Pigs in a Blanket

Warm, buttery, and irresistibly poppable, Pigs in a Blanket are the life of every party. These golden-brown bites feature juicy cocktail sausages lovingly wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry that creates the perfect savory-sweet combination in each bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a kid’s birthday party, or looking for an easy appetizer that never fails to please, this classic crowd-pleaser delivers every time. You’ll learn how to create perfectly flaky, evenly browned Pigs in a Blanket that will disappear from your serving platter within minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something undeniably charming about Pigs in a Blanket that keeps people coming back for “just one more.” The magic lies in the contrast between the crisp, golden exterior and the juicy, savory filling. Each bite offers the perfect balance of textures—the crackle of pastry giving way to tender sausage—making them impossible to resist.

You’ll appreciate how these little bundles of joy require minimal ingredients yet deliver maximum flavor. With just a handful of items, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen, you can create an appetizer that looks like you spent hours preparing.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can prepare them ahead of time, customize them with different fillings or toppings, and they’re perfect for serving at any temperature. Plus, they’re wonderfully portable, making them ideal for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering where finger foods reign supreme.

Ingredients

• 2 packages (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 48 cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs (about 14 oz)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Dipping sauces: mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard

The star ingredient here is the crescent roll dough, which provides that perfect flaky texture. Look for butter-enriched varieties for extra flavor. For the sausages, all-beef cocktail franks offer a classic flavor, while chicken or turkey options provide a lighter alternative. The egg wash is crucial for achieving that picture-perfect golden shine that makes Pigs in a Blanket so appealing.

Pro Tips

Keep Dough Cold: For the flakiest results, work with cold dough straight from the refrigerator. If it becomes too warm and sticky while you’re working, place it back in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. Cold dough creates those perfect layers that make each bite so satisfying.

Precise Cutting Technique: For uniform pieces that cook evenly, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to create triangles of equal size. Consistency in size ensures all your Pigs in a Blanket finish cooking at the same time, preventing some from burning while others remain underdone.

The Perfect Seal: When wrapping, leave a small portion of the sausage exposed at each end, but make sure to seal the dough well along the seam. Press gently but firmly to seal without thinning the dough too much. This prevents the dreaded “blanket explosion” during baking while ensuring the sausage stays juicy inside its pastry cover.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. While your oven heats, remove the cocktail sausages from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the dough adhere better and prevents soggy bottoms.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Carefully unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface, keeping it in a rectangle. Press the perforations with your fingers to seal them, creating a solid sheet. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each rectangle into 24 equal-sized triangular strips. You’ll have narrower triangles than traditional crescents, which is exactly what you want for perfect wrapping.

Step 3: Wrap the Sausages

Place a cocktail sausage on the wide end of each triangle and gently roll toward the pointed end. The sausage should be mostly covered, with just the ends peeking out. Place each wrapped sausage seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion and even browning.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each Pig in a Blanket with the egg wash for that beautiful golden finish. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and visual appeal. The egg wash not only adds color but helps your chosen toppings stick.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. For even browning, rotate the baking sheets halfway through. Once done, brush the hot Pigs in a Blanket with melted butter for an irresistible sheen and extra flavor. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

Variations

Cheese-Stuffed Mini Blankets: Before wrapping, place a small slice of cheddar, American, or pepper jack cheese on top of each sausage. The melted cheese adds a gooey surprise that takes these classic Pigs in a Blanket to new heights. For a more sophisticated flavor, try brie or gouda.

Everything Bagel Version: Brush the wrapped sausages with egg wash and generously sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking. The combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt creates a flavor explosion that perfectly complements the savory sausage and buttery dough.

Pretzel-Style Pigs: For a twist on traditional Pigs in a Blanket, dip the rolled sausages in a baking soda solution (2 tablespoons baking soda dissolved in 1 cup boiling water) before placing them on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake as directed for a pretzel-like exterior that pairs beautifully with spicy mustard.

Storage and Serving

Pigs in a Blanket can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the pastry soggy.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare and freeze them unbaked. Arrange wrapped sausages on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

Serve these delightful bites on a platter surrounded by small bowls of various dipping sauces. Create a dipping station with classic yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and ketchup to please every palate. For an elevated presentation, arrange them on a wooden board with fresh herbs as garnish and small flags for easy grabbing.

FAQs

Can I make these with full-sized hot dogs?
Yes! For full-sized hot dog Pigs in a Blanket, cut each hot dog into halves or thirds and use regular crescent roll triangles. Increase the baking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure the larger pieces cook through properly.

Why did my dough get soggy on the bottom?
This usually happens when the sausages aren’t patted dry before wrapping. Make sure to remove excess moisture from your cocktail sausages, and consider letting the wrapped sausages sit for 5 minutes before baking to allow the dough to slightly dry.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry creates an extra-flaky version of Pigs in a Blanket. Cut the pastry into strips about 3 inches wide by 2 inches tall and proceed with the recipe as directed.

How can I make these ahead for a party?
You can wrap the sausages up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them covered with plastic wrap. Apply the egg wash just before baking for the freshest results.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives?
Yes! Vegetarian or vegan sausages work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that plant-based options may have different cooking times, so keep an eye on them during baking.

Conclusion

These Pigs in a Blanket are comfort food at its finest — bite-sized bundles of joy that combine nostalgic flavors with irresistible textures. They’re the kind of dish that bridges generations, delighting everyone from young children to discerning adults at your gathering. Whether you’re serving them as game day snacks, holiday appetizers, or just-because treats, these golden-brown bites of happiness prove that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most cherished food memories. Make a double batch—you’ll be glad you did!

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