Pigs in a Blanket
Why Make This Recipe
Pigs in a Blanket are a fantastic choice for any gathering, party, or even just a cozy night at home. They are simple to make, tasty, and loved by both kids and adults. What’s not to like? The crispy outer layer of crescent dough perfectly wraps around the juicy hot dog, creating a delightful bite. Plus, they can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a quick meal. When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as enjoyable and easy to prepare as these delectable bites.
These little snacks are also highly versatile. You can customize them by adding different toppings or dipping sauces, making them fit for any occasion or taste preference. Whether you are hosting a birthday party, watching a movie, or planning a game night, pigs in a blanket will surely be a hit.
How to Make Pigs in a Blanket
Making pigs in a blanket is straightforward and only requires a few ingredients and simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 1 package of hot dogs
- 1 can of crescent roll dough
- Mustard or ketchup for serving (optional)
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure you have the right temperature for baking your pigs in a blanket.
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Prepare the crescent roll dough: Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. You will see that the dough is divided into triangular pieces.
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Cut the dough: Using a knife, cut each triangle into two smaller triangles if you want smaller bites. However, if you prefer larger bites, you can keep them as they are.
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Wrap the hot dogs: Take a hot dog and place it at the wide end of a triangle. Begin rolling it up towards the point of the triangle. Repeat this step with the remaining hot dogs and dough.
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Arrange on a baking sheet: Once all the hot dogs are wrapped, place them on a baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each rolled hot dog to allow for even cooking.
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Bake them: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for a golden brown color. This indicates they are ready to be served.
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Serve hot: Once baked, serve the pigs in a blanket warm. You can offer mustard or ketchup for dipping, though they’re tasty on their own as well.
How to Serve Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket can be served in several ways, depending on the occasion and your personal preference. Here are a few serving suggestions:
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Party Platter: Arrange the pigs in a blanket on a large serving platter, and place small bowls of mustard and ketchup for dipping on the side. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
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With Sides: Serve them alongside classic sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a more substantial meal.
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As a Snack: For a cozy movie night, present them on a tray with your favorite snacks. This makes for a perfect munching experience while watching your favorite film.
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Garnishes: Add some garnishes like chopped chives or shredded cheese on top after baking for an extra flavor punch.
No matter how you choose to serve them, pigs in a blanket are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Store Pigs in a Blanket
If you have leftovers (though that’s not very likely!), here’s how to store them properly to maintain their taste:
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Cool Completely: Allow the pigs in a blanket to cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup that could make them soggy.
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Airtight Container: Place the pigs in a blanket in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you don’t have a container handy.
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Refrigeration: Store them in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3 to 4 days.
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Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are stored in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just reheat in the oven.
Tips to Make Pigs in a Blanket
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Use Different Types of Dough: While crescent roll dough is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with different types of dough. Puff pastry or biscuit dough can provide different textures and flavors.
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Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, place a slice of cheese over the hot dog before wrapping it with the dough. Cheddar cheese or American cheese works well.
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Spice Things Up: Consider adding a bit of spice by using spicy hot dogs or adding slices of jalapeños for a kick.
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Make Mini Versions: If you’re hosting a party, making mini pigs in a blanket can be a fun idea. Use cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs for bite-sized snacks.
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Experiment with Dipping Sauces: In addition to mustard and ketchup, try barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo as dipping options.
Variation
There are countless ways to vary this classic recipe, making pigs in a blanket adaptable to all tastes and occasions:
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Veggie Pigs in a Blanket: Use vegetarian hot dogs or even cooked vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
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Sweet Version: For a fun twist, try using fruits like banana or apple slices wrapped in dough for a sweet treat. Serve these with a caramel or chocolate dipping sauce.
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Herbed Dough: If you want to add extra flavor, mix some herbs or spices into your crescent roll dough or brush it with garlic butter before baking.
With these variations, you can easily tailor pigs in a blanket to suit any palate or theme.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make pigs in a blanket ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare pigs in a blanket ahead of time. You can roll them up and place them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just remember to bake them just before serving for the best taste.
Q2: Can I freeze pigs in a blanket after I bake them?
Yes, you can freeze them once they are baked. For the best results, place them in a freezer-safe container. You can then reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q3: What is the best way to reheat leftover pigs in a blanket?
The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps them crispy. Microwaving is quick, but it may make them soggy.
Q4: Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you like, including bratwurst, turkey sausage, or even mini sausages for a delightful variation.
Q5: What are some good dipping sauces to serve with pigs in a blanket?
Some popular options for dipping sauces include mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even honey mustard for a sweet touch.
Pigs in a Blanket
Delicious and easy-to-make pigs in a blanket, perfect for parties or cozy nights at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Ingredients
- 1 package of hot dogs
- 1 can of crescent roll dough
- Mustard or ketchup for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface.
- Cut each triangle of dough into two smaller triangles if desired.
- Wrap each hot dog in a triangle of dough, starting from the wide end.
- Place the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet with space in between.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm, with dipping sauces if desired.
Notes
Try adding cheese or using different types of dough for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pigs in a blanket
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
