Soft Hot Dog Rolls Recipe (Easy Homemade Buns)
These soft hot dog rolls are fluffy, golden, and so much better than store-bought buns. This easy hot dog roll recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to make tender homemade bread that wraps beautifully around hot dogs or sausages.
If you’ve ever bought hot dog buns that were dry or dense, homemade makes a huge difference. This soft hot dog bread stays tender, holds the hot dog neatly inside, and has much more flavor than packaged buns.
I love making these for cookouts, picnics, lunch boxes, and family dinners. You can wrap the dough around the hot dogs as I have here, or use the same dough to make homemade hot dog buns and hamburger buns.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Dog Rolls
- Soft and fluffy: These homemade hot dog rolls have a light, tender crumb and stay soft after baking.
- Better than store-bought buns: Fresh hot dog bread has more flavor and a wonderfully soft texture.
- Easy to make: The dough uses simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
- Versatile dough: Wrap it around hot dogs as shown here, or shape it into classic hot dog buns or hamburger buns.
- Perfect for gatherings: Great for picnics, BBQs, parties, lunch boxes, and family meals.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a batch ahead and freeze some for later.
🌭 What Are Hot Dog Rolls?
Hot dog rolls are soft bread rolls made to hold or wrap around hot dogs or sausages. They are also commonly called hot dog buns or hot dog bread, depending on how they are shaped and where you live.
In this recipe, the soft dough is rolled into ropes and wrapped around the hot dogs before baking. This creates a fluffy hot dog wrapped in bread that is easy to serve and fun to eat.
You can also use the same dough to make traditional split hot dog buns without wrapping the hot dogs inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the hot dog bread structure while keeping the rolls soft and tender.
- Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates light, fluffy hot dog rolls.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- Salt: Balances the flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps keep the homemade buns soft.
- Oil: Gives the dough a tender texture.
- Pre-cooked hot dogs or sausages: Use your favorite type for the filling.
How to Make Hot Dog Rolls
Step 1 — Activate the Yeast
Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2 — Make the Dough
Add the flour, salt, butter, and oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3 — Knead
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Avoid adding too much flour; a slightly soft dough will give you softer, fluffier hot dog bread.
Step 4 — Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5 — Divide the Dough
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions.
Step 6 — Shape the Hot Dog Rolls
Roll each portion of dough into a long rope, then wrap it around a hot dog or sausage. Tuck the ends underneath so the rolls keep their shape while baking.
Step 7 — Bake
Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 8 — Finish
Brush the freshly baked hot dog rolls with melted butter while they are still warm. This adds flavor and helps keep the bread soft.
Pro Tips for Soft and Fluffy Hot Dog Rolls
- Don’t add too much flour: A slightly soft dough produces softer, lighter hot dog buns.
- Knead the dough well: Proper kneading develops the gluten and gives the rolls a soft, fluffy texture.
- Let the dough rise fully: Give it enough time to double in size before shaping.
- Keep the rolls similar in size: This helps them bake evenly.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the rolls once they are golden brown so the hot dog bread stays soft.
- Brush with butter while warm: This adds flavor and keeps the crust tender.
Other Ways to Use This Hot Dog Bread Dough
This soft dough is versatile, so you don’t have to use it only for wrapped hot dogs.
- Homemade hot dog buns: Shape the dough into oblong rolls, bake, then slice through the center for classic hot dog buns.
- Hamburger buns: Shape the dough into rounds and flatten them slightly before baking.
- Mini sausage rolls: Wrap smaller portions of dough around cocktail sausages for parties or lunch boxes.
- Dinner rolls: Shape into small balls and bake without a filling for soft homemade bread rolls.
What to Serve With Hot Dog Rolls
These homemade hot dog rolls are perfect for an easy lunch, family dinner, picnic, or BBQ.
Serve them with:
- French fries or potato wedges
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Ketchup and mustard
- Cheese sauce
- A simple green salad
Because the hot dog is already wrapped inside the soft bread, they’re also easy to pack for lunch boxes or take to picnics.
How to Make Hot Dog Buns With This Dough
If you prefer traditional hot dog buns instead of wrapping the dough around the hot dogs, you can easily use the same recipe.
Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each piece into a smooth, slightly elongated roll. Place them on a lined baking tray with enough space between them to rise, then let them proof until puffy.
Bake until lightly golden, then brush with melted butter while warm. Once completely cool, slice each roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through. You’ll have soft homemade hot dog buns ready for your favorite hot dogs and toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hot dog rolls and hot dog buns?
The names are often used interchangeably. Hot dog buns are usually baked as plain oblong rolls and sliced for the filling, while these hot dog rolls are made by wrapping the dough around the hot dog before baking.
Can I make homemade hot dog buns with this recipe?
Yes. Instead of wrapping the dough around the hot dogs, shape it into oblong rolls and bake them plain. Once cooled, slice them through the center and fill them with hot dogs and your favorite toppings.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough after kneading, then let it come closer to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I freeze hot dog rolls?
Yes. Once completely cool, freeze the baked rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Why are my hot dog rolls dense?
This usually happens when the dough hasn’t risen long enough, too much flour was added, or the dough wasn’t kneaded sufficiently.
Can I use bread flour?
Yes. Bread flour works, but it will give the hot dog bread a slightly chewier texture than all-purpose flour.
Storing and Reheating Hot Dog Rolls
Refrigerator
Keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer
These homemade hot dog rolls freeze well. Once completely cool, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm the rolls briefly in the oven or microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating them, which can make the hot dog bread dry or tough.
📌 Make Ahead Tip
You can prepare and shape the hot dog rolls ahead of time, cover them well, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for fresh, soft rolls.
Easy Bread Recipe You Must Try
⭐ Please Rate and Review
If you tried these soft hot dog rolls and loved them, please leave a 5-star rating and comment below. I’d love to hear how you served them!
Soft Fluffy Hot Dog Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour.
- ¾ teaspoon active yeast or instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 5 precooked hot dogs. ( I have used chicken hot dogs)
Instructions
- Mix the water, sugar, and yeast and keep aside for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, add all the ingredients including the yeast mixture (don’t add the hot dogs). Knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
- If you are sure that the yeast you have is good, then to save time, in a bowl, add the water, yeast, and sugar and mix well. Add the flour and the oil, butter and salt to the previous mixture and knead.
- Place dough in lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Knead the dough for 1 minute. Make 5 equal size balls around 45 grams each.
- Place a parchment paper over baking sheet.
- Take one piece of dough, around 45 grams. Roll it out with a rolling pin or with your hand as shown in the video to an oval shape. Roll it up from the longest side to a cylinder shape and pinch the edges. Roll again with your hand and elongate it to double the length of the hot dog. Wrap the log around the hot dog and place the end of the log under the hot dog and place on baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375F/190C. Bake for 13 minutes on the middle shelf of the oven.
- After it’s baked, brush with butter. Serve hot.
Notes
- This post was originally posted in 2017, updated with more information and a video tutorial.
- You can use all butter or all oil in this recipe, but it is best to use both for flavor and tender texture.
- The hot dog rolls will take less time in the oven if you are using a gas oven.
This dough recipe looks amazing! I definitely think the whole family could enjoy this fluffy hot dog roll serving idea!
Nothing beats the fresh bread right out of the oven! These look really delicious.
You are right, these turned out awesome 🙂
My kids love pigs in a blanket. I haven’t made them in a while, so thanks for the reminder to make them again 🙂
You are most welcome 🙂
Ahhh! Those look so good. Pigs in a Blanket is my favorite finger food EVER. I can’t wait to make these. Om nom nom.
I often find myself with hot dogs in the freezer with no buns! I will have to bookmark this recipe and try this.
I love that you made your own buns VS the store bought crecents. These look fantastic!
These have more flavor and stay fresh longer too.
Ooh, this is a good one. I wouldn’t mind making these to go along with some other finger foods!
Hey Liz! You will love how light and delicious these rolls are.
Andddd I drool for these! These remind me of my youth, when my parents would drag me to parties and they had cocktail weenies. I would entertain myself with those! hahaha!
I’m glad that I’m not the only one who find these rolls entertaining 🙂
OH! My kids would LOVE these! They look so fluffy!
Thank you Reesa!
My mom used to make something similar when we were growing up! I haven’t thought about them in ages. My kids would love these!
This is so convenient. It’s way better than having to carry hot dogs and buns, and it is less messy. What a great recipe idea.
Thank you Pam 🙂
These look delicious! They’re perfect for the summer and I love the idea of taking them on a picnic. We plan to have many of those this summer!
If you tried this recipe, do let me know how you liked it.
We love these pigs in a blanket (that’s what we call them) here at our house. That is the best way to eat a hot dog in my opinion. These look so tasty.
Indeed, no mess and so convenient!
These soft fluffy hot dog rolls look so delicious and easy to make. I will have to get the ingredients I need to make some this weekend.
I know these are going to be a big hit with my kids. They are so yummy and I have everything I need to make some already.
Ooooh, I love pigs in a blanket and using such a lovely recipe to make them is just brilliant. I will have to try this the next time I see my nephews.
These look like the perfect after school snack! And I love that they look so easy to make!
Oh, these look so good! I love baking bread, and NOTHING beats fresh baked bread in general. Pigs in a blanket with freshly made bread blankets?! WIN!
You are so right Natasha, I love home baked bread and rolls they always taste better than store bought.
My family would love these. The rolls look so delicious and fluffy.
Thank you Stacie.
These wouldn’t last long at my house. I swear my son would live off of hot dogs if he could.
I love hot dogs and that’s why I make these rolls often, I don’t blame your son 🙂
I love making these. I’ve never actually made them from scratch like this though. I’m glad I can use this recipe now.
I’ve had mini versions of these dogs, but not full-size! And not from scratch! i love it!
These were out of this world, I had to be a good girl and tried not to consume the whole batch 😉
tried to make these recipe and it tured out so great!!!! this recipe is so easy and simple but delicious!!!! crunchy on the outside and soft in the inside!!!! thank you so much!!!
Thanks for trying my recipe 🙂
Can I fry it instead?
I never tried frying it although sounds interesting now that you have mentioned it. why don’t you try frying one and if it works do let me know so I can share your experience with my readers 🙂
Hi I tried your recipe and it was easy enough but mine turned out pale from the oven. My husband said that’s because I didn’t egg wash the surface before sending them to the oven. Do we need to egg wash first? Don’t see it in your recipe. Also, possible for me to add more sugar to make the bread sweeter?
Hi Dee, Thanks for your comment. Some ovens do not distribute heat evenly and some have fans, and it affects the color of the cake and other pastry. Some use the broiler after the baking is done to add the light brown color to the pastry. You can brush the rolls with milk or eggs. It is ok to add a little more sugar to the dough.
Made them and loved them!! These are even better than the ones I used to eat as a kid! The dough was so easy to make and so tasty I ended up stuffing some leftover dough with crumbling feta and thyme cheese and we’re a huge hit too. Thank you for the recipe I’ll definitely be making these again!
Thank you Halima for your feedback and kind words 🙂 I’m glad that you have enjoyed this recipe.
Is this ready to use yeast or can you use the yeast that needs mixing with water first?
Would you add the other bits to it straight away?
Some types of yeast do not need to be proofed before mixing with flour. In this recipe, you can use any type of yeast you have but it’s best to read the instruction on the package to know how to use the yeast.
Simple, quick, aesthetically pleasing and the hubby prefers them to hot dog buns.
Thanks for your comment Jeni 🙂
These were easy to do and looked beautiful but were much too rich for our tastes. More like a crescent roll than a hot dog roll. Was hoping for something more like bread and less like pastry.
My kids loves these!! I doubled the recipe; however, the dough was a bit hard to work with. They still turned out good. What could I do better next time?
Hi, Thanks for trying my recipe. I would add a little more milk or water to the dough to make it softer. I use two brands of flour and one usually takes a little more water than the other. Hope this helped!
So easy!!!! This recipe is fun and easy to make. My family loves it!
Thank you for the feedback, glad that your family loved it 😊
It turned out great but i know for next time to make more i did not make enough but it was delicious! I hope other people will also enjoy. Thx for making this Recipe Muna!
I’m glad you liked it Ava, it means a lot to me 😊