Irresistible Homemade Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Recipe with Flaky Crescent Rolls

Dive into the comforting world of Pigs in a Blanket, featuring juicy hot dogs lovingly enveloped in tender, Homemade Crescent Rolls! This timeless appetizer offers incredible versatility, allowing you to craft adorable mini pigs in a blanket using cocktail franks or prepare the classic version with your preferred pork or beef smoked sausage. Get ready to fall in love with this Pig in a Blanket recipe, crafted entirely from scratch, promising a flavor and texture that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Our love for crescent roll recipes has grown exponentially since we perfected our Pillsbury crescent rolls copycat recipe! This buttery, flaky dough is an absolute game-changer. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for wrapping around hot dogs, stuffing with savory ham and cheese, or even creating an impressive Pigs in a Blanket wreath for festive occasions. Whether you’re aiming for a simple, crowd-pleasing finger food appetizer or a delightful addition to a Christmas dinner, the possibilities with this universal pastry dough are truly endless. Preparing them from scratch elevates the experience, giving you fresh, warm, and deeply flavorful bites every time.

What Exactly Are Pigs in a Blanket? A Culinary Classic Explained

Pigs in a blanket are a beloved American appetizer, essentially consisting of hot dogs or small sausages baked inside a tender, flaky crescent roll. Traditionally, these bite-sized snacks are crafted using cocktail sausages (often called Lil Smokies or mini frankfurters) or standard pork frankfurters (hot dogs), cut into smaller portions. While the name “Pigs in a Blanket” is most common, you might also hear them referred to as “piglets in a blanket” or “pork sausage links in blankets,” especially when using smaller sausages. The concept itself dates back to the 1940s, originating with pork sausage links wrapped in biscuit dough, quickly gaining popularity for its simplicity and deliciousness.

This simple yet satisfying combination has transcended borders, with numerous “sausage in dough” variations found in cuisines worldwide, utilizing different types of meats, seasonings, and bread pastries. From savory German Würstchen im Schlafrock to sophisticated British Sausage Rolls, the idea is universally cherished. For our version, we adore these savory morsels dipped in classic ketchup or the unique tang of Chick-fil-A sauce! They are the quintessential party food, perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or simply a fun family snack.

Crafting the Perfect Dough for Your Pigs In A Blanket

The foundation of truly exceptional pigs in a blanket lies in the dough. For this recipe, we’ll be using our simple yet incredibly effective homemade pastry dough, designed to mimic the beloved canned crescent rolls but with a superior homemade taste and texture. Our crescent roll recipe is significantly easier to handle than traditional croissant dough or more complex biscuit doughs, requiring only basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this dough is its flexibility; it can be prepared ahead of time and safely refrigerated, making it an ideal option for party prep the night before a big gathering or celebration.

To guide you, we offer a comprehensive homemade crescent rolls recipe complete with helpful tutorial pictures and detailed storing tips. This ensures your dough will be perfectly flaky and ready to wrap. However, if time is of the essence and a scratch-made approach isn’t feasible, don’t fret! You can always opt for the convenience of refrigerated Pillsbury crescent rolls. While they offer a quick solution, we highly recommend trying our homemade version for an unparalleled taste experience that will truly impress your guests.

Selecting the Best Sausages for Your Pigs in a Blanket

Choosing the right sausage is crucial for the perfect pigs in a blanket. Small hot dogs, particularly those steamed for a tender bite, remain the most popular and kid-friendly choice. They cook quickly and fit perfectly into the crescent dough. For those seeking pork-free options, Nathan’s Beef Franks or high-quality kosher hot dogs are excellent substitutes, offering a robust flavor profile. Their savory taste pairs wonderfully with the buttery pastry.

Beyond traditional hot dogs, a world of smoked sausages awaits to elevate your pigs in a blanket:

• Lil Smokies (Cocktail Sausages): These mini frankfurters are ideal for creating charming, bite-sized appetizers, perfect for dipping and mingling.
• Polish Kielbasa: Known for its distinctive garlic and smoky flavor, Kielbasa adds a hearty and robust dimension, transforming the appetizer into a more substantial bite.
• Chorizo Links (Spanish-style sausages): For a touch of spice and rich paprika notes, Spanish chorizo links are a fantastic choice. Be mindful of their fat content, as they can be quite juicy.
• Bratwursts: Well-marbled bratwursts, whether pork or veal, will remain incredibly juicy and flavorful when cooked, offering a satisfyingly plump filling.

No matter your choice, ensure the sausages are either pre-cooked or thoroughly cooked during baking. Patting them dry before wrapping can also help prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Essential Ingredients for Your Pigs in a Blanket

So, what exactly goes into pigs in a blanket? The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you truly need are quality hot dogs and our delectable homemade crescent pastry dough. While they can certainly be elevated with a sprinkle of cheese inside, we often prefer to keep them plain, letting the natural flavors shine and serving them with a variety of delicious dipping sauces. This allows for customization at the table and caters to different palates. You can even experiment with other bread doughs or puff pastry if that’s what you have on hand, though our crescent rolls are truly exceptional.

• Homemade Crescent Rolls: Our homemade crescent dough strikes the perfect balance – it’s not overly fluffy like some other bread recipes, making it ideal for wrapping and serving as hors d’oeuvres. It provides a satisfyingly flaky and tender crust that perfectly complements the savory sausage.
• Hot Dogs: For standard-sized appetizers, we typically purchase full-length frankfurters and cut them in half crosswise. If you’re aiming for adorable mini pigs in a blanket, slice regular hot dogs into thirds or opt for pre-packaged Lil Smokies (cocktail franks). Remember, when using smaller sausages, you’ll need to adjust by dividing the dough into proportionately smaller portions to ensure a good wrapper-to-filling ratio.

Gluten-free Tip: If you’re wondering how to make pigs in a blanket without traditional crescent rolls, there are great alternatives! You can use a gluten-free crescent roll mix for a similar experience, or for a completely different but equally delicious take, simply wrap crispy bacon around your hot dogs before baking!

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Pigs in a Blanket

This recipe for pigs in a blanket stands out as one of the easiest appetizer recipes to prepare, demanding minimal prep time for maximum deliciousness! The cooking process itself is quick and straightforward, with baking usually taking just 15-20 minutes in a conventional oven. If you own an air fryer, you can achieve wonderfully crispy results by cooking these at 350°F for about 8 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through for even browning. For baking, I highly recommend using a USA pan; it’s truly non-stick and eliminates the need for parchment paper or silicone mats, making cleanup a breeze.

1. Begin by cutting your homemade crescent dough into two equal pieces. Roll out one piece into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Store the other piece, well-wrapped, for another use or a double batch.
2. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut the dough rectangle into 8 triangles. A simple method is to first cut it into 4 equal rectangles, then cut each rectangle diagonally in half. This technique mimics the pre-perforated dough you’d find in store-bought cans.
3. For hot dogs cut in half (standard size), cut each of the 8 triangles in half again, resulting in 16 smaller triangles. If you’re using Lil Smokies for mini appetizers, cut each initial triangle into thirds, yielding approximately 23 smaller triangles. Alternatively, you can roll out the dough into an 11-inch circle and cut it into your desired number of wedges.
4. Place a prepared hot dog piece onto the widest part of a dough triangle. Roll the dough tightly around the hot dog, moving towards the pointed end, ensuring the hot dog is fully encased.
5. Arrange the wrapped sausages seam-side down on a 13×9-inch sheet pan. If you’re making a larger batch, an 18×13-inch pan will provide ample space.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and beautifully golden brown. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!

Pro Tip for Store-Bought Dough: If you’re using refrigerated store-bought crescent roll dough, simply separate along the perforations. For halved hot dogs, cut each perforated triangle in half. For Lil Smokies, cut each triangle into thirds before wrapping.

Can You Prepare Pigs In A Blanket Ahead Of Time? Absolutely!

Homemade pigs in a blanket are an ideal make-ahead appetizer, perfect for reducing stress on the day of your party or event! To get a head start, prepare the crescent dough the night before you plan to bake. Wrap it securely in parchment paper or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of baking, simply take out the dough, shape your pigs in a blanket according to the recipe instructions, and pop them into the oven. Our homemade crescent rolls dough can be kept fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of flexibility to incorporate it into your favorite crescent roll recipes.

Freezing Pigs In A Blanket for Future Enjoyment

Yes, pigs in a blanket freeze beautifully, either before or after baking! This makes them a fantastic option for meal prepping or having a quick snack ready at a moment’s notice.

• To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble and wrap each frank with the raw crescent dough. Allow the dough to proof (rise slightly) for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Then, arrange the hot dog crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with freezer paper or parchment paper and flash freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer the individual rolls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be kept frozen for up to 30 days.
• To Freeze Baked: Allow the baked pigs in a blanket to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag or container.

To Reheat Frozen Pigs in a Blanket: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the frozen rolls (baked or unbaked) on a baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Adjust timing slightly if they were already baked, as you’re primarily just reheating. You’ll achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior!

What Delicious Sides and Dips Go With Pigs In A Blanket?

You’ve just pulled a glorious batch of these irresistible appetizers from the oven, and now you’re wondering what to serve alongside them. While pigs in a blanket are perfectly delightful on their own, they truly shine when paired with complementary dipping sauces or as part of a larger meal. Here are some fantastic ideas to enhance your pig in a blanket experience:

• Dipping Sauces Galore: No pigs in a blanket spread is complete without a variety of dipping sauces! Offer classics like tangy yellow mustard, a zesty Chick-fil-A sauce (a delightful aioli condiment with a touch of BBQ flavor), spicy Mayo, creamy horseradish, a bold spicy mustard sauce, sweet and savory honey mustard sauce, or classic Ketchup. Feeling ambitious? Try our homemade BBQ sauce recipe for an extra special touch! A warm, gooey cheese dip also makes for an incredibly satisfying accompaniment.
• Stuffed for a Heartier Bite: Elevate your pigs in a blanket by adding fillings! Stuff them with a sliver of cheese (cheddar, provolone, or Swiss work wonderfully) before rolling. For those who enjoy a kick, try adding thin slices of jalapeños or using spicier, smoky sausage links to infuse some heat into each bite.
• Savory Sides: Pair these delightful bites with traditional, hearty sides. A side of tender fried cabbage or tangy sauerkraut provides a delicious contrast to the richness of the sausage and pastry.
• Main Course Accompaniment: Pigs in a blanket aren’t just for appetizers! They can serve as a wonderful bread side to many main course meals. Enjoy them alongside comforting Chicken Lo Mein noodles or simple buttered pasta for a satisfying family dinner.
• Chili’s Best Friend: Serve them with a steaming bowl of Chili as the perfect dippable bread side. The warm, savory notes of the chili are a perfect match for the flaky, dough-wrapped sausages.
• Light Meal Option: For an easy and balanced meal, enjoy your pigs in a blanket with a fresh, delicious green leaf salad. The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich appetizer.

Explore More Flaky Pastry Dishes and Comfort Food Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed making our homemade crescent rolls for pigs in a blanket, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes that feature flaky pastry and comforting flavors:

• Buttermilk Biscuits: Master the art of homemade, fluffy buttermilk biscuits that can be made ahead and frozen for convenience. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.
• Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Biscuits: A simpler, equally delicious take on the classic comfort food, topped with savory biscuits instead of a traditional crust.
• Homemade Bisquick Recipe: Learn to make your own Bisquick mix! Use it to whip up fluffy pancakes, cook them on a griddle, and then wrap them around breakfast sausage links for a delightful “breakfast pigs in a blanket” experience. Serve generously with maple syrup.
• Nutella Rogaliki (Russian Rugelach): Indulge your sweet tooth with these crescent-shaped pastries, similar to sweet Czech Kolachy cookies, filled with decadent Nutella.
• Easy Breakfast Quiche Recipe: A versatile and satisfying egg pie, perfect for brunch or a light meal, featuring a flaky crust and savory filling.

Your Delicious Homemade Pigs In A Blanket Recipe