If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that’ll have everyone raving, let me introduce you to Teenie Weenies. These aren’t your average pigs-in-a-blanket. Oh no, these are the fancy cousins—the ones who studied abroad and learned a thing or two about sophistication. Picture this: plump cocktail hot dogs wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry, topped with crispy pancetta, and paired with a creamy mustard dip that’s both tangy and sweet. Hungry yet?
These little bites are party perfection. They’re ideal for game days, family gatherings, or any time you need an appetizer that’s simple yet guaranteed to impress. The best part? They’re easy to make, even if you don’t consider yourself much of a cook. Trust me, you’ve got this!
I first made these for a friend’s New Year’s Eve party, and let me tell you, they vanished fast. People kept coming back for “just one more,” and the creamy mustard dip became the talk of the evening. Now, they’re a staple at every celebration in my home. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a casual movie night, or a fancy dinner party, Teenie Weenies always steal the show.
Why You’ll Love These Teenie Weenies
There’s so much to adore about this recipe! Here are a few reasons why these bite-sized treats are a must-try:
- Effortlessly fancy: With the addition of pancetta and Parmesan, these feel like an elevated version of a childhood favorite.
- Ridiculously easy: The recipe uses store-bought puff pastry and simple ingredients, so it’s quick to whip up.
- Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves finger food, and these are no exception. The combination of savory, flaky, and creamy flavors is irresistible.
- Customizable: Want to swap pancetta for turkey bacon? Go for it. Prefer a spicier dip? Add some heat. The recipe is super flexible.
- Perfect for every occasion: Whether it’s a game-day spread or a holiday party, these fit right in.
Let me also tell you that these little bites are just so satisfying. The puff pastry is buttery and flaky, the Little Smokies are smoky and juicy, and the pancetta adds that salty crunch that ties everything together. Pair it all with a creamy mustard dip, and you’ve got layers of flavor in one small bite.
Preparation Time and Servings
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re working with:
- Total time: 40 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20-25 minutes bake, 5 minutes assembly)
- Servings: This recipe makes about 24-30 Teenie Weenies, perfect for a crowd of 6-8 people. (Or fewer, if you have a few hungry teens around!)
Ingredients
To make these little bites of heaven, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Teenie Weenies:
- 1 package (14 oz) Hillshire Farm Little Smokies (or your favorite cocktail hot dogs)
- 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry, thawed (usually comes with 2 sheets)
- 2 eggs (for the egg wash)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (adds a touch of umami to the pastry!)
- 4 oz pancetta, diced and fried until crispy (for that salty crunch!)
For the Creamy Mustard Dip:
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard (for that tangy base)
- ½ cup sour cream (makes the dip creamy and mellow)
- 1 tablespoon honey (balances the tang with a hint of sweetness)
- A dash of kosher salt (to bring it all together)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make these irresistible bites? Let’s dive in!
Prepare the Pancetta:
- Start by frying the pancetta. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toss in the diced pancetta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s crispy and golden brown.
- Once it’s perfectly crisp, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Set it aside—you’ll need it for sprinkling on top of the puff pastry later.
Prepare the Egg Wash:
- Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat them until smooth.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This not only adds flavor but also gives the pastry a golden, cheesy finish.
Wrap the Weenies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry. It should already be pretty thin, but you can use a rolling pin to smooth it out slightly.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry sheet along the seams into three long strips. Then, cut each strip into smaller rectangles—about 8 pieces per strip, so you’ll end up with 24 pieces total per sheet.
- Take one Little Smokie and place it at the edge of a pastry rectangle. Roll it up snugly, pinching the seam to seal. Place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining Smokies and pastry rectangles.
- Brush the tops of the wrapped weenies with the egg wash, then sprinkle a bit of crispy pancetta on each one. (Tip: Press the pancetta down lightly so it sticks to the pastry.)
Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark to make sure they don’t over-brown.
- Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a serving platter.
Prepare the Creamy Mustard Dip:
- While the Teenie Weenies are baking, whip up the dip. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, sour cream, honey, and a dash of kosher salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking.
How to Serve
Presentation is everything when it comes to appetizers! Arrange your Teenie Weenies on a large platter or board, and place the creamy mustard dip in a small bowl in the center. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh parsley or rosemary for a pop of color.
For best results, serve the Teenie Weenies warm. The puff pastry is at its flakiest and the hot dogs are juiciest right out of the oven. Pair them with a cold soda or a festive mocktail for a party-ready spread.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun variations to mix things up:
- Turkey or Beef Bacon: If you can’t find pancetta or prefer a non-pork option, turkey or beef bacon works beautifully. Just crisp it up the same way as the pancetta.
- Everything Bagel Topping: Add an extra crunch and flavor by sprinkling the tops with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
- Cheesy Twist: Place a small piece of cheddar or mozzarella inside the pastry along with the Little Smokie for a gooey surprise.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg wash or a few drops of hot sauce to the mustard dip for some heat.
Additional Tips for Success
- Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly: Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before you roll it out. If it’s still too cold, it may crack when you try to shape it.
- Seal the Pastry Well: Pinch the seams tightly to ensure the pastry doesn’t unravel while baking. If you’re worried, you can use a little water as “glue.”
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to use too much pancetta or cheese on top. A little goes a long way, and you don’t want the toppings to weigh down the pastry.
- Work Quickly: Puff pastry is much easier to handle when it’s cold. If it starts to get too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Reheat Gently: If you’re reheating leftovers, do so in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their flakiness.
Storing and Freezing
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (a rare occurrence, let’s be honest), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze, arrange the uncooked Teenie Weenies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, you can cook them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought bacon bits instead of pancetta?
Yes! Store-bought bacon bits can be a quick and convenient substitute. Just make sure they’re crispy for the best texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Teenie Weenies up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
No puff pastry? Crescent roll dough can work as a substitute, though it won’t have quite the same flakiness.
Can I freeze the dip?
The creamy mustard dip is best made fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days if needed.
What other dips go well with this?
If you’re looking for variety, try serving these with a honey barbecue sauce or a classic ketchup and mustard combo.
Conclusion
There you have it—Teenie Weenies, the ultimate bite-sized party snack that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just want a fun appetizer for movie night, these are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, give them a try, and prepare to watch them disappear in record time.
And if you make these, I’d love to see how they turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I’m always excited to see your creations. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Teenie Weenies!
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Teenie Weenies – Cocktail Hot Dogs in Puff Pastry with Pancetta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24-30 pieces 1x
Description
These Teenie Weenies are a fancy twist on pigs-in-a-blanket! Juicy cocktail hot dogs wrapped in flaky puff pastry, topped with crispy pancetta, and served with a creamy mustard dip. Perfect for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 package (14 oz) Hillshire Farm Little Smokies
- 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry, thawed
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz pancetta, diced and fried
For the Creamy Mustard Dip:
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp honey
- Dash of kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into rectangles.
- Wrap each Little Smokie in pastry and seal edges.
- Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with pancetta, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Mix mustard dip ingredients in a bowl and serve with warm Teenie Weenies.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry fully before using to avoid cracks.
- Work quickly to keep the pastry cold and flaky.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American