Name: Perfect Croissant Hot Dogs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 lb frankfurters (Nathan’s Famous or preferred brand); 6 croissants; Ketchup; Yellow mustard; Relish; Onions, diced into 1/4-inch pieces; 1 tbsp melted butter; 1/2 tsp chili powder

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Introduction

If you’ve never tried wrapping a hot dog in a croissant, you’re in for a treat. This twist on a classic cookout favorite adds a buttery, flaky texture that makes each bite extra special. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these croissant hot dogs are perfect for busy nights or fun gatherings.

Three croissant hot dogs are placed side by side on a light green rectangular tray on a white marbled surface. Each croissant is golden brown with flaky, shiny layers wrapping around a browned sausage centered in the middle. The top croissant is topped with a bright yellow squiggly line of mustard running along the full length of the sausage. The middle one has a zigzag line of ketchup over mustard in the same area. The bottom croissant hot dog is layered with green pickle slices and sprinkled white flaky salt. To the left are crumbs, a small jar with seasoning, and a small white bowl filled with yellow mustard. A red-and-white checkered cloth is partly visible at the bottom left corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb frankfurters (Nathan’s Famous or your favorite brand)
6 croissants
Ketchup
Yellow mustard
Relish
Onions, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
1 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp chili powder

Instructions

Step 1: While the grill heats, slice each croissant lengthwise but not all the way through, keeping them hinged together. Dice the onions into 1/4-inch pieces and arrange all your toppings (ketchup, mustard, relish, and diced onions) in small bowls for easy assembly. This prep keeps everything ready to fill right after grilling to keep the croissants warm and fresh.
Step 2: Heat your grill to medium-high for about 5 minutes. Brush the frankfurters lightly with vegetable oil and sprinkle with chili powder for extra flavor. Grill the hot dogs for about 3 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. The oil prevents sticking, and the chili powder adds a subtle smoky note.
Step 3: Lightly brush the inside of each croissant with melted butter. This adds richness and helps toast the croissant slightly from the heat of the hot dogs. Place one hot dog into each croissant and add toppings in this order for best flavor adhesion: mustard, relish, diced onions, and finish with ketchup.

Tips & Variations

You can substitute regular hot dog buns, pretzel buns, or slider rolls if croissants aren’t available.
Any type of hot dog works here—beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or plant-based varieties.
For extra flavor, grill onions alongside your hot dogs to bring out their sweetness.
Feel free to add toppings like cheese, jalapeños, sauerkraut, or chili to customize your hot dogs.
Be careful not to slice croissants all the way through; leaving a hinge helps keep everything together while eating.

Storage

Wrap leftover croissant hot dogs individually in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, unwrap and warm them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to preserve the flaky texture. Microwaving for 30-45 seconds is quicker but may soften the croissant.

How to Serve

Three croissant hot dogs lie on a rectangular white plate. Each croissant is golden brown and shiny, with a soft, flaky texture showing many layers. On the top croissant, a brown hot dog is nestled inside the croissant’s slit, topped with a bright yellow squiggly line of mustard. The middle croissant hot dog has the same type of hot dog with a zigzag mix of red ketchup and yellow mustard on top. The bottom croissant hot dog carries the hot dog with slices of green pickles and coarse white salt sprinkled on top. Around the plate, light golden croissant crumbs are scattered, and nearby is a small white bowl of mustard and a glass mustard bottle, all set on a white marbled surface. A red and white checkered cloth is partly visible at the plate’s corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use jumbo or mini hot dogs for this recipe?

It’s best to use standard size hot dogs so they fit nicely inside the croissants. Jumbo hot dogs may not wrap well, and mini hot dogs might fall out easily.

Do I need to preheat the grill before cooking the hot dogs?

Yes, preheating the grill for about 5 minutes ensures even cooking and nice char marks. It also helps prevent the hot dogs from sticking to the grates.