Pigs in a Blanket are a beloved, fuss-free appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual family gatherings. With a crispy pastry and juicy sausage, Pigs in a Blanket are always a hit with both kids and adults. This guide covers everything you need to make delicious Pigs in a Blanket, including ingredients, equipment, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and serving ideas.
Table of Contents
Why Pigs in a Blanket Are a Party Essential
Pigs in a Blanket are more than just mini sausage rolls, they’re a versatile finger food that can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference. The combination of flaky pastry and savory sausage makes each bite satisfying and festive. Pigs in a Blanket are easy to make, affordable, and can be prepared in large batches, making them ideal for entertaining. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday event or a cozy movie night, Pigs in a Blanket are a reliable choice that everyone loves.
Holiday Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Keep your pastry chilled until just before cutting to preserve flakiness.
- Unroll crescent dough or thaw puff pastry and cut into 1–1.5 inch strips.
- Place a mini sausage at the thick end of each strip and roll toward the thin end.
- For puff pastry, fold seam-side down to keep edges sealed.
- Place rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet and brush each with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle lightly with everything bagel seasoning or flaky salt, or brush with a mix of brown sugar and Dijon.
- Bake for 12–16 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway for even browning.
- Remove when pastry is golden and sausages are heated through, then rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ingredients for Pigs in a Blanket
To make a batch of Pigs in a Blanket, you’ll need:
- 24-36 mini cocktail sausages (pork, beef, or vegetarian)
- 2 sheets refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Brown sugar and Dijon mustard (optional, for a sweet-and-spicy glaze)
- Everything bagel seasoning or flaky sea salt (for a finishing crunch)
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing or labeling dietary variations)
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pastry dough. For a vegetarian option, swap out the sausages for plant-based mini sausages and label them clearly if serving a mixed crowd.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make Pigs in a Blanket. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rimmed baking sheet (prevents drips and helps with even browning)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (makes cleanup easier)
- Pastry brush (for applying egg wash or glaze)
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for slicing dough)
A quality rimmed baking sheet and silicone mat are great investments if you frequently host gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Chill: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Keep your pastry chilled until just before cutting to preserve its flakiness. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut and Wrap: Unroll the crescent dough or thaw the puff pastry. Cut the dough into 1-1.5 inch strips. Place a mini sausage at the thick end of each strip and roll toward the thin end. For puff pastry, fold seam-side down to keep edges sealed.
- Brush and Season: Place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush each with beaten egg. Sprinkle lightly with everything bagel seasoning or flaky salt. For a sweet-savory option, mix 1 tablespoon brown sugar with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and brush onto the rolls.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 12-16 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through for even browning. Remove when the pastry is golden and the sausages are heated through. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
For larger batches, use two baking sheets and stagger the oven racks. Rotate the sheets halfway through baking to ensure consistent results.
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting
- Dough Not Crisping: Make sure the dough is well chilled before baking and don’t overcrowd the sheet—tight spacing creates steam.
- Sausage Pops Out: Place the sausage slightly off-center on the dough strip and press the seam. A dab of water can help seal puff pastry edges.
- Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Prebake your sheet for a few minutes (without food) to reduce steam accumulation, or use a perforated baking sheet if available.
- Dietary Swaps: For vegetarian guests, use plant-based mini sausages and label them with toothpicks to avoid mix-ups.
Serving Suggestions
Pigs in a Blanket are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to serve them:
- Classic Platter: Arrange Pigs in a Blanket with mustard and ketchup served in ramekins.
- Upscale Party Version: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with microgreens.
- Kid-Friendly Ideas: Serve with honey mustard and apple slices.
- Themed Variations: Add chopped rosemary and maple glaze for a holiday twist, or wrap with a thin bacon slice for a smoky flavor.
Easy Variations:
- Cheese-Stuffed: Add a small cube of sharp cheddar or pepper jack before rolling.
- Spicy: Brush with sriracha-honey glaze for a sweet heat.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store cooled Pigs in a Blanket in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best texture, reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes until heated through and crisped.
- Freeze: Flash-freeze on a sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Approximate serving size: 2-3 pieces per person as an appetizer.
- Calories: 120-180 per 3-piece serving (varies with dough type and sausage)
- Protein: Sausages provide 6-10 g protein per serving; choose lean or plant-based varieties to adjust.
Pigs in a Blanket offer quick protein and can be balanced with vegetable sides for a more complete snack. Opt for whole-ingredient sausages and control portion size to keep this festive appetizer balanced.
FAQs
- How long do I bake Pigs in a Blanket? Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-16 minutes until pastry is golden and sausages are hot. Check at 12 minutes and adjust for oven variation.
- Can I make Pigs in a Blanket ahead of time? Yes—assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving for the freshest texture.
- What dough is best for Pigs in a Blanket? Puff pastry yields flakier layers; refrigerated crescent dough is quicker and still delicious. Choose based on time and texture preference.
- Are there good dipping sauces for Pigs in a Blanket? Classic mustard, honey mustard, or a cranberry-mustard dip are all easy, crowd-pleasing options.
- Can I make these vegetarian? Absolutely. Use plant-based mini sausages and label them if serving mixed dietary options.
Conclusion
Pigs in a Blanket are a reliable, adaptable appetizer that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for any occasion. This guide covered ingredients, equipment, step-by-step baking, pro tips, storage, nutrition, and quick FAQs so you can make festive bites confidently. Try the variations and storage tips, then impress your guests with a platter everyone can enjoy.
For more party-ready appetizer ideas and recipes, check out our collection of easy appetizer recipes for more inspiration.
