Pigs in a Blanket Recipe: The Ultimate Party Snack!

Who doesn’t love pigs in a blanket? These bite-sized morsels of sausage wrapped in flaky pastry are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, parties, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This recipe takes the classic to the next level, ensuring perfectly cooked sausages and golden-brown, buttery pastry every time. Forget the frozen aisle – homemade is always better, and this recipe proves it’s surprisingly simple!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on simplicity and technique to deliver the best possible pigs in a blanket. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Even Cooking: Pre-cooking the sausages slightly ensures they’re cooked through, preventing a raw or undercooked center. This is especially crucial if you’re using thicker sausages.
• Flaky Pastry: Using refrigerated crescent roll dough provides that signature flaky texture. The key is to keep the dough cold until you’re ready to use it.
• Golden Brown Perfection: An egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen, making them visually appealing and adding a touch of richness.
• Customizable: This recipe is a great base for adding your own personal touch. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sausage before wrapping. Craving cheese? Sprinkle some shredded cheddar inside the pastry. The possibilities are endless!
• Kid-Friendly: What kid (or adult, for that matter) can resist a pig in a blanket? This recipe is perfect for getting the little ones involved in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 pound cocktail sausages (or mini hot dogs)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, honey mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Sausages: If using larger sausages, you may want to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. For cocktail sausages, this step is usually unnecessary. In a skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the sausages for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring they are heated through but not fully cooked. This step is crucial for even cooking inside the pastry.
3. Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Gently separate the dough along the perforations to create triangles.
4. Assemble Pigs in a Blanket: Place a sausage at the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough up towards the point, completely encasing the sausage. Pinch the seam to seal.
5. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Brush the top of each pig in a blanket with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
6. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle the tops of the pigs in a blanket with everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. You can also add a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese inside each one before rolling.
7. Bake: Arrange the pigs in a blanket on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the pigs in a blanket cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, or cheese sauce.

Tips for Success

• Keep Dough Cold: Cold dough is easier to work with and results in a flakier pastry. Keep the crescent roll dough refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
• Don’t Overcook the Sausages: The sausages will continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overcook them during the pre-cooking stage. They should be browned and heated through, but not fully cooked.
• Seal the Seams: Pinch the seams of the dough tightly to prevent the sausages from popping out during baking.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the pigs in a blanket from sticking.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pigs in a blanket! Try adding different cheeses, spices, or sauces to customize them to your liking.
• Air Fryer Option: For a quicker cooking time, you can also cook these in an air fryer. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftovers: Leftover pigs in a blanket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the pastry may become slightly soggy.

FAQ

Q: Can I use different types of sausages?
A: Absolutely! While cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs are traditional, you can use any type of sausage you like. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bake them within that time frame.

Q: Can I freeze pigs in a blanket?
A: Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked pigs in a blanket, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To freeze baked pigs in a blanket, let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
A: Yes, you can use puff pastry. Cut the puff pastry into strips or squares and wrap the sausages accordingly. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly. Puff pastry will create a slightly different, but equally delicious, texture.

Q: What are good dipping sauces for pigs in a blanket?
A: Ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, and BBQ sauce are all popular choices.

Conclusion

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for perfect pigs in a blanket! This simple yet satisfying snack is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats in no time. So, ditch the store-bought version and try this homemade recipe – you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!