Firecracker hot dogs
These 4th of July hot dogs, popularly known as firecracker hot dogs or firecracker franks, are fun and super easy to make.
Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Star cookie cutter
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 1 can Refrigerated Crescent roll dough
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Dry the hot dogs using a paper towel. This helps the dough stick and keeps things from getting soggy.
- Prepare the dough by unrolling the crescent sheet and pressing the seams together to form a single, even rectangle.
- Slice the dough into 8 thin strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Wrap each hot dog with one strip of dough in a spiral pattern, leaving the top end uncovered for the cheese star.
- Arrange on the baking sheet, spacing them apart so the dough has room to puff up as it bakes.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Let them cool slightly, then insert a skewer into the bottom of each one to create the sparkler handle.
- Cut cheese stars using a small star-shaped cookie cutter and press one onto the top of each skewered hot dog.
Notes
- Use crescent dough sheets (not rolls) for easier wrapping and fewer seams to pinch.
- Don’t skip drying the hot dogs—moisture will keep the dough from sticking well.
- Cut cheese stars before assembling. It’s much easier to get clean, sharp shapes when the cheese is cold and flat. Chill slices briefly if they’re too soft.
- Cheddar, American, or Colby Jack cheese slices work best for clean star shapes.
- Skewers go in easier once the hot dogs have cooled slightly. Avoid inserting them right out of the oven so you don't get burned.
- For air fryer instructions, reduce cooking time to about 6–8 minutes at 350°F.
Nutrition
Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 309mgPotassium: 66mgSugar: 0.01gVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
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