Cookout Classics: Baked Cheese Dog Puffs

As mindful as I try to be about my health and the things I put into my body on a regular basis, I just can’t say no to a hot dog in the Summertime. It just goes against my every instinct since they were the quintessential food of every cookout, backyard BBQ, pool party, sporting event and beach day I ever participated in as a kid and, frankly (see what I did there?), they’re just plan tasty. To deny that fact is to deny thyself.

I digress. I recently prepared a few of these quick and easy puff pastry appetizers using some cheddar cheese and mini hot dogs for a little get together I stopped by over this past weekend and, much like many of the recipes I’ve shared here, they’re completely customizable in terms of the toppings you can use once they’re baked and ready!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

6 SERVINGS:

1 puff pastry dough sheet
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (although I measured with my heart!)
One package of Hillshire Farms Lil’ Smokies Sausages
1 egg, beaten
Trader Joe’s Aglio Olio Seasoning Blend
Ketchup, mustard and/or relish, for toppings (optional)

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Unroll the puff pastry dough sheet and slice into 6 even squares.

2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place 6 pinches of cheddar cheese (I used a little extra!) and then top each pinch with 1-2 Lil’ Smokies Sausages.

3. Cover the cheese and sausages with one of the puff pastry squares and gently press down to seal. Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg wash, and sprinkle on some of the Aglio Olio Seasoning Blend.

4. Bake at 425°F between 12-15 minutes or until the puff pastry is crispy and brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Top with ketchup, mustard, and/or relish before enjoying!

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I saw a version of this which used chili as a topping to make these like mini chili cheese dogs, which sounded absolutely amazing and is definitely something I’m going to try out in the future!

A little later on this week, I’m going to be sharing recaps of my adventures from this past weekend – including some wine tasting, some historical relics I stumbled on during a quick stop in Vermont to stretch my legs, and some troll hunting my boyfriend and I did together in Rhode Island!

Until then!