Picture this: golden-brown, flaky pastry embracing a juicy, savory sausage; the ultimate comfort food that brings smiles to faces of all ages! We’re talking about Pigs In A Blanket, and this isn’t just *any* recipe – it’s *the* recipe for perfectly baked, irresistibly delicious mini masterpieces that will vanish in minutes, I promise!
Ingredients
For the Pigs In A Blanket:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated seamless crescent roll dough
- 1 (12-14 oz) package mini smoked sausages (cocktail wieners)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for topping
Dipping Sauces (Optional):
- Ketchup
- Mustard (yellow, Dijon, or honey mustard)
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Cheese Sauce
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Pastry brush (or your fingers!)
- Pizza cutter or knife
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Dough to Deliciousness
Getting Started: Prep Work is Key
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Open the crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. If the dough has perforations to create triangles, pinch them together to create a solid sheet.
Assembling Your Pigs
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into small rectangles. The size of the rectangles should be just large enough to wrap around each mini sausage. A good starting point is to cut the dough lengthwise into 4 strips, then crosswise into about 6-8 sections per strip.
- Place a mini sausage at the edge of each dough rectangle. Roll the dough around the sausage, ensuring the seam is on the bottom.
- Place the wrapped sausages onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
The Golden Touch: Egg Wash and Toppings
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Brush the tops of each pig in a blanket with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Optional: Sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Baking to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to prevent burning!
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
- Dough is too sticky: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. You can also chill the dough in the refrigerator for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Sausages are bursting out of the dough: Make sure you’re not using too much sausage for each dough rectangle. Also, ensure the seam is tightly sealed on the bottom.
- Pigs in a blanket are browning too quickly: Lower the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and bake for a few minutes longer. You can also tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Serving Suggestions: Dipping Delights
Pigs in a blanket are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with dipping sauces! Here are some of my favorite options:
- Classic Ketchup: A timeless pairing.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or honey mustard – take your pick!
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky and sweet flavor.
- Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy, a crowd-pleaser.
- Cheese Sauce: Warm and gooey, perfect for cheese lovers.
Variations and Creative Twists
- Cheese-Filled: Add a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese inside the dough with the sausage for a cheesy surprise.
- Jalapeño Popper Pigs: Mix softened cream cheese with diced jalapeños and spread a small amount onto the dough before wrapping the sausage.
- Everything Bagel Pigs: Use everything bagel seasoning on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Pretzel Dogs: Use pretzel dough instead of crescent roll dough for a chewier, more savory treat. Make sure to brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with pretzel salt before baking.
Make Ahead Tips: Prep for Party Success
Want to get ahead of the game? You can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the dough from drying out. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Place the unbaked pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Pairing Suggestions: Complete the Feast
Looking to create a complete appetizer spread? Here are some dishes that pair perfectly with pigs in a blanket:
- Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread: Soft, cheesy, and totally irresistible.
- Charcuterie Wreath: A beautiful and delicious addition to any party.
- Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups: Sweet and savory, with a festive touch.
- Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs: A fun and festive appetizer.
Why This Recipe Works: My Secret Ingredient (It’s Love!)
Okay, okay, I don’t *actually* have a secret ingredient, but the real secret is taking your time and enjoying the process. Don’t rush, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations. The most important thing is to have fun and create something delicious that you and your loved ones will enjoy. Plus, the nostalgia factor of Pigs In A Blanket is unbeatable! It brings back childhood memories and adds a touch of whimsy to any gathering. And while these are incredibly simple, they’re always a hit, even alongside more sophisticated Holiday Appetizers Ultimate!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 1 pig in a blanket)
- Calories: 80-100
- Fat: 6-8g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
- Sodium: 200-250mg
- Carbohydrates: 4-6g
- Protein: 2-3g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Final Thoughts: Your Pig In A Blanket Journey Begins Now!
So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for perfect Pigs In A Blanket! I truly hope this guide has inspired you to create your own batch of these delightful treats. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Now go forth and conquer the kitchen, one delicious pig in a blanket at a time!
What can I do if the crescent roll dough is too sticky to work with?
Lightly dust your work surface with flour. You can also chill the dough in the refrigerator for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
Can I prepare these pigs in a blanket ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, covered tightly with plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
My pigs in a blanket are browning too quickly in the oven. What should I do?
Lower the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and bake for a few minutes longer. You can also tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.
What are some creative variations I can try with this recipe?
You can add a small cube of cheese inside with the sausage, make Jalapeño Popper Pigs by adding cream cheese and diced jalapeños, use everything bagel seasoning on top, or use pretzel dough instead of crescent roll dough.
Perfect Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Open the crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. Pinch together any perforations to create a solid sheet.
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into small rectangles, about 4 strips lengthwise and 6-8 sections per strip.
- Place a mini sausage at the edge of each dough rectangle.
- Roll the dough around the sausage, ensuring the seam is on the bottom.
- Place the wrapped sausages onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth.
- Brush the tops of each pig in a blanket with the beaten egg.
- Optional: Sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
