Mini Crescent Dog Wreath - Festive Appetizer Recipe
A festive party appetizer featuring cocktail sausages wrapped in buttery, seasoned crescent roll dough and arranged in a decorative wreath shape. The bite-sized rolls are brushed with garlic herb butter and baked until golden brown, then garnished with red bell pepper strips to mimic a holiday bow. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any celebration where you want an impressive yet easy finger food that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 24 cocktail sized sausages
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 red bell pepper
- ketchup, for dipping
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 375°F
- 2
Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles
- 3
Cut each triangle lengthwise into 3 narrow triangles
- 4
Place sausage on shortest side of each triangle
- 5
Roll up each triangle starting at shortest side and rolling to opposite point
- 6
Place point side down on ungreased cookie sheets
- 7
Mix butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in small dish
- 8
Brush butter mixture over the rolls
- 9
Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown
- 10
Arrange mini dogs in circle on serving tray with ketchup in middle
- 11
Slice ring off bell pepper and cut strips to make bow shape
- 12
Place pepper bow at bottom of wreath
Tips
Use two cookie sheets to ensure proper spacing and even baking of the crescent rolls.
Make sure to place the rolled crescents point-side down to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
Arrange the baked rolls while still warm for easier shaping into the wreath pattern.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
Assemble rolls up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to bake
Serve warm with ketchup and mustard for dipping
Common Mistakes
Don't skip brushing with butter mixture to avoid dry, pale rolls
Place point-side down to avoid rolls unraveling during baking
Don't overbake to avoid tough, dry texture
Substitutions
same result
different texture
FAQ
Can I use different sausages?
Yes, any cocktail-sized sausage works well including turkey, chicken, or beef varieties. Just ensure they're pre-cooked and similar in size.
How long will these keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Can I freeze these ahead?
Yes, freeze unbaked assembled rolls for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.