Name: Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Party Appetizers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 14 pigs in a blanket
Ingredients: 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated seamless crescent dough sheet; 14 cocktail-size smoked sausages (about 10 ounces); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 tablespoon milk or water; Optional toppings: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, coarse salt; Optional dipping sauces: Ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, cheese sauce

Pigs in a blanket: the ultimate crowd-pleaser, party snack, and nostalgic comfort food all rolled into one! Who can resist the simple yet irresistible combination of a savory sausage snuggly wrapped in a warm, golden blanket of dough? I know I certainly can't! This recipe takes the classic to the next level, ensuring perfectly cooked sausages and a delightfully flaky crust every single time.

While the exact origins of pigs in a blanket are debated, similar concepts have existed for centuries across various cultures. Think of the British "sausage roll" or the Czech "klobasnek" – all variations on the theme of meat encased in pastry. The American version, however, gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple at children's parties and family gatherings. It's a testament to the dish's simplicity and universal appeal.

What makes pigs in a blanket so beloved? It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The salty, savory sausage contrasts beautifully with the slightly sweet and buttery dough. The soft interior gives way to a satisfyingly crisp exterior. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you're using crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even homemade dough, and whether you prefer mini cocktail sausages or full-sized hot dogs, there's a pigs in a blanket recipe out there for everyone. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor and a wave of nostalgia with this easy and delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated seamless crescent dough sheet
14 cocktail-size smoked sausages (about 10 ounces)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon milk or water
Optional toppings: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, coarse salt
Optional dipping sauces: Ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, cheese sauce

Preparing the Dough and Sausages

Okay, let's get started! First things first, we need to prep our ingredients. This is a super easy recipe, but a little organization goes a long way.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial! You want a nice, hot oven to get that golden-brown, flaky crust we all love. Make sure your oven rack is in the center position for even baking.
Prepare your baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the pigs in a blanket from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don't have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
Open the crescent dough sheet. Carefully unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Since we're using a seamless sheet, there's no need to pinch any seams together. If you're using regular crescent roll dough, you'll need to pinch the perforations together to create a solid sheet.
Cut the dough into strips. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough sheet into approximately 14 equal strips. The exact size doesn't have to be perfect, but try to make them roughly the same width so the pigs in a blanket bake evenly. Aim for strips that are about 1 inch wide and long enough to wrap around the sausages.
Prepare the sausages. If your sausages are pre-cooked (most cocktail sausages are), you don't need to do anything to them. If they're not pre-cooked, you'll need to cook them according to the package directions before wrapping them in the dough. Pat the sausages dry with a paper towel. This helps the dough adhere better.

Wrapping the Sausages

Now for the fun part – wrapping those little sausages in their cozy blankets! This is where you can get creative and make them look extra cute.

Wrap each sausage with a strip of dough. Take one strip of dough and wrap it around a sausage, overlapping the dough slightly to seal it. You can wrap the sausage completely, leaving just the ends exposed, or you can wrap it partially, leaving more of the sausage visible. Experiment and see what you like best!
Place the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the pigs in a blanket on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. This allows for even baking and prevents them from sticking together.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Almost there! Now it's time to bake these little guys to golden-brown perfection. And don't forget those optional toppings – they add a touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water). This creates an egg wash that will give the pigs in a blanket a beautiful, glossy finish.
Brush the pigs in a blanket with the egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of the wrapped sausages with the egg wash. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Add optional toppings (if desired). Sprinkle the pigs in a blanket with your favorite toppings. Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, and coarse salt are all great options. You can even create different variations by using different toppings on different pigs in a blanket.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pigs in a blanket are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Let cool slightly before serving. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pigs in a blanket cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. This prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet and makes them easier to handle.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces. Ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, and cheese sauce are all classic dipping sauces for pigs in a blanket. Get creative and try other sauces, such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Tips and Variations

Want to take your pigs in a blanket to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

Use different types of sausages. Experiment with different types of sausages, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausages.
Add cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausages before wrapping them in the dough, or add a small cube of cheese inside each pig in a blanket. Cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack are all great choices.
Add a touch of spice. Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the sausages before wrapping them in the dough, or add a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash.
Make mini pigs in a blanket. Cut the sausages in half before wrapping them in the dough to make mini pigs in a blanket. These are perfect for parties and appetizers.
Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough. For a richer, flakier crust, use puff pastry instead of crescent dough.
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the prepared pigs in a blanket in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Make them ahead of time. You can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Freezing for later: Assemble the pigs in a blanket, but don't bake them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

The dough is sticking to the baking sheet. Make sure you're using parchment paper or greasing the baking sheet well.
The dough is not cooking through. Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that you're baking the pigs in a blanket for the recommended time. If the dough is still not cooking through, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
The sausages are bursting out of the dough. Make sure you're wrapping the sausages tightly in the dough. If the sausages are still bursting out, you may need to use a thicker strip of dough.
The pigs in a blanket are burning. Make sure your oven is not too hot and that you're not baking the pigs in a blanket for too long. If they're starting to burn, you can cover them with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Enjoy your homemade pigs in a blanket! They're the perfect snack for parties, game days, or just a fun weekend treat. And remember, don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This isn't just any recipe; it's a passport to pure, unadulterated comfort food bliss. These pigs in a blanket are more than just a snack; they're a nostalgic trip back to childhood, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, if you can open a can of crescent roll dough and wrangle a few mini sausages, you're already halfway there. But why is this recipe a must-try? Because it delivers on all fronts. It's quick, requiring minimal prep time, making it perfect for those weeknight cravings or last-minute gatherings. It's affordable, using readily available ingredients that won't break the bank. And most importantly, it's utterly delicious. The flaky, buttery crescent roll dough perfectly complements the savory, juicy mini sausages, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Beyond the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Or, brush the tops with a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder for a savory, aromatic twist. For a spicier kick, consider using chorizo sausages or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.

Serving Suggestions:

These little guys are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer at your next party with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, or even a creamy sriracha mayo. They're also fantastic as a quick and easy lunch, paired with a side salad or some fresh fruit. And let's not forget breakfast! These pigs in a blanket are a fun and satisfying way to start the day, especially when served with a side of scrambled eggs.

Variations to Explore:

* Cheese Pigs: Add a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese inside each crescent roll before wrapping the sausage. * Jalapeño Pigs: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños into the dough for a spicy kick. * Everything Bagel Pigs: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking. * Mini Corn Dogs: Dip the sausages in a simple cornmeal batter before baking for a fun twist on a classic. * Pigs in a Pretzel Blanket: Use pretzel dough instead of crescent roll dough for a chewier, saltier version. I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their arsenal. It's a guaranteed win, no matter the occasion. So, I urge you to give it a try. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade pigs in a blanket. And once you've made them, I'd love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? What dipping sauces did you use? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let's create a community of pig-in-a-blanket enthusiasts! I can't wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Happy baking (or should I say, happy blanket-wrapping)!