Cheesy Hot Dog Pull Apart Bread (Soft Pull-Apart Buns, Hot Dogs, Mozzarella, Garlic Butter, 50 Min)

This is the viral TikTok pull-apart bread that disappears at parties faster than you can serve it — and the one my kids ask for every Friday movie night. Cheesy hot dog pull apart bread takes soft pillowy dough, divides it into 12 buns each stuffed with a chunk of hot dog and a cube of mozzarella, arranges them in a round baking dish, brushes them with garlic-herb butter, and bakes until golden bubbly.

Fun fact: pull-apart bread became a TikTok obsession in 2020 when food creators started filming dramatic cheese-pull shots of stuffed bread loaves. The hot dog variation is a hybrid of Italian “pan brioche soffice” (Italian pull-apart) and American “pigs in a blanket” — invented by a Brazilian-American TikToker named @luccasibesta. Now you’ll find it at every Super Bowl party.

Why this recipe works

• USE QUALITY HOT DOGS. Cheap hot dogs are gross. Use Hebrew National, Nathan’s, or Kayem for proper flavor.
• Cube the mozzarella small. 1/2-inch cubes melt fully inside the bun. Big chunks stay solid in the center.
• Brush garlic butter generously TWICE. Before baking AND after baking. The post-bake brush is what makes it irresistible.

Ingredients

Serves 8 as appetizer.

• Dough:
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2.25 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• Filling:
• 6 hot dogs (cut into halves = 12 pieces)
• 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella, cut into 12 cubes
• Garlic butter:
• 1/4 cup (57 g) butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
• Ketchup and mustard for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Activate yeast and mix dough

In a large bowl, whisk warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 min until foamy. Add flour, salt, egg, and melted butter. Mix to a shaggy dough. Knead 8 min on a floured surface (or with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.

Step 3: Divide and stuff

Punch down dough. Divide into 12 equal balls. Flatten each ball; place 1 hot dog piece and 1 mozzarella cube in the center. Pull edges up over the filling, pinch to seal, and roll into a smooth ball.

Step 4: Arrange in baking dish

Grease a 10-inch round baking dish or cast iron pan. Arrange stuffed balls in concentric circles, seam-side down. Cover and let rise 30 min while preheating oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5: Mix and brush garlic butter

Combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and salt. Brush half over the buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using).

Step 6: Bake until golden

Bake 25-28 min until tops are deep golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven; immediately brush with remaining garlic butter. Let rest 5 min. Serve warm with ketchup and mustard for dipping.

Nutrition information

• Calories: 420 kcal per serving
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 23 g
• Calcium: 25% DV
• Sodium: 880 mg

Pro tips for the best cheesy hot dog pull apart bread

• Use INSTANT yeast (not active dry) for quicker rise. Active dry needs proofing in warm water first.
• Don’t skimp on the second brush. The post-bake butter brush is the key to that glossy golden tops and rich garlic flavor.
• Sub bratwurst, kielbasa, or cocktail wieners for hot dogs — same technique, different flavor profiles.
• Add pickled jalapeño slices tucked alongside the hot dog for a spicy version. Game-changer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes — Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough or store-bought pizza dough both work. Skip steps 1-2 and start at dividing/stuffing.

Can I make ahead?

Assemble through step 4. Cover and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bring to room temp 30 min before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Room temp for 24 hours OR fridge 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5 min to recrisp.

Can I freeze them?

Yes — freeze before second rise. Thaw overnight in fridge, then proof 1 hour and bake.

Are these kid-friendly?

EXTREMELY. Hot dogs + cheese + bread + butter = guaranteed kid hit. Skip the garlic if very young kids are picky.