Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delightful and easy-to-make Pigs in a Blanket! These classic appetizers are universally loved for their irresistible combination of savory cocktail sausages nestled within a warm, fluffy, and golden-brown biscuit crust. This recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible for even the most novice home cooks, yet yielding results that taste like they came from a professional kitchen. Prepare to impress your guests or simply treat your family to a snack that’s crispy on the outside, wonderfully soft on the inside, and utterly delicious in every bite.
The Irresistible Charm of Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a Blanket are more than just a simple appetizer; they are a timeless snack that evokes feelings of comfort, celebration, and pure enjoyment. Their origins are somewhat debated, but the concept of wrapping meat in dough dates back centuries, found in various forms across many cultures. However, the American version, typically featuring mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages wrapped in crescent roll or biscuit dough, gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century. They became a staple at parties, potlucks, and game day gatherings, admired for their grab-and-go convenience and universally appealing flavor.
What makes these miniature delights so enduringly popular? It’s their perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender, juicy sausage provides a burst of savory flavor, while the flaky, buttery dough adds a comforting chewiness. When baked to perfection, the exterior of the dough achieves a satisfying crispness, giving way to a soft interior that cradles the sausage. They are a true crowd-pleaser, easy to eat with one hand, and wonderfully versatile, adapting to various occasions from sophisticated soirées to casual family dinners.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Our recipe for Pigs in a Blanket isn’t just another rendition of a classic; it’s designed to elevate your snacking experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this version:
- Effortless Preparation: This classic Pigs in a Blanket recipe is incredibly simple to follow, requiring only a handful of ingredients and coming together in a flash. Forget complicated dough-making or intricate steps; we harness the convenience of refrigerated canned biscuits to get these delicious bites on your table quickly. It’s the ideal solution for last-minute gatherings or when you need a quick, satisfying snack without the fuss.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone adores these delicious, classic party snacks. Their diminutive size makes them perfect finger food, disappearing quickly from any platter. Beyond being stellar appetizers for game days, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers, they also make a fantastic grab-and-go breakfast option for busy mornings or a fun, interactive dinner that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Their universal appeal means there’s never a wrong time to serve them.
- The Perfect Meat-to-Dough Ratio: Instead of using full-sized biscuit dough, we quarter each refrigerated canned biscuit. This clever trick provides significantly more bang for your buck by yielding more individual pigs in a blanket per can. More importantly, this reduction in dough size creates an optimal meat-to-dough ratio. In our opinion, less biscuit allows the savory cocktail sausage flavor to truly shine through, ensuring that each bite is perfectly balanced and packed with taste, without being overly doughy.
- Endlessly Adaptable: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its incredible versatility. Feel free to unleash your creativity! You can easily customize these Pigs in a Blanket by adding a slice of your favorite cheese, experimenting with different types of sausages or hot dogs, or serving them with an array of delectable toppings or dipping sauces. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor them to your personal preferences or the theme of your event.
When you’re looking to serve a spread of delicious appetizers alongside these cocktail sausage Pigs in a Blanket, consider pairing them with other crowd-pleasing bites. Excellent companions include Oven Baked Sliders for a heartier option, crispy Bacon Jalapeno Pinwheels for a spicy kick, a refreshing Fresh Herb Vegetable Dip, classic Sausage Balls, a creamy Homemade Chip Dip, zesty Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups, or a luscious Spinach Dip From Scratch. Each of these options complements the savory flavors of the pigs in a blanket and helps create a diverse and satisfying appetizer spread.
Should you prefer a from-scratch dough experience, we encourage you to explore our recipe for Sausage Pretzel Bites, which offers a unique twist on the classic. Regardless of your dough choice, one thing is certain: don’t forget the dipping sauce! Our homemade Honey Mustard Sauce is an absolute game-changer and the perfect accompaniment for these savory treats.
Ingredients for Simple Perfection
Crafting delicious Pigs in a Blanket requires only a few key ingredients, making this a budget-friendly and accessible recipe for everyone. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 (16.3 oz) package Jumbo Buttermilk Biscuits: Look for brands like Pillsbury Grands refrigerated biscuits, typically an 8-count package. These provide a good size for quartering and wrapping.
- 1 (14 oz) package Cocktail Smokies: These mini cocktail sausages are the star of the show, offering a perfectly savory and juicy core.
- 1 large Egg (optional): For an egg wash, which gives the biscuits a beautiful golden-brown sheen and helps toppings adhere.
- 1 tablespoon Water: To mix with the egg for the egg wash.
- 1-2 teaspoons Sesame Seeds and/or Poppy Seeds (optional): These add a subtle nutty flavor and an appealing texture to the finished product, resembling mini bagel dogs.
With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of irresistible Pigs in a Blanket that will be devoured in no time!
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Pigs in a Blanket
Making these delightful mini sausages wrapped in dough is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
Prepare Your Workspace and Sausages
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Next, take your cocktail weiners (Lil Smokies) and arrange them on a plate lined with paper towels. Gently pat them dry. This removes any excess moisture, which is key for ensuring the biscuit dough adheres properly and bakes up crispy, not soggy. Finally, open your can of refrigerated biscuits and, for each biscuit, cut it into quarters. This yields the perfect small pieces of dough for wrapping the mini sausages.
Mastering the Biscuit Wrap
Take one quarter piece of biscuit dough and flatten it slightly, gently shaping it into a small rectangle. Place a dried cocktail sausage at one end of the flattened dough. Pull the dough towards you slightly, then carefully roll the sausage in the biscuit dough, ensuring it’s wrapped tightly. This tight wrap is essential to prevent the dough from unraveling during baking. Once rolled, pinch the seam closed firmly to seal the sausage inside its dough blanket. Place the wrapped sausage on your prepared baking sheet with the pinched seam side down. Repeat this process with the remaining sausages and biscuit pieces.
Bake to Golden Perfection
In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the top of each unbaked pig in a blanket with the egg wash. This helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds over the tops for added flavor and texture. Transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuit dough turns a rich golden brown and appears puffed up and fully cooked. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked, remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Expert Tips for Flawless Pigs in a Blanket
Achieving perfectly crispy, tender, and delicious Pigs in a Blanket every time is easy with these insider tips:
- Ensure Dry Sausages: This tip is paramount! Before rolling them in the biscuit dough, thoroughly dry your Lil Smokies with paper towels. Excess moisture on the sausages can lead to a soggy dough, preventing it from baking up golden and crispy. A dry surface helps the dough adhere better and creates a superior texture.
- Utilize Leftover Smokies: It’s common to have a few cocktail sausages left over after cutting the biscuit dough into quarters. Don’t let them go to waste! You will probably have 8 to 10 leftover little smokies. These can be cooked separately (pan-fried or roasted) and served as a side or added to other dishes.
- Roll Tightly and Seal Well: The key to keeping your pigs in their blankets is to roll the dough tightly around each sausage and, most importantly, pinch the seam closed very well. If the seam is not securely sealed, the biscuit dough can unravel during baking, exposing the sausage and compromising the final appearance and texture.
- Prepare Ahead for Convenience: For effortless entertaining or busy weeknights, these can be assembled a few hours in advance. Once wrapped, arrange them on your parchment-lined baking sheets, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a few hours before baking. This makes game day or party prep a breeze.
- Alternative Glazes: While an egg wash provides a classic golden finish, feel free to experiment with other glazes. If desired, you can brush them with melted butter for a richer, more tender crust, or with garlic butter for an added layer of savory flavor.
- The Essential Dipping Sauce: Pigs in a Blanket are simply incomplete without a complementary dipping sauce. We highly recommend trying our very easy-to-make and delicious Honey Mustard Sauce. Its sweet and tangy profile perfectly cuts through the richness of the sausage and biscuit, creating an irresistible flavor combination.
Creative Variations to Explore
The beauty of Pigs in a Blanket lies in their adaptability. Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to suit your taste or occasion. Here are some fantastic variations:
- Use Different Sausages: While cocktail smokies are traditional, they’re not your only option. You can use standard hot dogs by cutting them into thirds or quarters to fit the biscuit dough pieces. Alternatively, get adventurous with your favorite sausages such as breakfast sausage links, savory chicken sausage, classic smoked sausage, or even spicy andouille for a kick.
- Add a Cheesy Surprise: Elevate the flavor by adding a touch of cheese. Before rolling the sausage in the dough, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese, or place a small piece of American cheese, pepper jack for a spicy note, or Monterey jack for extra creaminess. The melted cheese inside adds a gooey, delicious layer.
- Experiment with Dough: If you’re looking for a different texture, consider alternative doughs. Refrigerated crescent roll dough works wonderfully; just cut each triangle into thirds before wrapping. Puff pastry is another excellent choice, offering a light, flaky crust. Ensure you cut the puff pastry small enough to maintain a good pastry-to-sausage ratio. A pizza cutter or pastry cutter makes quick work of this!
- Flavorful Toppings: Beyond sesame and poppy seeds, explore other toppings. Everything Bagel Seasoning is a popular choice, adding a blend of garlic, onion, and various seeds for a robust flavor. For a simpler yet equally appealing finish, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking will enhance the savory notes and add a satisfying crunch. Or, if you prefer, you can omit the topping entirely.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
Pigs in a Blanket are incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of settings. They are the quintessential party appetizer, perfect for game day festivities, holiday gatherings, or any casual get-together. Arrange them artfully on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces in small ramekins for easy access. For a more substantial offering, pair them with other finger foods like mini sliders, fresh vegetable sticks with dip, or small skewers of cheese and olives.
When it comes to dipping sauces, the possibilities are vast and cater to every palate. Classic choices include honey mustard (our top recommendation!), traditional yellow mustard, tangy Dijon mustard, or a bold spicy mustard for those who like a little heat. Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is always a hit, as is creamy ranch dressing. And of course, you can never go wrong with a side of classic ketchup, especially for younger guests. Offering a variety of sauces allows everyone to customize their experience and find their perfect pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Pigs in a Blanket can certainly be prepared in advance to simplify your party planning. However, we recommend prepping them no more than 24 hours ahead of time. The reason for this is that the sausages tend to release a bit of moisture over time, which can make the biscuit dough slightly soggy on the bottom if left too long. To make them ahead, assemble them as instructed, then cover the baking sheets tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This helps keep them fresh and ready for the oven.
Pigs in a Blanket are best served warm, fresh from the oven, with a selection of your favorite dipping sauces. They make a fantastic game day treat, a quick snack for kids, or an easy appetizer for any gathering. Arrange them on a platter for easy grab-and-go access. Popular dipping sauces include honey mustard, classic yellow mustard, tangy Dijon mustard, spicy mustard, sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, or even simple ketchup. Offering a variety allows your guests to choose their preferred flavor complement.
To store any leftover Pigs in a Blanket, first allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes them a convenient snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Absolutely! Pigs in a Blanket freeze wonderfully, making them an excellent make-ahead option for future events. After baking, let them cool entirely to room temperature. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh in the freezer for about 2 months. There’s no need to thaw them before reheating; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
For the best results and to regain that delightful crispy exterior, reheat leftover Pigs in a Blanket in the oven. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crust has re-crisped. We do not recommend using the microwave to reheat them, as it will likely make the dough soft and chewy rather than crispy.
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Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
This classic pigs in a blanket recipe uses refrigerated canned biscuits and cocktail sausages to provide the perfect finger food.
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Ingredients
- 1 (16.3 oz) Jumbo buttermilk biscuits (Pillsbury Grands refrigerated biscuits 8 count)
- 14 oz Cocktail smokies (mini cocktail sausages)
- 1 large Egg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Water
- 1-2 tsp Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dry the cocktail smokies on a paper towel-lined plate. Separate the biscuits and cut each one in half and then in half again. This will result in 32 quarter pieces of dough. (Ingredients: 14 oz Cocktail smokies, 1 16.3 oz Jumbo buttermilk biscuits)
- Flatten each quarter piece of biscuit dough and try to shape it into a rectangle. Place a sausage at one end, pull it towards you slightly, and then roll the sausage in the biscuit up tightly. Pinch the seam closed well and place it on the prepared pan seam side down.
- If using the egg wash, brush each one with egg wash, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the tops are puffed up. (Ingredients: 1 large Egg, 1 tablespoon Water, 1-2 tsp Sesame seeds)
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
To make ahead: Prepare the pigs in a blanket, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Bake as instructed.
To store leftovers: Let them cool to room temperature, place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To freeze them: Place the baked pigs in a blanket in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat them: In a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition
Serving: 32g | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 267mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.04mg