Pigs in a Blanket are one of the most beloved classic American appetizers, simple, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized delights are made by wrapping cocktail sausages in buttery crescent roll dough and baking them until golden brown and flaky. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re always the first snack to disappear at parties, game days, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, preparing appetizers for Easter brunch, or serving snacks for a movie night, Pigs in a Blanket are effortless to make and universally loved by both kids and adults. You can keep them traditional with just sausage and dough or dress them up with cheese, seasonings, or dipping sauces to match your flavor preference.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 24 cocktail sausages (such as Little Smokies)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or regular mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional topping)
Suggested Dipping Sauces:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Barbecue sauce
- Spicy sriracha mayo
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a lightly floured surface.
- Separate the dough into 8 triangles along the perforated lines.
- Cut each triangle into 3 smaller long triangles to create 24 strips.
Step 3: Optional Mustard Layer
- If adding flavor, lightly brush each dough triangle with a thin layer of Dijon or yellow mustard. This adds tang and prevents sogginess.
Step 4: Wrap the Sausages
- Place one cocktail sausage at the wide end of each dough strip.
- Roll tightly toward the tip of the triangle to fully wrap the sausage.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent unrolling.
Step 5: Optional Topping
- Brush the tops with melted butter for extra golden color.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds if desired.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and deep golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Variations
- Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket: Add a small strip of cheddar or mozzarella before rolling.
- Everything Bagel Style: Brush with butter and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or use spicy cocktail sausages.
- Bacon Wrapped Version: Wrap sausage in half a strip of bacon before adding the crescent dough.
- Breakfast Version: Use breakfast sausage links and serve with maple syrup for dipping.
Cooking Notes
- Do not overbake or sausages may dry out, remove when golden brown.
- For extra crispy bottoms, preheat the baking sheet before placing the wrapped sausages on it.
- Refrigerated crescent dough works best, but puff pastry can be substituted for a flakier texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a platter with assorted dipping sauces in the center.
- Great addition to appetizer boards, charcuterie platters, or holiday grazing tables.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top for color and presentation.
- Perfect for Christmas parties, Easter brunch, Super Bowl parties, kids’ birthday celebrations, and casual get-togethers.
Tips
- Keep the dough cold while working, warm dough becomes sticky and harder to wrap.
- Make them ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh.
- To make them extra golden, brush with egg wash rather than butter.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; reheat in an air fryer or oven.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per piece)
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make pigs in a blanket ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble them up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q2: Can I freeze them?
- Absolutely! Freeze before or after baking. To bake from frozen, add 3–4 minutes to the bake time.
Q3: What kind of sausages work best?
- Cocktail sausages like Little Smokies or mini chicken sausages work best.
Q4: Can I use puff pastry?
- Yes, puff pastry gives them a flakier, more gourmet texture.
Q5: How do I keep them warm for parties?
- Place them in a slow cooker on the warm setting or cover with foil on a warming tray.
Conclusion
Pigs in a Blanket are one of the easiest and most crowd-pleasing appetizers you can make. With buttery crescent dough and savory cocktail sausages, they offer the perfect combination of flaky, crispy, juicy, and satisfying in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a celebration or preparing a simple snack, this classic recipe always brings comfort and joy to the table. With endless variations and make-ahead options, Pigs in a Blanket are a timeless favorite you’ll return to again and again.