original recipe; you’ll get requests to serve them every year.

Crescent Corn Dogs: A hand-held, state fair favorite with a little cornmeal crunch.

Pigs In A Blanket: The one that started the crescent dog craze! Crescent roll dough is cut into smaller triangles to wrap around cocktail-size sausages for one- or two-bite crescent dogs the crowd will devour. Perfect for an appetizer at your next party.

Grilled Crescent Dogs: Bring your crescent dogs outside with this easy-to-make version cooked on the grill.

How to Store and Reheat Crescent Dogs

For the cheesiest taste and tender, flaky crescents, it’s best to make this recipe right before you plan to enjoy them. With storage, the cheese loses its moistness, and the crescents pick up moisture from the hot dogs and cheese making them tougher.

Refrigerator Storage

Wrap cooled leftover crescent dogs tightly on a plate, in an airtight storage container, or in a resealable food storage bag, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

Place a crescent dog on a microwavable plate and cover loosely. Microwave on medium (50%) 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, or just until heated through. Serve with your favorite condiments.

We do not recommend freezing crescent dogs (baked or unbaked) because the crescent dough does not stand up well to freezing and texture will be compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crescent Dogs

  • Prep Time 10 min
  • Total 25 min
  • Ingredients 3
  • Servings 8
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Step 
    1

    Heat oven to 375°F.

  • Step 
    2

    Using a sharp paring knife, cut a slit in hot dogs to within 1/2 inch of ends.

  • Step 
    3

    For each hot dog, insert 3 strips of cheese into the slit.

  • Step 
    4

    Unroll dough, and separate into 8 triangles. Wrap dough triangle around each hot dog. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, cheese side up.

  • Step 
    5

     Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition

290 Calories
23g Total Fat
9g Protein
13g Total Carbohydrate
4g Sugars

Tips from the

Pillsbury Kitchens

  • tip 1
    American cheese is a good choice for easy melting, but other varieties of deli-sliced cheeses, like Havarti, smoked Gouda, Provolone, and pepper Jack work well, too.
  • tip 2
    Refrigerated doughs are easier to work with when chilled, so keep the dough in the refrigerator until ready to fill the hot dogs with cheese.
  • tip 3

    Let the kids build their own crescent dogs for dinner! Set out all the fixings, include different cheeses for picky eaters, and let everyone make their own rolled-up creations.

  • tip 4

    Serve with your favorite dipping sauces—barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, ketchup, and mustard are all tasty options.

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