The Best Frozen Pigs in a Blanket Brands for Every Occasion
A delicious deep-dive into the top frozen pigs in a blanket brands, ideal for parties, family meals, or festive feasts.
Pigs in a blanket are a beloved staple for parties, holiday gatherings, and family dinners alike. These bite-sized, savory treats combine mini sausages or franks wrapped in flaky dough, making for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that never goes out of style. With so many brands now offering frozen versions, choosing the best pigs in a blanket can be daunting. This comprehensive guide taste-tests and reviews the leading frozen pigs in a blanket brands, highlights unique flavor twists, and offers tips for serving these snacks at your next occasion.
What Are Pigs in a Blanket?
Pigs in a blanket traditionally refer to cocktail-sized sausages or franks wrapped in a dough pastry—often puff pastry, but pretzel dough and other creative wraps are becoming popular. Variations exist depending on the region: bacon-wrapped sausages are a British holiday classic, while American versions feature franks in buttery or flaky pastry. Modern brands have experimented with flavors, seasonings, and pastry types to elevate the snack.
Criteria for Ranking the Best Brands
In determining the top frozen pigs in a blanket, brands were rated based on:
- Flavor of the sausage and pastry/dough
- Texture: Is the pastry flaky, doughy, or crisp?
- Seasoning and creativity: Any unique additions?
- Grease Level: Is the snack light or heavy?
- Ease of Preparation: Oven, microwave, or air fryer-compatible?
- Packaging and Price: Value for money
Top Frozen Pigs in a Blanket Brands: Taste-Tested & Reviewed
1. Hebrew National Beef Franks in a Puff Pastry Blanket
- Flavor: Small, snappy, salty beef franks wrapped in a distinctly high-quality puff pastry. The pastry is light, flaky, and notably not greasy.
- Best For: Traditionalists and party hosts seeking a reliable taste and texture.
- Preparation: Oven for best results; encourage plates to catch the delicious crackly crumbs.
2. SuperPretzel Mini Pretzel Dogs
- Flavor: Juicy mini franks, encased in soft, flavorful pretzel dough. Oven-baking gives a toasted and crunchy exterior, while microwave-cooking yields a softer pretzel texture.
- Best For: Those wanting a twist on tradition with pretzel flavor.
- Preparation: Both microwave and oven recommended; oven imparts extra toastiness.
3. Crav’n Flavor Everything Seasoning Mini Uncured Beef Franks in Puff Pastry
- Flavor: Puff pastry seasoned with everything bagel spices—sesame seeds, dried garlic, and parmesan cheese.
- Best For: Fans of bold seasoning who want every bite packed with flavor.
- Preparation: Quick oven bake for ideal crispiness.
4. Trader Joe’s Parmesan Pastry Pups
- Flavor: Cocktail-sized franks in rich, savory puff pastry dusted with parmesan cheese. Greasy, but undeniably tasty.
- Best For: Indulgent snackers and those loyal to Trader Joe’s frozen appetizers.
- Tip: Let them rest on paper towels post-baking to absorb excess grease.
5. Kroger Franks in a Blanket
- Flavor: Smoky pork sausages (not mini franks) wrapped in decent puff pastry and topped with parmesan.
- Best For: Smoky flavor lovers or Lit’l Smokies fans.
6. Spring Valley Cocktail Beef Franks (Available at Giant, Kroger, HEB)
- Flavor: Cocktail-sized beef franks wrapped in dough, with wide distribution and classic taste. Ranked highly for crowd-pleasing appeal.
- Best For: Bulk servings at parties or gatherings.
Best UK Frozen Pigs in a Blanket Brands (Festive Edition)
British pigs in blankets typically feature sausages wrapped in bacon, a Christmas dinner essential. Top-rated brands from a comprehensive Good Housekeeping Institute taste test include:
- Aldi Specially Selected Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets: Juicy bangers encased in sweet, smoky bacon. Classic flavor and slightly larger than average. Score: 88/100
- Lidl Deluxe Honey & Mustard Pigs in Blankets: Sweet, salty, with mild mustard heat and sticky bacon coating. Score: 82/100
- ASDA Exceptional Pigs in Blankets: Smoky Frankfurter-style sausages wrapped in oak-cured bacon. Distinct smoked depth. Score: 81/100
- The Jolly Hog Outdoor Bred Pigs in Blankets: Outdoor-bred sausages in double-smoked, treacle-cured bacon, seasoned with sage, nutmeg, and black pepper. Score: 81/100
- Tesco Finest Caramelised Onion Pigs in Blankets: Caramelised onion adds sweetness to the well-seasoned bites. Score: 80/100
- Waitrose British Treacle Pigs in Blankets: Thick bacon wrap and sweet-salty treacle flavor profile. Score: 80/100
- ASDA Exceptional Hot Maple Pigs in Blankets: Pork blankets with spicy hot maple flavor for heat seekers. Score: 80/100
- Aldi Ultimate Pigs in Blankets Pork & Cranberry: Smoky, herby, and sweet with a mouthwatering aroma. Score: 80/100
- Morrisons The Best Signature Collection: Black pepper and cured bacon for slightly spicy and sweet bites. Score: 80/100
- Iceland Ultimate Chunky Luxury Pigs in Blankets: Nutmeg, sage, and black pepper seasoning wrapped in streaky bacon. Score: 80/100
Comparative Table of Top Picks
| Brand | Pastry Type | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hebrew National | Puff Pastry | Salty, snappy beef franks; light, flaky pastry | Classic party appetizers |
| SuperPretzel | Pretzel Dough | Juicy, flavorful franks; toasted pretzel exterior | Pretzel lovers and quick snacks |
| Crav’n Flavor Everything Seasoning | Puff Pastry w/ Seasoning | Bold everything bagel flavor | Seasoning enthusiasts |
| Trader Joe’s Parmesan Pastry Pups | Puff Pastry w/ Parmesan | Rich, greasy, cheesy pastry | Indulgent snackers |
| Kroger Franks in a Blanket | Puff Pastry | Smoky sausage, parmesan topping | Smoky flavor fans |
Expert Tips for Cooking Frozen Pigs in a Blanket
- Use an oven or air fryer for a crispier, flakier exterior. Microwaving is faster but yields a softer pastry.
- Layer paper towels beneath cooked pigs to absorb excess grease, especially for brands like Trader Joe’s.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Classic options include spicy mustard, honey mustard, ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
- Presentation: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.
- Festive Extras: Sprinkle with fresh herbs, grated parmesan, or chili flakes before serving.
Seasonal and Flavor Variations
Many brands now offer pigs in blankets with creative flavor additions. Festive favorites include:
- Everything bagel seasoning: Adds nutty and garlicky notes.
- Honey and mustard glazes: Sweet and savory combinations for added depth.
- Caramelized onion: Subtle sweetness and enhanced aroma.
- Treacle or maple glazes: Sweet and sticky coatings for UK Christmas editions.
- Spicy maple or hot honey: For heat lovers and those seeking a unique twist.
- Bacon wraps: British brands wrap mini sausages in crispy, flavorful bacon—sometimes double- or treacle-cured.
Buying Guide: Where to Find Top Frozen Pigs in a Blanket
Find these brands at major supermarket chains and specialty stores:
- Trader Joe’s: Parmesan Pastry Pups
- Kroger, Giant, HEB: Franks in a Blanket, Spring Valley Beef Franks
- Instacart, Ralphs: Hebrew National, SuperPretzel
- ASDA, Morrisons, Waitrose, Tesco, Iceland (UK only): Unique flavors and premium festive releases.
- Aldi, Lidl: Budget and festive pigs in blankets
Pigs in a Blanket: Serving Suggestions
- For Parties: Serve with a variety of dips and toothpicks; pair with chips and veggie platters.
- For Dinner: Plate alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a salad.
- Holiday Meals: Add to Christmas spreads, Thanksgiving appetizers, or New Year’s Eve buffets.
- Snack Platter: Combine with cheese cubes, crackers, and olives for a fun finger-food board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes a good frozen pig in a blanket?
A: The best frozen pigs in a blanket have snappy, flavorful sausages and a pastry or dough that is crisp, flaky, or chewy without being greasy. Seasoning and quality of ingredients also make a big difference.
Q: Can I microwave frozen pigs in a blanket?
A: Yes, most brands are microwave-safe, but oven or air fryer cooking yields a superior texture—crispier pastry and juicier sausage.
Q: Are there vegetarian or chicken options?
A: While traditional pigs in a blanket use beef or pork, several brands offer chicken-based or plant-based options; however, these were not the main focus of most taste tests.
Q: Can frozen pigs in a blanket be made ahead for parties?
A: Absolutely! Bake and keep warm in a low oven, or prepare just before guests arrive for the freshest taste. Arrange on serving platters for easy pick-up.
Q: Which dipping sauces work best?
A: Popular choices include spicy mustard, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ketchup, ranch, or sriracha mayo. Tailor to your guests’ preferences for maximum appeal.
Final Thoughts on the Best Frozen Pigs in a Blanket
The frozen pigs in a blanket market offers a wide variety of flavors, sizes, and styles, so there’s truly a snack for every occasion. Classics like Hebrew National and Trader Joe’s deliver consistent quality and crowd-pleasing taste, while SuperPretzel and Crav’n Flavor provide innovative twists for those seeking novelty. UK brands excel in bacon-wrapped, festive flavors perfect for holiday dining. With the right preparation and serving tips, your chosen pigs in a blanket will steal the show at any party, meal, or seasonal celebration.
