Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Breakfast pigs in a blanket are a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite. These bite-sized treats feature savory breakfast sausages wrapped in warm, buttery crescent dough, making them the perfect handheld breakfast. What makes this dish so special is how simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying, flavorful breakfast option that can be made in minutes. In this article, you’ll learn how to make breakfast pigs in a blanket from scratch, tips for customizing them, and how to serve them for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Breakfast pigs in a blanket offer the best of both worlds: the savory, hearty flavor of breakfast sausage and the fluffy, buttery texture of crescent roll dough. They’re easy to make, making them the perfect quick breakfast or snack. Not only do they taste delicious, but their fun, bite-sized nature makes them a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend breakfast or a snack for a brunch gathering, these breakfast pigs in a blanket are sure to impress.

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can mix and match different sausages, add cheese, or even incorporate spices or herbs to elevate the flavor. These treats are perfect for meal prep too, as you can make a large batch and store them for a quick snack throughout the week.

Recipe Details

Breakfast pigs in a blanket are essentially breakfast sausage links wrapped in crescent dough, then baked to golden perfection. The savory sausages provide protein and flavor, while the crescent dough offers a buttery, flaky texture that complements the meat. To add extra flavor, you can sprinkle some cheese or herbs on the sausage before wrapping it up, or dip the pigs in a variety of sauces, like maple syrup, mustard, or even ranch dressing.

This recipe is simple yet satisfying, and it’s easily customizable. Whether you prefer spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian option like plant-based sausages, you can tailor these to your taste. You can also experiment with different kinds of dough or add toppings like shredded cheese or bacon bits for extra richness.

Nutritional Information

Breakfast pigs in a blanket are a delicious but indulgent treat. A typical serving of breakfast pigs in a blanket (2-3 pieces) contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. The sausage provides a good source of protein and fat, which will help keep you full throughout the morning. The crescent dough adds carbohydrates, giving you energy for your day ahead.

For a lighter version, you can opt for lean turkey sausage or plant-based sausage alternatives. You can also use a reduced-fat crescent dough or whole-wheat dough for added fiber and a healthier option. If you prefer, skip the cheese and keep the recipe simpler and lower in fat.

Ingredients

For the Pigs in a Blanket:

• 1 package breakfast sausage links (about 12 links)
• 1 can crescent roll dough (8 oz)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for brushing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Dipping:

• Maple syrup (optional)
• Mustard (optional)
• Ranch dressing (optional)

These ingredients come together to create a savory and satisfying breakfast. The breakfast sausage is the centerpiece of this dish, providing the hearty protein. The crescent dough gives a delicious, buttery base, while the cheese adds creaminess and flavor. You can customize the recipe by adding herbs or spices to the sausage or using a different type of dough.

The dipping sauces are optional, but they add a nice contrast to the rich flavor of the sausages and dough. Maple syrup adds sweetness, mustard offers tang, and ranch dressing brings creamy coolness to each bite.

Equipment Needed

To make breakfast pigs in a blanket, you’ll need the following equipment:

• A skillet for cooking the sausage
• A baking sheet for baking the pigs in a blanket
• A pastry brush (optional, for brushing butter)
• A knife (for cutting the dough)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats (optional, for easy cleanup)

The skillet is essential for cooking the sausage before wrapping it in the dough. You can cook the sausage links in advance, or cook them fresh if you prefer. A baking sheet is necessary for baking the pigs in a blanket, while a pastry brush allows you to add a glossy, golden finish to the dough if you choose to brush it with butter.

Pro Tips For Success

1. Cook the Sausage First: Be sure to cook the sausage until it’s fully cooked through before wrapping it in the dough. This ensures that the sausage is hot and flavorful when it’s wrapped in the dough and baked.
2. Use Fresh Dough: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, refrigerated crescent roll dough. It bakes up flaky and golden, which is the perfect contrast to the savory sausage.
3. Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: If you like cheese, add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese before wrapping the sausage in the dough. It will melt inside, creating a creamy, cheesy center for the pigs in a blanket.
4. Experiment with Sauces: While maple syrup is the classic choice for dipping, feel free to experiment with mustard, ranch, or even barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
5. Customize the Sausage: Swap out the standard breakfast sausage for your favorite variety. You can use spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausages if you prefer a vegetarian option.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage links over medium heat until they are fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, set the sausages aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the Oven: While the sausages are cooling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into the individual triangles. If you want smaller pigs in a blanket, cut each triangle into two smaller pieces.
4. Wrap the Sausage: Place each cooked sausage link in the center of a dough triangle. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage before rolling it up. Roll up each sausage tightly in the dough.
5. Bake the Pigs in a Blanket: Arrange the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. If you’d like, brush the dough with melted butter for a golden finish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the sausage is heated through.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the breakfast pigs in a blanket immediately, with your choice of dipping sauces like maple syrup, mustard, or ranch dressing.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sausage before wrapping it in dough for a spicy kick. You can also use hot sausage for extra heat.
2. Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket: Swap out the sausage for vegetarian sausage or plant-based sausage links. These options provide the same texture and flavor, without the meat.
3. Cheesy Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket: Sprinkle cheese on the sausage before wrapping it in dough. You can use any cheese you like—cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier option.
4. Mini Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket: Cut the crescent dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized pigs in a blanket. These are perfect for brunch parties or meal prep.

Storage Instructions

Breakfast pigs in a blanket are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, microwave them for 30-45 seconds or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. If you want to make them ahead of time, bake them as usual and then store them in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the cooked pigs in a blanket for up to 1 month. To reheat from frozen, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast pigs in a blanket are perfect on their own or served with a variety of sides. For a more complete breakfast, pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or hash browns. You can also serve them with a side of scrambled eggs or a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Don’t forget the dipping sauces—maple syrup, mustard, and ranch are classic choices, but you can get creative with barbecue sauce, sriracha, or even guacamole.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, microwave for a minute or bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
2. Can I use a different type of dough?
   Absolutely! You can use biscuit dough, puff pastry, or even make your own dough for a different twist.
3. How do I keep them from getting soggy?
   Ensure the sausage is fully cooked and slightly cooled before wrapping it in the dough. Also, avoid overstuffing them to prevent sogginess.
4. Can I make these without cheese?
   Yes, you can easily skip the cheese for a lighter option. The sausage and dough will still provide great flavor on their own.
5. Can I make them in a mini version?
   Yes, cutting the dough triangles into smaller pieces will make mini breakfast pigs in a blanket, perfect for parties or snacking.

Conclusion

Breakfast pigs in a blanket are a simple, delicious, and customizable option for your morning meal. With savory sausage, flaky dough, and optional cheese and spices, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with variations, these tasty bites will become a go-to breakfast favorite. Try this recipe for a fun, hearty start to your day!

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