The pros: Trader Joe's Puff Dogs are a play on pigs in a blanket.
The cons: The puff didn't rise as much as I would have liked. Also, this does not come in a resealable package
The verdict:
While I should have gotten to this product sooner, this is a timely review as just the other day we here in the USA celebrated the original Brexit (1776 style). Trader Joe's Puff Dogs are new and have started some controversy. Across the pond they actually refer to items like this as sausage rolls and there has been some twitter outrage since this product made its debut.
In fact, one blog I follow, Paul Davies Cartoons, is written by a British fellow is both a talented cartoonist and has a bit of a fascination about what we Americans think of food. I can only imagine his thoughts on this matter. Now, I honestly don't think that Trader Joe's was trying to take credit for inventing any product here, however, my opinion on that can not be verified. Although they offer something similar in a smaller size known as Trader Joe's Parmesan Pastry Pups which as essentially a similar product that is smaller in size and adds a sprinkling of cheese.
The pups are mini, but these are very much full sized. Now, I've never had a real sausage roll from the U.K. In my household, we've taken a can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and wrapped (or swaddled as this packaging terminology goes) it on a hot dog. Thus, eliminating the need for hot dog rolls, which oddly enough are rarely sold in the same quantity as hot dogs themselves.
For $6.49 you are getting five swaddled dogs by any name you wish to call them. What's important here is what they taste like. The hot dogs are good. They were cooked perfectly by following the directions on the package and were cooked through in the time listed. The puff which is made of puff pastry reminded me of a cross between a Pillsbury Crescent roll and a Croissant. It wasn't puffy enough to be a croissant, but not quite as dense as the crescent roll. Some parts were light and flaky with some nice layers, other parts were more on the dense side and a bit heavy. These were not nearly as greasy as the Parmesan Pups.
Overall, they were good. By whatever name you wish to call them, they will satisfy that craving for pigs in a blanket. Best of all you won't have to open an entire can of crescent rolls or deal with wrapping up a mostly uneaten package of hot dogs. If you like pigs in a blanket, then you'll probably like these dogs in a blanket too. As for me, I'd consider buying them again. They also make for a quick lunch or dinner item.
Here is the visual run down of what you are getting when you buy Trader Joe's Puff Dogs:
The box:
The nutritional information, the ingredients, how to prepare:
How Trader Joe's describes this product:
Out of the package you get:
After being cooked you get:
Would I buy this again? To satisfy the occasional craving for pigs in a blanket, these are pretty good.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for an alphabetized list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Trader Joe's Puff Dogs
Product Name: Trader Joe's Puff Dogs
Product Description: Trader Joe's Puff Dogs are a play on pigs in a blanket.
Price: 6.49
Currency: USD
Availability: Discontinued
Summary
Trader Joe's Puff Dogs are a now-discontinued pig in a blanket.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Buttery, flaky pastry – Puffs up nicely and delivers that croissant-style crispiness
- Tasty beef franks – More flavorful than your average hot dog or pig in a blanket
- Perfect party snack – Just heat and serve, no extra prep needed
Cons
- Greasy finish – You’ll probably want a paper towel under these
- Inconsistent batches – Some boxes crisp up beautifully, others feel soggy
- Pricey for the portion – You could DIY these for less with puff pastry and mini dogs
mltrautz@yahoo.com says
This is the best I have read this week if only for the fact that it really hit home for me. I grew up eating "Sweedish hotdogs" which were hotdogs in some tomato based sauce with lots of onions. I loved them as a kid, but NEVER made them for my children.
I recently craved "pigs in a blanket" and (for the first time in years) had them at a party. They were Pillsbury wrapped little dogs I never saw in a store. Yum!
Will happily go another 10 years without. As for the Brexit thing, my ancestors came for safety and security. I am proud to make their decision a wise one and I thank them for it.
becomebetty says
As for my family, they left Britian some time in the 1600s. The reason seems lost to time, but I am grateful for the decision they made too. When did your family come over?
mltrautz@yahoo.com says
I have family from everywhere at different times. England was with the Mayflower. At least that's what I was told. France, as the Revolution started.
becomebetty says
I may have also had family on the Mayflower. I'm doing the genealogy on it. Small world.
RossC says
I haven't picked these up but, I will right away.. We love hot dogs and keep dogs and buns in the freezer at all times... This might just be one to have on hand for a less work snack... ( LOL.. Not that hot dogs are a lot of work..) I'll just say that I'll have these on
hand just cause I want to... ;O)
becomebetty says
Hey Ross! I, too love pigs in a blanket. It's just my husband and I so it's too much effort and mess. Not a bad thing to keep in the freezer. As always, thanks for stopping by!
Julie says
I wasn't a huge fan of these. They did cook up nicely and the hot dog was tasty but the pastry just kept falling off.
pauldaviescartoons says
How kind of you to mention me, I'll take a good look at this and see what we think! Puff dogs!!!!
We call them sausage rolls over here...