Easy and Delicious Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Who doesn’t love a classic snack that’s both easy to make and delicious? Pigs in a blanket, also known as mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough, have been a favorite for many years. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or just a quick snack for yourself. If you’ve never made pigs in a blanket before, don’t worry! It’s a simple process that anyone can do, and the end result is sure to satisfy your cravings.

To start, you’ll need some mini hot dogs and crescent roll dough. You can find both of these at your local grocery store. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle into three smaller triangles. Wrap each mini hot dog in one of the smaller triangles, starting at the widest end and rolling towards the point. Place the pigs in a blanket on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with your favorite condiments and enjoy!

10 Creative Ways to Make Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are a classic American appetizer loved by all ages. This simple recipe consists of hot dogs wrapped in dough and baked till crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can make pigs in a blanket using a variety of dough and meat options, and below are ten creative ways to turn this classic into a fun and delicious appetizer for any occasion.

1. Pretzel Dogs

Take your pigs in a blanket to the next level by wrapping them in pretzel dough. The salty and crunchy exterior pairs perfectly with the juicy hot dog. Follow a pretzel dough recipe or buy premade dough to save time.

2. Cheesy Jalapeño Pigs in a Blanket

Add some spice to your pigs in a blanket by stuffing them with jalapeño slices and cheddar cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and serve with a side of spicy dip.

3. Pizza Pigs in a Blanket

A fun way to switch up the classic pigs in a blanket is by filling them with pizza toppings. Add pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices or any toppings of your choice before rolling them in the dough and baking in the oven.

4. Cornbread Pigs in a Blanket

For a Southern twist on the classic pigs in a blanket, swap out the dough for cornbread mix. The sweet and savory combination of the cornbread and hot dog is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

5. Bacon-wrapped Pigs in a Blanket

Bacon lovers rejoice! Wrap your pigs in a blanket with crispy bacon and bake in the oven for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

6. Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket

For a meatless option, replace the hot dog with vegetarian sausages and wrap them in croissant dough for a flaky and delicious appetizer.

7. Reuben Pigs in a Blanket

Get inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich and fill your pigs in a blanket with pastrami, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing. Serve with an extra side of dressing for dipping.

8. BBQ Pigs in a Blanket

Replace the classic dough with barbecue sauce and wrap your hot dogs in the tangy and sweet mixture. Bake in the oven or grill for a unique twist on a summer favorite.

9. Italian-style Pigs in a Blanket

Add some Italian flavors to your pigs in a blanket by stuffing them with mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and prosciutto slices. Serve with a side of marinara for dipping.

10. Mac and Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Combine two comfort foods into one delicious appetizer by stuffing your pigs in a blanket with mac and cheese. Follow a mac and cheese recipe or use your favorite store-bought option and wrap the mixture in crescent roll dough.

Conclusion

Pigs in a blanket are a simple and versatile appetizer that can be customized in many ways. Whether you prefer a classic option or want to try something new, these ten creative ideas will elevate your next gathering or party. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dough and filling options to create a unique and delicious recipe that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Making Pigs in a Blanket

Making pigs in a blanket is an easy recipe that doesn’t require too many ingredients. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Cocktail sausages
2. Puff pastry
3. Egg wash
4. Flour
5. Salt
6. Pepper
7. Mustard (optional)
8. Ketchup (optional)
9. Honey (optional)
10. Sesame seeds (optional)

Choosing the Right Cocktail Sausages

When making pigs in a blanket, the type of cocktail sausages you use can make all the difference. Look for sausages that are firm and plump, with a good balance of meat and fat. Avoid sausages that are too lean or too fatty, as they won’t cook evenly. You can use mini hot dogs, but traditional cocktail sausages are the best.

Preparing the Puff Pastry

Before you start making your pigs in a blanket, you’ll need to prepare the puff pastry. Begin by lightly dusting your work surface with flour. Roll out the puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into strips that are about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long.

Wrapping the Cocktail Sausages

To wrap the cocktail sausages, place each sausage at the bottom of a puff pastry strip. Roll the pastry around the sausage, ensuring that the pastry overlaps slightly. Press the edges of the pastry together gently to seal the ends. Repeat with the remaining sausages and pastry strips.

Using Egg Wash

Using an egg wash will give your pigs in a blanket a beautiful golden brown color. To make the egg wash, beat one egg in a bowl with a little water. Then, use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash over the top of each pig in a blanket.

Flavor Variations

If you want to give your pigs in a blanket extra flavor, you can experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces. Mustard, ketchup, and honey are all popular choices. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds over the egg wash to add a nutty flavor and crunch.

Baking the Pigs in a Blanket

Preheat your oven to 400˚F. Place the pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on the pigs in a blanket towards the end of the cooking time to ensure they don’t overcook.

Serving Suggestions

Pigs in a blanket are a perfect finger food for parties, game nights, and other gatherings. Serve them hot out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauce. You can also serve them with a side salad or vegetables for a more substantial meal.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, allow the pigs in a blanket to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350˚F for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips for Making Perfect Pigs in a Blanket

Here are a few tips to help you make perfect pigs in a blanket:

– Make sure your pastry is chilled before cutting it into strips.
– Use plenty of egg wash for a golden brown color.
– Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – leave some space between the pigs in a blanket.
– Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash evenly.
– Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.

Getting Creative with Your Pigs in a Blanket

1. Sweet and Savory Combinations

One way to add some kick to your pigs in a blanket is to experiment with different flavor combinations. For example, you can wrap the mini sausages with bacon (who doesn’t love bacon?), or add a sprinkle of brown sugar on top for a touch of sweetness that will balance out the saltiness of the sausages. Another one of our favorite combos is adding a bit of cheddar cheese inside the dough before wrapping the pig.

2. Let’s Go International

Pigs in a blanket are a fun and simple appetizer, but who says they have to be boring? Take inspiration from other cultures and make your own creative spin on the classic appetizer. For example, why not try adding some kimchi or gochujang (Korean hot sauce) to give it a Korean flair? Or, you can add some Italian seasoning and wrap the pigs in warm pizza dough. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to explore different international cuisines!

3. Go Miniature

Pigs in a blanket are often served as bite-sized appetizers at parties, but you can take it one step further and turn them into miniature snacks that are perfect for on-the-go. Simply use cocktail sausages instead of regular-sized hot dogs, and cut the pastry into small pieces. These mini pigs in a blanket can easily be packed into a lunchbox or cooler for a quick snack that will satisfy any cravings.

4. Dip, Dip, Dip!

What’s a good appetizer without a good dip? There are many dips that pair perfectly with pigs in a blanket. For example, ketchup and mustard are the classic choices and are sure to please everyone. However, you can also get creative with dips like ranch dressing, honey mustard sauce, or even salsa for a little extra kick.

5. Healthier Alternatives

Pigs in a blanket may not be the healthiest snack option, but with a few tweaks, they can be turned into a healthier alternative that is still delicious. For example, instead of using regular pastry, you can use crescent rolls made with whole wheat flour. You can also use turkey sausages instead of the classic pork sausage. These small changes can make a big difference in the calorie and fat content of the appetizer, without sacrificing the flavor.

Remember, pigs in a blanket are a simple and fun appetizer that can be easily customized to fit any taste preference. Whether you’re making them for a party or just as a quick snack, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and combinations to create your own ultimate pig in a blanket recipe!

Cheers to a Delicious Dish!

Thanks for reading and joining me on this journey to make a classic American snack, pigs in a blanket. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for yourself, I hope my tips and tricks have made the process a little easier and more enjoyable. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with your friends and family, and come back again for more tasty recipes. Happy cooking!