Classic Pigs in a Blanket: Your Ultimate Guide to This Irresistible Appetizer
The timeless appeal of Pigs in a Blanket makes them a staple at any gathering. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday feast, hosting an energetic game day party, or simply craving a comforting snack, these mini crescent dogs are guaranteed to be a hit. This guide will walk you through creating perfect, golden-brown Pigs in a Blanket, offering tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make your next batch truly unforgettable.
The Enduring Popularity of Pigs in a Blanket
Often known by delightful alternative names such as Mini Crescent Dogs or Crescent Roll Pigs, this appetizer holds a special place in the hearts of many. Their miniature size makes them ideal finger food, allowing guests to enjoy them easily while mingling. They are exceptionally quick to prepare, making them a fantastic choice for last-minute party planning or when you need a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Their popularity isn’t just due to their convenience; it’s also about their universally loved combination of savory sausage and fluffy, buttery crescent roll. When planning for a crowd, we highly recommend doubling or even tripling this recipe. These addictive bites tend to disappear remarkably fast! Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully, retaining their delicious texture and flavor for another round of enjoyment.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pigs in a Blanket
Crafting epic Pigs in a Blanket requires just a few simple ingredients, easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing for various customizations to suit your taste.
- Crescent Rolls: The heart of our “blanket,” crescent rolls provide a wonderfully flaky, buttery wrapper. We particularly love using refrigerated crescent roll dough for its convenience and consistent results. While Pillsbury is a popular choice, any brand will work perfectly. If you’re looking for a slightly different texture, you can also experiment with puff pastry for an even flakier crust or biscuit dough for a denser, more bread-like encasing.
- Little Smokies: These bite-sized cocktail sausages are the “pigs” in our blankets. You can choose any flavor of Lil’ Smokies, from classic beef to savory turkey or even a cheese-filled variety for an extra layer of flavor. If Little Smokies aren’t available, don’t fret! Vienna sausages are a great substitute due to their similar size. For a fun twist, consider using small breakfast sausages, especially if you’re serving these for a brunch or a unique morning appetizer.
Optional Enhancements: Elevate Your Pigs in a Blanket
While delicious on their own, a few simple additions can take your Pigs in a Blanket to the next level:
- Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle your wrapped sausages with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or a generous dash of everything bagel seasoning. These additions provide a delightful textural contrast and an extra burst of savory flavor.
- Cheese: For an irresistible cheesy twist, wrap a small strip of cheese around each Little Smokie before encasing it in crescent dough. American cheese, cheddar, pepper jack for a kick, or provolone all melt beautifully, adding gooey goodness to every bite.
Recommended Equipment for Effortless Preparation
Having the right tools can make the cooking process even smoother and ensure a successful outcome. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Parchment Paper: This is a game-changer for easy cleanup and preventing your Pigs in a Blanket from sticking to the baking sheet. It ensures an even bake and makes transfer a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, a good non-stick cooking spray applied generously to your baking sheet is essential.
- Baking Sheets: Investing in high-quality baking sheets with raised sides is always a good idea. The sides prevent any accidental slippage of your mini weenies when taking them out of the oven, keeping your kitchen neat and your appetizers intact.
- Pizza Cutter: While a knife works, a pizza cutter is ideal for quickly and evenly slicing the crescent dough into uniform strips. This helps ensure consistent baking and presentation.
- Paper Towels: Essential for draining excess moisture from the sausages, preventing a soggy blanket.
How to Make Pigs in a Blanket: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these classic appetizers is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for golden-brown, flavorful results every time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 93 kcal per serving
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Prepare the Sausages: Spread the Little Smokies on a paper towel. Gently pat them dry to remove any excess juices. This crucial step helps prevent the crescent dough from becoming soggy during baking, ensuring a crispy, golden blanket.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles along the perforations. Using a pizza cutter, slice each triangle lengthwise into three narrower strips. This creates the perfect amount of dough to wrap around each mini sausage.
- Wrap the “Pigs”: Take one strip of crescent dough and place a Little Smokie at the wider end. Roll the sausage snugly towards the narrow point of the dough, ensuring the dough is wrapped evenly around the sausage. Place the wrapped sausage seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until all crescent dough strips are used. You may have some Little Smokies leftover, depending on the package size.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is beautifully golden brown and the sausages are heated through. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Serve Warm: Once baked, carefully remove the Pigs in a Blanket from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
- Make Ahead: For ultimate party planning ease, you can assemble unbaked Pigs in a Blanket up to two hours before baking. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop them directly into the preheated oven. This makes them perfect for busy hosts!
- Storage: Any leftover baked Pigs in a Blanket should be stored in an airtight container or a resealable storage bag in the refrigerator. For best quality and food safety, enjoy them within three days.
- Freezing: To freeze Pigs in a Blanket, allow them to cool completely after baking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers. They will keep well in the freezer for up to one month.
- How to Reheat: For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated Pigs in a Blanket in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for 4-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. An air fryer can also yield excellent results, providing a wonderfully crisp exterior in just a few minutes.
- Dough Substitutions: While crescent rolls are classic, try puff pastry for an extra flaky texture, biscuit dough for a softer, more substantial bite, or even pretzel dough for a unique savory twist. Pizza dough can also be used for a slightly chewier “blanket.”
- Sausage Swap: Feel free to use any flavor of Little Smokies you enjoy. If cocktail sausages aren’t on hand, you can slice regular hot dogs into bite-sized pieces. Vienna sausages or even pre-cooked chicken or turkey cocktail sausages work wonderfully.
- Vegetarian Option: Easily transform this recipe by replacing the meat-based Little Smokies with plant-based cocktail sausages or vegetarian hot dogs. Many excellent meatless options are available that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional sausages.
- Vegan Option: To make this appetizer vegan-friendly, combine the vegetarian sausage substitution with a plant-based crescent roll dough. Many brands now offer accidentally vegan or specifically labeled vegan crescent roll dough.
- Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities, use a certified gluten-free crescent roll dough. This ensures everyone can enjoy this classic treat safely.
- Make It Spicy: For a kick, use spicy cocktail sausages. You could also brush the dough with a touch of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking, or even add a thin slice of jalapeño with the cheese.
- Sweet and Savory Twist: Consider using maple-flavored breakfast sausages and adding a light sprinkle of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup over the dough before baking for a delightful sweet and savory combination, perfect for brunch.
- Smaller Serving Size or Larger Group: The base recipe yields 12 servings. It’s incredibly simple to scale this up or down. If making a large batch, ensure you have multiple baking sheets or work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Drain Your Sausages: Patting the Little Smokies dry with paper towels is a small but critical step to prevent soggy dough.
- Even Dough Strips: Using a pizza cutter helps create uniform dough strips, ensuring even cooking and a consistent look for all your Pigs in a Blanket.
- Snug Wrapping: Make sure to wrap the dough snugly around each sausage, starting from the thick end and ending with the narrow point tucked underneath to prevent unraveling during baking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your Pigs in a Blanket space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in a less crispy exterior.
- Add Toppings Before Baking: If using poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning, sprinkle them on the dough just before baking for best adherence and flavor.
- Serve Warm: These appetizers are at their absolute best when served warm, allowing the buttery dough and savory sausage to truly shine.
- Dipping Sauces are Key: While delicious on their own, a variety of dipping sauces can elevate the experience. Think beyond just ketchup and mustard!
- Comeback Sauce: A zesty, creamy, and slightly spicy Southern classic.
- Outback Bloomin’ Onion Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and with a hint of horseradish.
- McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce: A creamy, savory, and secretly addictive option.
- Red Robin Campfire Sauce: A smoky, sweet, and tangy blend.
- Zaxby’s Sauce: A peppery, savory sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- Boom Boom Sauce: A creamy, sweet, and spicy aioli.
- Raising Cane’s Sauce: A tangy, peppery, and incredibly popular choice.
- Arby’s Sauce: A zesty and slightly sweet barbecue-style sauce.
- Chick-fil-A Sauce: A harmonious blend of barbecue, honey mustard, and ranch.
- Classic BBQ Sauce or Honey Mustard: Ever-popular choices that pair perfectly.
- Cheese Sauce: A warm, gooey cheese sauce is always a winner with savory sausages.
- CrockPot Chipotle Honey Meatballs: Sweet, spicy, and easy to keep warm.
- CrockPot Swedish Meatballs: A classic comfort food that complements the savory pigs.
- CrockPot Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs: A festive and flavorful option.
- CrockPot Spicy Mango Jerk Wings: Adds a zesty and spicy counterpoint.
- CrockPot Mexican Chili over Fritos: A hearty and flavorful dish for a casual gathering.
- CrockPot Chili Mac and Cheese: The ultimate cheesy and meaty comfort meal.
- CrockPot Bacon Mac and Cheese: Rich, creamy, and satisfying.
- CrockPot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut: A delicious and hearty pairing with a slight tang.
- CrockPot Beer Chili: A robust and warming meal.
- Buffalo Chicken Wontons: For a menu with a bit of a kick.
- Lunch or Dinner: Perfect as a light meal or a hearty side.
- Cocktail Night: An elegant yet unfussy finger food.
- Potlucks: Always a welcome addition, easy to transport and share.
- Holidays: A festive and beloved appetizer for any holiday spread.
- Family and Friends Gatherings: Casual enough for any get-together.
- Game Day Appetizer: The ultimate snack for football Sundays, basketball games, or any sporting event.
- Kids’ Meals: A fun and appealing option that even the pickiest eaters will love.
- 12 Ounce Little Smokies
- 1 package Crescent Rolls
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll Crescent Rolls and separate into triangles. Use a pizza cutter to cut them into 3 strips.
- Place a little smokie at the wide end of a strip of dough and roll it to the end. Place the triangle point on the baking sheet.
- Repeat until you have used all of the crescent dough. There may be leftover little smokies.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown.
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheets
- Pizza Cutter
Preparation and Storage Tips
Pigs in a Blanket are not only easy to make but also highly accommodating for advance preparation and convenient storage:
Creative Recipe Variations to Explore
The beauty of Pigs in a Blanket lies in their adaptability. Don’t hesitate to customize them to your preferences:
Expert Tips for the Best Pigs in a Blanket
Achieve perfection with these handy tips:
What to Serve with Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a Blanket are incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into almost any menu. They make an excellent standalone snack or a fantastic component of a larger spread.
Dipping Sauces:
Offer a selection of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes. Beyond the classic ketchup and mustard, consider:
Complementary Appetizers & Sides:
If serving as part of a larger spread, pair them with other easy-to-eat finger foods:
Main Dishes:
Pigs in a Blanket can also be served as a fun side to heartier main courses, especially those with a casual, comfort food vibe:
When to Serve Pigs in a Blanket
Their universal appeal means there’s rarely a wrong time to serve these delightful bites:
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Pigs in a Blanket
Classic Pigs in a Blanket are the perfect easy appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 93 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
Instructions
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 72