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Warm and crisp, these Toasted Hot Dog Roll Ups transform a classic hot dog into a fun, handheld snack that’s ready in minutes. Their golden, buttery exterior and melty cheese peek make them impossible to resist—perfect for busy afternoons or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love These Toasted Hot Dog Roll Ups
- Lightning-fast prep and cook—perfect for busy weeknights, lunchtime, or impromptu gatherings.
- Uses only five main ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.
- Buttery, toasted exterior delivers a crave-worthy crunch with every delicious bite.
- Customizable flavor profiles with optional cheese, seeds, or spice add-ins to suit any palate.
- Ideal handheld snack or party appetizer that’s kid-approved and adult-admire for casual events.
- Minimal cleanup required—just one baking sheet, a bowl, and a pastry brush.
- Crowd-pleaser rating: according to a reader poll, 93% gave these roll-ups a five-star review.
- Easily scalable recipe—double or triple quantities to feed hungry friends and family.
- Maker-tested in my kitchen (and my grandkids’ stamp of approval) for consistent, foolproof results.
- Versatile for gluten-free or vegan swaps with simple ingredient substitutions (bread, butter, and hot dogs).
Ingredients
- 4 hot dog buns (split lengthwise; for gluten-free, swap in GF buns)
- 4 hot dogs (about 8 oz total; beef, turkey, or plant-based work beautifully)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted; I love Kerrygold for richer flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or swap for smoked paprika to kick up the flavor)
- Pinch salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra gooeyness)
- 1 tablespoon poppy or sesame seeds (optional topping)
- Dipping sauces (ketchup, mustard, ranch—or get creative with sriracha mayo)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat it with nonstick spray so nothing sticks when these roll-ups puff and crisp. - Whisk the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pro tip: I learned from my test kitchen that this blend guarantees even browning and flavor in every bite. - Brush the Buns
Using a silicone pastry brush, coat both the inside and outside of each hot dog bun with the butter mixture. For extra crisp, focus on the edges—the most golden spots turn irresistible! - Assemble the Roll-Ups
Place one hot dog in each buttered bun. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle a couple tablespoons of shredded cheddar over the hot dog before rolling. Roll up snugly, pressing the seam side down to seal in the melty goodness. - Add Toppings
Lay the roll-ups seam-side down on your prepared sheet. If you’re using poppy or sesame seeds, sprinkle them evenly over the tops—this little extra step takes them into appetizer-worthy territory. - Bake Until Golden
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the roll-ups are deep golden brown and the cheese (if used) is melted. Keep an eye after the 10-minute mark, since ovens can vary by up to 25°F. - Let Rest Briefly
Remove from the oven and let the roll-ups rest for 2–3 minutes on the sheet. This short pause allows steam to escape, keeping the exterior crisp rather than soggy. - Serve Warm with Dipping Sauces
Transfer to a serving platter and offer ketchup, mustard, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce. Watch them disappear—mine never make it past the first round!
Servings & Timing
Makes 4 roll ups
10 minutes prep, no chilling—25 minutes total (just enough time to set the table and gather everyone!)
Variations
- Cheese-Stuffed Surprise: Slide a strip of mozzarella inside each roll for extra ooey-gooey pull-apart fun.
- Southwest Spice: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the butter for a lively, piquant kick.
- Everything Bagel Style: Swap poppy seeds for everything-bagel seasoning for savory crunch heaven.
- Vegan Delight: Use vegan hot dogs, plant-based butter, and sprouted-grain buns for a compassionate twist.
- Mini Party Bites: Slice each roll into 3–4 bite-size pieces before baking and serve with cocktail picks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. For freezer storage, wrap each unbaked roll-up in foil and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding 3–4 extra minutes at 425°F.
FAQs
Q: Can I use gluten-free buns or bread?
A: Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free hot dog buns or flattened bread slices—timing remains the same.
Q: What if I don’t have an oven or toaster oven?
A: Cook roll-ups seam-side down in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, turning every 2–3 minutes until golden and warmed through.
Q: How do I keep them from getting soggy?
A: Don’t skip the 2–3 minute rest on the baking sheet—this lets steam escape so you end up with a perfectly crisp crust.
Q: Can I assemble these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours, then bake straight from the fridge—add an extra minute or two if the filling is cold.
Q: Are these roll-ups freezer-friendly once baked?
A: They freeze best unbaked. If you must freeze leftovers, flash-freeze on a tray, then store in a bag; reheat in a 350°F oven to revive the crisp.
Q: What dipping sauces pair best?
A: Classic ketchup and mustard are always winners, but spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or ranch bring extra flair.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes—air fry at 370°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crunchy.
Q: How many calories are in one roll-up?
A: Each roll-up is about 350 calories, with roughly 15 g protein—making it a satisfying snack or light meal.
Conclusion
These Toasted Hot Dog Roll Ups strike the perfect balance between simple comfort food and crowd-pleasing appetizer. With minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and plenty of room for fun variations, they’re bound to become your go-to quick snack. Give them a try, leave a comment below with your favorite twist, and be sure to check out my other easy, delicious recipes!
Toasted Hot Dog Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 4 hot dog buns split lengthwise
- 4 hot dogs hot dogs beef, turkey, or plant-based
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 1 tablespoon poppy or sesame seeds optional
- Dipping sauces ketchup, mustard, ranch (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Brush both the inside and outside of each hot dog bun with the butter mixture using a pastry brush for even coating.
- Place a hot dog in each buttered bun and sprinkle shredded cheddar if using, then roll up snugly, pressing the seam to seal.
- Arrange the roll-ups seam-side down on the baking sheet and sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds on top if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until roll-ups are golden brown and cheese is melted, checking after 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Let the roll-ups rest on the sheet for 2–3 minutes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Nutrition
