Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer
Discover the simple joy of pigs in a blanket—an irresistibly easy appetizer that brings fun and flavor to any gathering.
Pigs in a Blanket are a beloved classic appetizer featuring savory mini sausages wrapped snugly in golden, flaky dough. Whether served at casual parties, holiday gatherings, or family game nights, these bite-sized treats always disappear first, thanks to their irresistible taste and easy preparation. With just a couple of ingredients and minimal prep, pigs in a blanket deliver perfect comfort and joy for every occasion.
Why Pigs in a Blanket Are a Crowd Favorite
- Simple Ingredients: Requires only two main items—mini sausages and crescent roll dough.
- Fast Preparation: Ready to eat in just minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous get-togethers.
- Kid-Friendly: Their miniature size and flavor appeal to all ages and make them easy to handle.
- Customizable: Adapt the seasonings, dough, or dipping sauces to suit your tastes and themes.
- Versatile: Works equally well for potlucks, tailgate parties, holidays, or after-school snacks.
What Makes the “Blanket”?
The classic “blanket” is a refrigerated crescent roll dough, though variations can use puff pastry or biscuit dough for a different texture. The dough is cut into smaller strips or triangles, then wrapped securely around the sausage. Once baked, it becomes buttery, flaky, and beautifully golden brown.
The Sausage: The “Pig” Inside
Traditionally, cocktail-sized smoked sausages or little smokies are used for bite-sized snacks. For larger portions, you can use regular-sized hot dogs cut into halves or quarters.
Tip: Pat the sausages dry before wrapping to ensure crispiness in the final product .
History and Origin of Pigs in a Blanket
The name “pigs in a blanket” refers playfully to sausages (pigs) wrapped snugly inside pastry dough (blankets). The first published recipe emerged in a children’s cookbook from the 1950s, and quickly gained popularity as a fun, simple dish that appeals to all ages. While commonly associated with American cuisine, similar dishes can be found around the world with variations in the type of meat and bread used .
Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crescent roll dough | 1 (8-ounce) can | Store-bought, refrigerated |
| Cocktail-sized sausages (Little Smokies) | 1 (14-ounce) package | Patted dry before use |
| Egg | 1 large | For brushing dough (optional) |
| Everything bagel seasoning | As desired | Optional topping |
Optional: Dipping Sauces
- Spicy Mayo (mayonnaise + chili-garlic sauce/Sriracha)
- Maple-Dijon (Dijon mustard + genuine maple syrup)
- Quick Ranch (sour cream + pickle juice + fresh chives)
- Ketchup, Mustard, Cheese Sauce, Barbecue Sauce, Honey Mustard
Essential Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pizza cutter or knife (for dough)
- Small bowl and brush (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Preheat: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent dough. Separate into 8 triangles, then cut each triangle into 3 thin strips. You should have 24 pieces.
- Wrap Sausages: Place each mini sausage on the wide end of a strip and roll toward the point, so the dough covers the sausage completely.
- Arrange: Place rolled pigs in a blanket on your baking sheet, seam side down.
- Egg Wash & Seasonings (Optional): Whisk the egg with a teaspoon of water. Brush over each blanket for a glossy finish. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or sea salt flakes as desired.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until dough is puffed and golden brown.
- Prepare Dips: While baking, stir together ingredients for your chosen dipping sauces.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve warm with dipping sauces.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pigs in a Blanket
- Work quickly with cold dough—warm hands can make it sticky.
- Pat sausages dry to prevent soggy dough.
- Even baking: Place rolled dough seam side down to prevent unraveling.
- Pizza cutter is ideal for dividing crescent roll dough evenly.
- Customize with cheese slices, spicy seasonings, or alternate sausages.
Creative Twists on the Classic Recipe
- Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket: Add a thin slice of cheddar or pepper jack inside the dough before wrapping the sausage.
- Puff Pastry Variation: Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for an extra flaky finish.
- Seasoned Blankets: Sprinkle garlic powder, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds for gourmet flair.
- Veggie Pigs: Substitute veggie sausages for a vegetarian version.
- Buffet-Ready: Offer several dipping sauces for variety.
Serving Suggestions
- Game Day Parties: Arrange pigs in a blanket on a platter with toothpicks and dipping bowls.
- Holiday Appetizers: Stack in pyramid shapes or festive trays; garnish with herbs.
- Family Snacks: Pair with baked beans, corn bread, or simple salads for a light meal.
- Potlucks: Bake ahead and serve warm at your event.
How Many Does a Batch Serve?
A single recipe typically yields about 24 pigs in a blanket. If using cocktail sausages, a standard 14-ounce package may contain up to 40. Make two dough cans for larger batches or serve extra sausages warmed in barbeque sauce with toothpicks for easy snacking .
Nutritional Considerations
Pigs in a blanket are indulgent treats best enjoyed in moderation. Mini sausages are high in protein but also sodium; crescent roll dough is rich and buttery. For a lighter version, opt for turkey or veggie sausages and reduced-fat dough. Customize dips to reduce sugar or fat, depending on dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make pigs in a blanket ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them (uncooked, covered) up to a day ahead. Bake just before serving for best texture.
Q: Can I freeze pigs in a blanket?
A: Absolutely. Freeze before baking on a tray until solid, then transfer to bags. Bake from frozen for a few extra minutes.
Q: Can I use different types of sausages?
A: Any mini sausage works, including turkey, chicken, veggie, or larger hot dogs cut down to size.
Q: What should I serve as dips?
A: Classic options include spicy mayo, maple-dijon, ranch, ketchup, mustard, cheese sauce, barbecue, and honey mustard.
Q: Are pigs in a blanket suitable for kids?
A: Yes! They’re considered very kid-friendly, thanks to their mild flavor and fun shape.
Quick Variations for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit or crescent dough; ensure sausages are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Choose dairy-free dough and avoid cheese-based dips.
- Vegetarian: Swap in plant-based sausages.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- If dough tears, gently pinch or patch with extra dough.
- If dough browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- If soggy, ensure sausages are well-dried and oven is preheated.
Pigs in a Blanket Around the World
Variations exist worldwide—from British sausage rolls (sausage in puff pastry) to Dutch “worstenbroodje” and German “Würstchen im Schlafrock.” Each culture adapts the basic concept for local ingredients and flavors.
Perfect Occasions for Pigs in a Blanket
- Birthday parties
- Tailgates and sports gatherings
- Holiday celebrations (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s)
- Potlucks and buffet tables
- Family movie nights or sleepovers
Quick Reference Table: Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 12–15 minutes | 24 pieces | Very Easy |
Final Thoughts
Pigs in a blanket are a timeless, easy-to-make appetizer that guarantees happy faces and empty plates. With endless possibilities for customization, they make party-planning simple and stress-free. Whether you’re keeping to the classic or trying new flavors, keep plenty on hand—they’ll vanish fast!
