Pigs in a blanket – those delightful little sausages wrapped in pastry – are a classic appetizer, snack, or even a fun meal. They’re incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe takes the humble pig in a blanket to the next level, offering variations and tips for achieving perfect results every time. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunchbox, or just craving a comforting treat, this guide will have you making the best pigs in a blanket you’ve ever tasted.
**Why This Recipe Works**
* **Simple Ingredients:** You only need a handful of basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, these pigs in a blanket come together in under 30 minutes.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a blank canvas! Experiment with different sausages, cheeses, and seasonings to create your own signature version.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love helping make (and eating!) these bite-sized treats.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a game day party, a holiday gathering, or a simple weeknight snack, pigs in a blanket are always a hit.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
* **Sausages:** The star of the show! Cocktail sausages (also known as little smokies) are the most common choice, but you can also use regular-sized sausages cut into smaller pieces. Consider using different varieties like:
* Beef Frankfurters: A classic, delivering a savory and familiar flavor.
* Pork Sausages: Offer a richer, more traditional taste.
* Chicken or Turkey Sausages: Lighter alternatives for a healthier option.
* Spicy Sausages: Add a kick of heat with chorizo or jalapeno-cheddar sausages.
* **Pastry:** Crescent roll dough is the most popular choice due to its convenience and flaky texture. However, you can also use puff pastry or even homemade dough. Consider these pastry options:
* Crescent Roll Dough: Buttery and convenient, readily available in most grocery stores.
* Puff Pastry: Creates a light and airy texture with distinct layers.
* Homemade Dough: Allows for complete control over ingredients and flavor (see recipe below for a simple homemade dough).
* **Egg Wash (Optional):** A beaten egg brushed over the pastry before baking will give it a golden-brown, glossy finish.
* **Toppings (Optional):** Everything Bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt can add extra flavor and visual appeal.
* **Dipping Sauce (Optional):** Ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or cheese sauce are all great dipping options.
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the 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 easier.
**Step 2: Prepare the Sausages (If Needed)**
If you’re using regular-sized sausages, cut them into smaller pieces, about 1-2 inches long. Cocktail sausages can be used whole.
**Step 3: Prepare the Pastry**
* **Crescent Roll Dough:** Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. You can lightly stretch each triangle to make it a bit longer and thinner. If using pre-cut crescent roll dough sheets, simply cut them into triangles or rectangles of desired size.
* **Puff Pastry:** Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into strips or squares, depending on the size of your sausages.
* **Homemade Dough (Optional):** See the recipe for a simple homemade dough below. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
**Step 4: Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket**
Place a sausage at the wide end of a pastry triangle (or on a pastry strip/square). Roll the pastry around the sausage, starting at the wide end and rolling towards the point. Pinch the edges to seal, if desired. Repeat with the remaining sausages and pastry.
**Step 5: Arrange on the Baking Sheet**
Place the assembled pigs in a blanket seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Ensure enough space between each pig in a blanket to ensure that each one is properly cooked.
**Step 6: Add Egg Wash and Toppings (Optional)**
In a small bowl, whisk together an egg with a tablespoon of water or milk to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the pigs in a blanket. This will give them a golden-brown, glossy finish. Sprinkle with your desired toppings, such as Everything Bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt.
**Step 7: Bake**
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the sausages are heated through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the type of pastry you’re using. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. It is recommended to check the internal temperature of the sausages to be sure that they are cooked all the way through. Sausage should be cooked at a minimum of 160°F (71°C).
**Step 8: Cool and Serve**
Let the pigs in a blanket cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving plate. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
**Tips for Perfect Pigs in a Blanket**
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can make the pastry dry and the sausages tough. Bake until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through, but not burnt.
* **Use High-Quality Sausages:** The flavor of the sausages will shine through, so choose a brand you trust and enjoy.
* **Seal the Edges:** Pinching the edges of the pastry together helps to prevent the sausages from bursting out during baking. This also helps to create a neater, more uniform appearance.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Overcrowding the baking sheet can cause the pigs in a blanket to steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy pastry. Bake in batches if necessary.
* **Let Cool Slightly:** Allowing the pigs in a blanket to cool slightly before serving prevents them from burning your mouth and allows the pastry to set up properly. This will also make them easier to handle.
**Variations and Customization**
* **Cheese-Stuffed:** Add a small piece of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack) to the pastry before wrapping it around the sausage. The melted cheese adds a creamy, gooey element that complements the savory sausage and flaky pastry perfectly. Imagine biting into a warm pig in a blanket and being greeted by a burst of melted cheddar cheese – a truly delightful experience.
* **Spicy Pigs in a Blanket:** Use spicy sausages or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the pastry for a kick of heat. Jalapeno-cheddar sausages are also a fantastic option for adding both spice and flavor. Serve with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or sour cream to balance the heat.
* **Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket:** Brush the pigs in a blanket with egg wash and sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning before baking. This adds a savory, aromatic flavor that’s reminiscent of everything bagels. The combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt creates a complex and satisfying taste.
* **Honey Mustard Glazed:** Brush the baked pigs in a blanket with a honey mustard glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor. Simply mix equal parts honey and mustard and brush over the warm pastries. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory sausage beautifully.
* **Pizza Pigs in a Blanket:** Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the pastry before wrapping it around the sausage. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning before baking. This variation transforms the classic pig in a blanket into a miniature pizza roll – perfect for pizza lovers!
* **Bacon-Wrapped Pigs in a Blanket:** Wrap each sausage with a strip of bacon before wrapping it in pastry. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that takes these pigs in a blanket to the next level. Make sure to use thin-cut bacon to ensure that it cooks through properly.
* **Mini Corn Dogs:** Use cornbread batter instead of pastry to create mini corn dogs. Dip the sausages in the batter and bake or deep-fry until golden brown. This is a fun and unique twist on the classic pig in a blanket.
* **Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket:** Use vegetarian sausages or veggie dogs instead of meat sausages. There are many delicious vegetarian sausage options available that are just as flavorful and satisfying as their meat counterparts.
* **Gluten-Free Pigs in a Blanket:** Use gluten-free pastry dough to make gluten-free pigs in a blanket. There are several brands of gluten-free pastry dough available in most grocery stores. Be sure to check the ingredients list carefully to ensure that the dough is truly gluten-free.
* **Different Dipping Sauces:** The dipping sauce can make or break a pig in a blanket. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorites. Some popular options include:
* Ketchup: The classic choice, offering a sweet and tangy flavor.
* Mustard: Adds a sharp, pungent kick.
* Honey Mustard: A balanced combination of sweet and tangy.
* Barbecue Sauce: Provides a smoky, savory flavor.
* Cheese Sauce: A creamy, cheesy indulgence.
* Ranch Dressing: A cool and creamy option that pairs well with spicy pigs in a blanket.
* Sriracha Mayo: Adds a spicy kick with a creamy texture.
**Homemade Dough Recipe (Optional)**
If you prefer to make your own dough, this simple recipe is a great option:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the milk until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly, just until it comes together.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
**Equipment**
* Baking Sheet
* Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
* Small Bowl (for egg wash)
* Whisk (for egg wash)
* Pastry Brush (for egg wash)
* Rolling Pin (if using puff pastry or homemade dough)
**Storage and Reheating Instructions**
* **Storage:** Store leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat pigs in a blanket in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly soggy. Another option is to reheat them in an air fryer for a crispy texture.
**Make-Ahead Instructions**
You can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to save time when you’re preparing for a party or gathering. Simply assemble the pigs in a blanket as directed, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
**Serving Suggestions**
Pigs in a blanket are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve pigs in a blanket as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. They’re always a crowd-pleaser and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy pigs in a blanket as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
* **As Part of a Meal:** Serve pigs in a blanket as part of a casual meal. They pair well with sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, or potato salad.
* **In Lunchboxes:** Pack pigs in a blanket in lunchboxes for a fun and tasty treat.
* **At Game Day Parties:** Pigs in a blanket are the perfect game day snack. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces and let your guests customize their own creations.
* **For Breakfast or Brunch:** Add pigs in a blanket to your breakfast or brunch spread for a savory option.
**Nutrition Information (Approximate)**
*Note: Nutrition information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 100-150 per pig in a blanket
* Fat: 7-10 grams
* Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
* Cholesterol: 20-30 milligrams
* Sodium: 200-300 milligrams
* Carbohydrates: 5-8 grams
* Sugar: 1-3 grams
* Protein: 3-5 grams
**Conclusion**
Pigs in a blanket are a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With this recipe and its variations, you can create countless versions of this classic treat. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best pigs in a blanket you’ve ever tasted! These are guaranteed to be a hit, no matter when or where you serve them! Whether you are a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these pigs in a blanket are easy enough for anyone to master. Now go forth and enjoy!