Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Pigs in a blanket are a classic appetizer or snack that everyone loves. But what if you could take them to the next level? Enter cheesy pigs in a blanket! This recipe elevates the traditional dish with the addition of melty, gooey cheese, making them even more irresistible. These are perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun family dinner. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves pigs in a blanket, and the added cheese takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe with different types of cheese, sausages, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: These cheesy treats are a hit with kids of all ages.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration, cheesy pigs in a blanket are always a welcome addition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 package (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough: This forms the “blanket” that encases the sausage and cheese.
• 8 small smoked sausage links (or cocktail weiners): Use your favorite brand of sausage. Little smokies or cocktail weiners are traditional, but you can also use cut-up larger sausages.
• 4 slices of your favorite cheese, cut into quarters: Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack all work well. Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor combinations.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness and helps the pigs in a blanket brown nicely.
• Optional toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a sprinkle of garlic powder.
• Optional dipping sauce: Ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet: To bake the pigs in a blanket on.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Small bowl: To melt the butter in.
• Pastry brush (optional): To brush the melted butter onto the pigs in a blanket.
• Pizza cutter or knife: To cut the cheese into the appropriate size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of cheesy pigs in a blanket:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the pigs in a blanket from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Sausages

Cut each cheese slice into quarters. This will give you the right size to fit inside the crescent roll with the sausage. If using larger sausages, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Ensure each piece is roughly the same length as the short side of the cheese quarter.

Step 3: Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket

Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Separate the triangles along the perforations. For each triangle, place a quarter of a cheese slice at the wide end. Place a sausage link on top of the cheese. Roll the dough from the wide end to the pointed end, enclosing the sausage and cheese completely. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly, preventing the cheese from leaking out during baking.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place each assembled pig in a blanket on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Space them evenly to allow for proper air circulation and even baking.

Step 5: Brush with Melted Butter and Add Toppings (Optional)

Melt the butter in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the pigs in a blanket with the melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a richer flavor. If desired, sprinkle with your favorite toppings such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or garlic powder.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pigs in a blanket cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of the ingredients, the better the flavor of the final product.
• Don’t overfill the crescent rolls: Too much cheese or sausage can cause the rolls to burst open during baking.
• Seal the seams tightly: This will prevent the cheese from leaking out.
• Bake until golden brown: This ensures that the crescent rolls are cooked through and have a crispy texture.
• Serve warm: Cheesy pigs in a blanket are best served warm, when the cheese is melted and gooey.

Variations and Customization

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack, or even brie. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
• Sausage: Try different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage.
• Seasonings: Add your favorite seasonings to the melted butter, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
• Dipping sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to suit different tastes, such as ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, or even hot sauce.
• Jalapeño Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket: Add thinly sliced jalapeños along with the cheese for a spicy kick.
• Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket: After brushing with melted butter, sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
• Pizza Pigs in a Blanket: Use mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
• Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket: Wrap each pig in a blanket with a half slice of bacon before baking for extra smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy pigs in a blanket are perfect for:

• Game day parties: They’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love.
• Birthday parties: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these cheesy treats.
• Holiday gatherings: They’re a festive and delicious addition to any holiday spread.
• Quick and easy weeknight dinners: Serve them with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Snacks: Perfect for an afternoon snack or a late-night craving.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare cheesy pigs in a blanket ahead of time and bake them later. Assemble the pigs in a blanket as instructed, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cheesy pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving (2 pigs in a blanket) contains approximately:

• Calories: 300-400
• Fat: 20-30g
• Saturated Fat: 10-15g
• Cholesterol: 50-70mg
• Sodium: 500-700mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Sugar: 5-10g
• Protein: 10-15g

Please note that this is just an estimate. For more accurate nutritional information, consult the nutrition labels of the specific ingredients you use.

Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Total Time: 27-30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 8 small smoked sausage links (or cocktail weiners)
• 4 slices of your favorite cheese, cut into quarters
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Optional toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a sprinkle of garlic powder
• Optional dipping sauce: Ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut each cheese slice into quarters.
3. Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
4. Place a cheese quarter and a sausage link at the wide end of each triangle.
5. Roll up from the wide end to the point, enclosing the sausage and cheese. Seal the seam.
6. Place on the baking sheet, seam-side down.
7. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with optional toppings.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
9. Cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

These cheesy pigs in a blanket are a guaranteed hit at any gathering or a fun and easy meal for the family. With their simple ingredients and customizable options, you can create a unique and delicious snack every time. Happy baking!