Grilled Crescent Dogs

Recipe Ingredients

Our grilled crescent dogs recipe only requires 3 simple ingredients. Here’s what you'll need.

Crescent Rolls: These quick and convenient refrigerated Pillsbury™ Crescent Rolls bake up into a golden, flaky crust that wraps around the hot dogs.

Hot Dogs: The classic choice, usually made from a blend of beef and/or pork and labeled as "fully cooked." You can also use cheese-filled hot dogs or experiment with turkey or plant-based varieties.

American Cheese: Our go-to for its excellent melting qualities, and using slices makes prep a breeze. Feel free to swap in deli-sliced varieties like Havarti, smoked Gouda, Provolone, or pepper Jack for a flavorful twist.

Cookware You’ll Need

Here’s the cookware you’ll need for these easy grilled crescent dogs.

Cookie Sheet: Using a cookie sheet without sides makes it easy to transfer the crescent dogs to and from the grill.

Paring Knife: A small, sharp knife is the right size for cutting slits into hot dogs. It’s more precise and safer than a larger knife.

Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil: We prefer this over regular foil because it’s thicker, less likely to tear, and built to handle high grill temperatures. If you grill often, it’s definitely worth keeping on hand.

Other Cookware You’ll Need: Cutting board and tongs.

How to Make Grilled Crescent Dogs

Here’s how to make this grilled crescent dogs recipe in just a few steps.

1. Prep the Hot Dogs with Cheese

Cut slits in hot dogs, and insert strips of cheese into each one. There’s no need to cook hot dogs beforehand since they’re fully cooked when purchased and will heat through as the dough bakes in the oven. Keeping them cold makes wrapping the dough easier, too.

2. Roll Up Crescent Dogs

Separate dough into 8 triangles along the perforations. Wrap each dough triangle around a hot dog. When placing on the cookie sheet, make sure the cheese side is facing up to help keep cheese inside while grilling. 

3. Cook and Enjoy

Bring the cookie sheet near the grill grates, and carefully slide foil with crescent dogs onto the grates. Cover the grill, and check at minimum cook time for doneness as grill temperatures may vary. Let them cool a little before serving.

Possible Variations

Looking for new ways to enjoy crescent dogs? Check out these tasty twists.

Classic Crescent Dogs: Try the top-rated recipe that started it all—hot dogs and melty cheese wrapped in flaky crescent rolls.

Campfire Crescent Dogs: Discover how to roast crescent dogs over a campfire for a fun outdoor treat.

Everything Bagel Crescent Dogs: A delicious twist with everything bagel seasoning—just like your favorite bagel.

Crescent Dog on a Stick: Food on a stick! Add a wooden stick to your classic crescent dog for a quick, easy meal.

Storing and Reheating

Our easy grilled crescent dogs are best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, see our tips below for the best way to store and reheat.

Refrigerator

Cool leftover crescent dogs completely. Store in an airtight container or resealable food storage bag in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Reheating

Place one crescent dog on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Microwave on medium (50%) for 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds or until heated through. During storage, the dough absorbs moisture from the hot dogs and cheese which can make the crescents tougher and drier than fresh baked. Serving with your favorite condiment helps keep them flavorful.

We do not recommend freezing leftover crescent dogs. Like refrigeration, freezing affects the texture of the crescents.