Q1: Can I make Firecracker Hot Dogs ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a day in advance. Wrap the hot dogs with dough and store them in the fridge on a baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap. Bake just before serving for best texture.

Q2: What type of cheese works best for the star toppers?

Colby is ideal because it’s firm enough to hold a shape but still flavorful. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even vegan slices also work if they’re thick enough (¼" to ⅜").

Q3: How do I keep the breadstick dough from getting soggy?

Ensure your hot dogs are dry before wrapping and bake them on parchment or a silicone mat to promote even browning. Don’t cover them while cooling, or steam may soften the dough.

Q4: Can I make these without skewers?

Absolutely. Simply bake the wrapped hot dogs as usual and add the cheese star directly on top with a toothpick or serve without it. They’ll still look festive and taste great.

Firecracker Hot Dogs - recipe maestro

Name: Firecracker Hot Dogs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated breadstick dough; 2 packages hot dogs (16 total); 16 thick slices of Colby cheese; 16 wooden skewers

Description

These festive Firecracker Hot Dogs are an easy sheet pan dinner perfect for parties, combining fun presentation with simple ingredients ideal for beginner cooks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 can refrigerated breadstick dough
2 packages hot dogs (16 total)
16 thick slices of Colby cheese
16 wooden skewers

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Instructions

Insert a wooden skewer through each hot dog, leaving about 1.5 inches exposed at the top.
Wrap each hot dog with a strip of breadstick dough in a spiral from bottom to top.
Place the wrapped hot dogs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or silicone baking mat.
Bake according to the dough package instructions, typically 20 minutes at 350°F, until golden brown.
While baking, use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to cut stars from thick Colby cheese slices.
Once the hot dogs have cooled for 2–3 minutes, insert a cheese star on top of each skewer.

Notes

Use thick cheese slices (¼” to ⅜”) for best star shape.
To avoid soggy dough, pat hot dogs dry before wrapping.
Pre-assemble and refrigerate up to one day ahead.
Cheese stars should be added after baking to prevent melting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 firecracker hot dog
Calories: 210
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 610mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg