Gluten Free Crescent Dough

While many gluten free brands have recreated what we miss, refrigerated crescent rolls are not one of them. Therefore, this recipe features my homemade gluten free crescent dough. In reality, it’s not hard to make. It simple takes time to make and rise. Once you have that, these gluten free pigs in a blanket are easy!

The trick for this recipe is to roll the dough thin. Like pie crust thin. Please note my recipe for gluten free crescent dough makes one pound. Therefore, you’ll roll out two separate circles of dough. Once rolled, cut it into 12 (roughly) equal triangles. My package of hot dogs contained 6 links, and I cut them in half. You want to try to make  the edge of the dog peeks out over the edge of the dough triangle before rolling.

Can These be Made Dairy and Egg Free? Can I Use a Different Flour?

I have only successfully made my crescent dough using the recipe below, and only with Cup 4 Cup Multipurpose Flour. This recipe uses butter & eggs. I tried using Bob’s Red Mill Flour, and King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure, and they just didn’t turn out the same for me.

If you need an egg free or dairy free recipes, I would try this one for Gluten Free Vegan Garlic Crescent Rolls from Petite Allergy Treats if you need the dough to be vegan. (I’d leave out the garlic filling.) However, please note that she starts with her own gluten free “white mix” flour blend. Please remember that all gluten free flours are NOT the same. If you choose to use a different flour blend, results may vary.

If you want to use Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 flour, I recommend Peal With Zeal’s Gluten Free Pigs in a Blanket recipe.

Tips To Yielding the Best Gluten Free Pigs in a Blanket

When I made my plain gluten free crescent rolls, I brushed them with butter. However I think brushing these gluten free pigs in a blanket with egg wash yields a softer “wrap.” I saw others season the outside dough with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning. Lemme tell ya, Best. Idea. Ever. These are so good, they may not even need a dipping sauce!

List of Gluten Free Hot Dogs

Looking for gluten free hot dogs? While this list is not exhaustive, these are brands which I mostly trust. While I am not a huge fan of Bar-S, they are safe and offer a cheaper alternative than others on my short list. The first four brands offer beef hot dogs for those looking to avoid pork. For this recipe I used the Nathan’s Uncured Beef Franks.

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs
Hebrew National
Teton Waters Ranch
Applegate Hot Dogs
Koegel’s
Bar S Hot Dogs

Can I Make These Pigs in a Blanket Early & Reheat Them?

I made these gluten free pigs in a blanket on a Monday, then placed them in the refrigerator. Then, I rewarmed them the next day in a 300 degree oven (sprayed them lightly with oil) for 10 minutes. They turned out just as good as when they first came out of the oven!

Can they be frozen? Yes. To rewarm them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes. I find the dough to not be quite as soft as when they first bake, but still taste great. The main thing is to make sure the hot dogs inside are warmed thoroughly.

Can you microwave them? Yes. After they have been fuly baked, and frozen, you can reheat them in the microwave. I put two in the microwave, at full power for 50-60 seconds. Again, the main goal is to warm the outer dough, and fully reheat the hot dogs in the middle.

Other Gluten Free Appetizers and Finger Foods

These gluten free pigs in a blanket would be perfect for any lunch box or football party. You could use this same gluten free crescent dough to make my gluten free Veggie Pizza, as well. These pigs in a blanket would also pair well with my gluten free Soft Pretzel Bites, and my gluten free Baked Mozzarella Cheese Sticks.

Looking for other gluten free appetizers? Try this list of gluten free party appetizers from Celiac Mama, or these gluten free game day appetizers from What the Fork. Looking for meat free ideas? Check out these Vegetarian Appetizers and Snacks from Vegetarian Mamma.  And don’t skip these Gluten Free Spinach Dip Puffs from Eat at Our Table!

Recipe

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Gluten Free Pigs in a Blanket

Ingredients

For the gluten free crescent dough

• 1 3/4 c "Cup4Cup" brand flour 210 grams
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 c cold butter cut into small pieces
• 1 pkg instant yeast
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp warm water 105*-110*
• 1 egg room temperature
• add’l flour for rolling

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp water

For the pigs in a blanket

• 12 gluten free hot dogs cut in half (to create 24 hot dog pieces)

Instructions

• Start by pulling out two eggs from the fridge to allow them to come to room temperature. 15 minutes should be sufficient. Turn on the oven to 200 degrees. We are warming it only to create the ideal place to proof the dough. Once it comes to temperature, turn it off. 
• In a food processor, combine flour, cornstarch and cold butter. Pulse until butter bits are incorporated/ cut into the dough. (If you don't have a food processor, freeze your butter and grate it in to the flour, in a large glass bowl. Then use hands to combine.)
• After butter is cut into the flour, add instant/ rapid rise yeast, sugar and salt to the processor and pulse to combine. (If you don’t own a food processor, simply stir the rest of the dry ingredients in.) 
• (If you are not using instant / rapid yeast, you’ll need to proof the active yeast in water prior to adding it to the flour mixutre. To do so, place 1 of the 4 tbsp of sugar in a bowl, with the yeast, and add the 6 tbsp warm water. Allow to activate for 5-10 minutes before adding to flour.)  
• Dump flour and butter mixture into a large glass bowl, and add warm water and egg, and mix until a dough forms. 
• Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in the TURNED OFF OVEN and allow the dough to rise for 30-45 minutes. 
• Remove bowl from oven and preheat oven to 375. 
• Cut dough ball in half, (you should have 2 8 oz portions) and transfer one half to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough ball a few times until the dough ball is soft. Sprinkle with a bit more flour before rolling. (I like to work on parchment paper, as it easily slides onto a cookie sheet and into the oven.) 
• Roll dough into a circle approximately 10-12 inches in diameter. I find it best to flip and turn the dough in between rolling stages. It prevents sticking. 
• Cut the circle of dough into 4 equal section, and then cut each section into 3 additional sections. This should equal 12 sections of gluten free crescent dough. It will seem thin, but we’re aiming for the perfect proportion of dough to dog. It will puff a bit when the dough bakes. 
• I used Nathan’s Famous Uncured Beef Hot Dogs, which come 6 to a package. Therefore, I cut each hot dog in half, and rolled each hot dog half in one triangle of dough. Repeat until all hot dog portions are used. 
• (Repeat the last three steps with the other half of dough, and more hot dogs.) 
• Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place 12 pigs in a blanket per cookie sheet. 
• In a small bowl, beat an egg with one tbsp water, and baste each pig in a blanket with egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, or course salt. 
• Bake the pigs in a blanket in a 375 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. 
• (Side note – 16 oz of dough is equal to two rolls of Pillsbury Crescent Dough.) 

**This post is not sponsored. This post does contain affiliate links. Purchases made through those links help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Plus it keeps those annoying pop up ads off my site. Thank you for your continued support!**

Originally Published September 2019

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Waffled Corn Bread – Absolute Game Changer

Want to know my favorite way to cook cornbread? In a waffle maker. Seriously, it’s quick, easy and you don’t have to heat up your whole oven and kitchen. (A unique way to provide “bread” for Thanksgiving as well!) Even better, it becomes an excellent vehicle for making a child hood favorite.

These gluten-free corn dog waffles are a cinch to make and freeze exceptionally well. Which is perfect for those mornings I oversleep and run late on packing lunch. Oh what’s that? I’m not the only one that happens to? Glad to know I’m not alone.

What Brand of Cornbread Mix/ Hot Dogs Should I Use?

You could use any gluten free corn bread batter for these gluten-free corn dog waffles. If you want to make them from scratch, try my favorite recipe from Bette Hagman.

However, when the school year gets started and I’m running behind, this Krusteaz Gluten-Free Honey Cornbread mix sure comes in handy. Krusteaz makes regular (non gluten-free) items, which makes me grateful that their gluten free line of products are certified gluten free thru GFCO.

What Kind Of Waffle Maker Should I Use?

I made these gluten-free corn dog waffles in my Presto Belgian waffle maker.  A Belgian waffle maker creates these thick strips that are perfect for dipping. You could also use this Dash Waffle Maker, that makes square waffles. I love that it has an overflow channel!

Looking for more Waffle Maker suggestions? Check out more that I recommend in my Favorite Kitchen Appliances post.

Which Brands of Hot Dogs are Gluten Free?

While this list is not exhaustive, these are brands which I mostly trust. While I am not a huge fan of Bar-S, they are safe and offer a cheaper alternative than others on my short list.

The first six brands offer beef hot dogs for those looking to avoid pork. For this recipe I used the Nathan’s Uncured Beef Franks.

• Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs
• Hebrew National
• Teton Waters Ranch
• Applegate Hot Dogs
• Boar’s Head
• Koegel’s
• Bar S Hot Dogs

Other “Waffled” Recipes

These gluten-free corn dog waffles only touch the edge of what you can do with a waffle maker. Love pizza? Then you should try these gluten-free pizza waffles from My Gluten-Free Kitchen! Or try my Gluten Free Waffled Chicken Sandwich recipe.

Make an epic turkey sandwich with waffled stuffing. Or bump your your brunch game with these Hash Brown Waffles from Mama Loves Food. What else do you like to prepare in your waffle maker? (Besides breakfast waffles, of course!)

Corn Dog Waffles Recipe

Note- I include the recipe for making the Krusteaz Gluten Free Cornbread mix, as well as my homemade gluten free cornbread recipe. Either gluten free cornbread batter will work for this recipe

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Gluten-Free Corn Dog Waffles

Ingredients

• 1 box Krusteaz Gluten Free Honey Cornbread Bread & Muffin Mix
• 1 cup milk as directed on box
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil as directed on box
• 1 egg as directed on box
• 4 hot dogs cooked and quartered and cut in 1/2″ pieces

Instructions

• Mix batter according to directions. Add up to 3 tbsp extra water if batter is too thick.
• Cook hot dogs until heated through. Cut up hot dogs and add to cornbread batter. 
• Plug in waffle maker and spray lightly with cooking spray. Heat until warming light turns off. 
• Add 1 cup of batter to waffle maker and bake for at least 4 minutes, or until steam stops escaping from waffle maker. 
• Gently remove cooked waffle and lightly spray waffle maker and reheat prior to baking next waffle. 
• Cook until all batter used. If planning to freeze for later, allow gluten-free corn dog waffles to cool completely prior to placing in freezer.

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Easy Gluten Free Cornbread

Course Recipes

Keyword cornbread, gluten free cornbread

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup corn flour can use gluten free all purpose flour, also
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 cup whole milk or 1 cup buttermilk, and leave out the vinegar
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 4 tbsp butter melted

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350. If using iron skillet to bake cornbread, lightly coat it with oil and place in oven to warm. Otherwise, line muffin tins (or mini muffin tins) with liners – or grease and flour them well.
• Combine milk and vinegar to as a buttermilk substitute. Allow to sit for at least 5 minutes. (You can just use buttermilk if you have it, and leave out the vinegar.) 
• If using polenta, grind it in spice grinder 10-15 seconds to break it down finer into cornmeal. Combine cornmeal, corn flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in bowl. Whisk together well.
• Whisk in beaten eggs, melted butter, and milk + vinegar. Batter will not be runny, but not incredibly thick either.
• Pour into heated skillet or spoon into prepared muffin tins. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the top starts to turn a golden brown. (I would check on it after 20 minutes.)

Krusteaz generously supplied me with their products. I was not otherwise compensated and all my thoughts and opinions are my own.

This post does contain Amazon affiliate links. Anything you purchase thru them will convey to me a small advertising commission. It will however, not impact your purchase price. Thank you for supporting my website!

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Coney Dogs: Detroit Vs. Flint Style

My husband and I grew up an hour away from Flint, in Lansing. Truth be told, I don’t think I’d ever eaten a coney dog as a child. When we moved to Flint, every other restaurant appeared to be named a “Coney Island.” A family diner, which served hamburgers and basic entrees. But their menu fixture was always a Flint Style Coney Dog.

In Michigan, one can get a coney dog served Detroit or Flint style. The main difference, as fas as I can ascertain, is that a Detroit style coney dog is “wetter” than a Flint Coney Dog. That, and most Detroit style recipes only use ground beef in the sauce. Flint coney dogs include chopped up hot dogs. And no other hot dog will do than Flint-owned gluten free Koegel Hot Dogs!

How to Build a Flint Coney Dog

To make my Flint coney dogs gluten free, I used Schar gluten free hot dog rolls. I love that they are shelf stable until I’m ready to use them. Aside from being gluten free, they are also egg and dairy free, and contain no gmo ingredients. Most coney dog recipes called for steamed buns. Therefore, I placed my Schar hot dog rolls in the microwave, with a cup of water, and warmed them for 40-60 seconds. A great tip I learned from Kathleen Flinn’s recipe for Flint-Style Coney Islands.

Traditional Flint Coney Dogs are topped with onions and mustard. No ketchup here. While you can use whichever mustard you like, traditional recipes call for yellow mustard. Most yellow mustard on the market contains no gluten. The only excpetion to the rule, I’ve found, is Colman’s Mustard, which contains wheat.

What to Enjoy with a Flint Coney Dog

It’s no secret that I’m a big supporter of all things Michigan made. Great snacks to enjoy along with hot dogs include potato chips, like Better Made. If you crave a pickle with your dog, McClure’s Pickles fit the bill. Wanting to complete the meal with a ball park vibe? Try some Second Nature nuts. And I always recommend finishing off any meal with a scoop of Michigan Made Hudsonville Ice Cream.

What beverage should you enjoy with your Flint coney dog? No soda (or pop) is more Michigan than Faygo. Unfortunately, I recently realized they’ve now added sucralose to all their beverages, so I can no longer drink them. Eat Like No One created a list of other Michigan Made Pop brands, such as Towne Club and Vernors. Looking for something more “adult?” Check out my list of Michigan gluten free alcholic beverages.

Flint Strong

When I tell people I live in Flint, their first reaction is often “How’s the water?” Better. Much better. However, there’s lots of great things about Flint that get overlooked. Even in the decade I’ve lived here, a resurgence is starting to help change the image of the city. Busineses continue to invest in Flint, as I’ve previously shared in my post on reconstruction.

For instance, we have an amazing coffee scene in Flint. We have our own hockey team, called the Flint Firebirds. Our brand new soccer team, the Flint City Bucks, won the championship in their division in their first year as a team. The college cultural area includes great museums, and more.

Flint Public Art Project

My favorite new initiative in our city is the Flint Public Art Project.  Over the past few years, painters have turned boring building walls into major works of art. We now have over 100 murals throughout the city. They include murals of Olympic Gold medal winner Clarissa Sheilds, Beyonce, and various sports stars.

However, it’s the murals of the not so famous that I love. Like the man on the Blackstone’s building, pictured above. Or the children, hiding among the sunflowers, at the Ennis building. Or the mural of the homeless man, with the weight of life etched into his face, at the Catholic ministries building. I highly encourage you to take a trip to Flint to experience them for yourself. Allow this Flint Public Art Project map to be your guide!

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Gluten Free Coney Dogs

Ingredients

For Chili Mixture

• 1 tsp oil or butter
• 1/2 onion finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic finely chopped (1/2 tsp)
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 2 hot dogs finely chopped
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1-2 tsp cumin
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup water more if needed
• 1/4 tsp salt
• pepper to taste

For Coney Dogs

• 4-6 Gluten Free Hot Dog Buns I used Schar
• 4-6 gluten free hot dogs cooked (I use Koegel)
• 1/2 Sweet vidalia onion diced
• yellow mustard

Instructions

• Finely chop one half of a sweet Vidalia onion, and garlic. (I actually buy jars of pre-chopped garlic, and use 1/2 tsp.) Also finely chop hot dogs. 
• Add oil or butter to the skillet, and heat. Add onions and saute for approximately 5 minutes, until soft. 
• Add ground beef, hot dogs, and garlic. Cook until ground beef is no longer pink.
• Once meat is cooked, add paprika, cumin, tomato paste, water, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing beef to continue to break down. Add extra water if needed to prevent meat from drying out and burning. The finished sauce is intended to be dry, not soupy. It will look a bit like Sloppy Joes, just not as saucy. 
• To assemble coney dogs, steam buns in the microwave with one cup of water, and heat for 40-60 seconds. 
• Place cooked hot dog in bun, top with 2-3 tablespoons of coney sauce, diced onions, and mustard.

**Schar provided the ingredients for this post, and compensated me for my time. This post does contain affiliate links. Purchases made through those links help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Thank you for your continued support!**

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