Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket is a super simple appetizer recipe that only needs two ingredients. To make this easy breakfast or party food, slice crescent rolls into strips, then roll them around Lit’l Smokies and bake in the oven. You can serve this quick snack anytime, but it’s especially perfect as an appetizer at your next game day or holiday gathering!

Perfect Pigs in a Blanket

Growing up there were always two classic appetizer recipes that HAD to make an appearance at every party…

These Grape Jelly Meatballs and pigs in a blanket.

There’s just something about that buttery and flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around those salty Lit’l Smokies that guests go crazy for.

Before you knew it, the plate was always empty.

It’s also extremely helpful that it’s so simple to make a bunch. If needed, you can prep ahead, then just pop them in the oven right before the party begins.

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl or game day get-together soon, be sure to put this easy recipe on the menu!

Ingredients

To make this pigs in a blanket recipe you only need two ingredients that you can easily find at the grocery store:

• Crescent roll dough. Pillsbury is my go-to, but you can choose another variety or get the store-brand. Both the regular flavor and the buttery kind (my fave!) of store-bought dough work well. If needed, look for gluten-free. Either way, make sure it’s thawed and not frozen. If you’re gluten-free, make sure you look for a certified gluten-free pastry or crescent roll dough.
• Lit’l Smokies. These are also known as cocktail sausages. You can get regular or cheese filled, depending on your preference. Lit’l Smokies do contain msg, so look for ones without this additive if you are sensitive to it. You can also use sausage links, Vienna sausages, or sliced, regular hot dogs if needed.

How to Make Pigs in a Blanket

The basic steps for making homemade pigs in a blanket are simple to follow:

Cut the Dough

Preheat the oven to 375℉.

Open the can of crescent roll dough.

Unroll the biscuit dough on a cutting board and pull apart each triangle.

The best way to slice these is to use a pizza cutter. You can also opt for a sharp knife. Cut each one lengthwise into three smaller triangles.

Dry off the Sausage Links

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Drain the liquid from the package of cocktail sausages and then dry them off thoroughly with a paper towel. Doing this will help the dough stick to them better.

Roll up the Sausages

Place the sausage at the wider end of the piece of dough. Roll it up until all of the crescent is completely around it.

Set the rolled sausage on the lined baking sheet with the seam-side down. Repeat these steps with the remaining sausages and dough.

Be sure to set each finished piggy in a blanket about 1 inch apart from the others. They will expand slightly when baked.

Bake in the Oven

Set the prepared pan in the preheated 375 degree oven.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. They are done when the edges are a beautiful golden brown and no longer doughy on the inside.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: You can slice the dough and roll the piggies up to 1 to 2 days before you need them. Simply store the wrapped sausage pieces carefully stacked in wax paper or plastic wrap so nothing is touching (they’ll stick to each other) and store them in the fridge.
• How to store: If there are leftovers, place them in an airtight container or in a zipped bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
• How to freeze: These are best stored flash frozen in a single layer for a couple of hours first and then transferred to a freezer-safe bag and kept in the freezer for up to 3 to 4 months.
• How to reheat: You can pop these back in a 300℉ oven for 5 to 10 minutes or use the microwave to warm them back up. However, the microwave will yield slightly soggy pigs in a blanket.

What is a pig in a blanket?

Classic pigs in a blanket are a baked good made by wrapping a small, smoked sausage or hot dog in dough, usually a crescent roll. It is usually served as an appetizer or breakfast food.

Where are pigs in a blanket from?

This recipe, a sausage or hot dog link wrapped in crescent dough, is from the US. However, it is often confused with the British version of pigs in blankets, consisting of sausage wrapped in bacon.

What do you serve with pigs in a blanket?

While crescent roll pigs in a blanket are delicious on their own, you can serve them with your favorite dips. Opt for sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, spicy mayo, or even queso.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already dairy-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free: Opt for a crescent roll free of gluten.
• Vegetarian: Look for a meat-free alternative, like Morningstar or Beyond Meat hot dogs or sausage.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Spread out. Before beginning, make sure you have plenty of room to cut and roll these pigs in a blanket.
• Cut ’em thin. You should easily get three strips from each triangle of the crescent roll dough.
• Roll tight. If you place the dough on the sausage too loosely, it will fall off.
• Give them space. These pigs in a blanket will expand when baking, so be sure none are touching.
• Pay attention. Watch while they’re cooking; they go from golden brown to burnt in no time.
• Add some flavor. Take these to the next level by sprinkling poppy seeds, bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or garlic powder on top before baking.

What to Serve with Pigs in a Blanket

If you’re enjoying these in the morning, pair them with Shredded Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, Breakfast Egg Muffins, Gluten-Free Pancakes or Blueberry Pancakes.

Make breakfast a breeze with make-ahead recipes like Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, or your favorite Overnight Oats.

More Gameday Appetizer Recipes

If you’re planning a menu for a crowd, whether the big game, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, start with these appetizer recipes.

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, Homemade Guacamole, and Texas Caviar with Homemade Tortilla Chips are irresistible.

Or, try finger food, like these Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms, Chicken Satay, or Shrimp Cocktail.