The BEST Party Appetizer! Mini Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (2024)

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Kimber Matherne

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Mini Pigs in a Blanket are the ultimate party appetizer, with little bite-sized sausages wrapped up in warm, flaky crescent roll pastry. Everyone loves them and they’re so easy to make too! With as little as 2 ingredients and 10 minutes, you can have these in the oven cooking.

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When you make pigs in a blanket for a party, you can count on this: they’ll disappear fast.

It’s one of the simplest appetizers you can make—just one step above buying tray of veggies and dip at the grocery store—but it’s also one of the most delicious. That’s probably why they’re also one of my favorite appetizers. I make them for every holiday party and gathering I host!

I have to say, my kids are obsessed with them too and even request them for dinner sometimes. Although there are a few different options for pigs in a blanket recipes, I like to use co*cktail sausages, crescent roll dough, and everything bagel seasoning to jazz them up a bit.

Why I LOVE this recipe!

  • Always a hit – You can’t go wrong with pigs in a blanket! Everyone loves them, from kids to adults.
  • Easy to assemble – This recipe requires minimal ingredients and very little prep time, making it perfect for a last-minute party or game day get-together.
  • An app for any occasion – Whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck, or a holiday party with family, mini pigs in a blanket are sure to be a crowd-pleasing appetizer. (And if you’re like my kids, you’ll love them for weeknight dinners too!)
  • Make-ahead option – If you want to get a head start for your party, you can roll the sausages in the crescent roll dough the day before and pop them in the oven later.

What is Pigs in a Blanket?

Pigs in a blanket is a popular appetizer that consists of mini sausages or hot dogs wrapped in pastry and baked until golden brown. It is believed to have originated in either Great Britain or Ireland, with the name coming from the fact that the sausage is “wrapped” in a blanket of pastry dough.

You can make full sized pigs in a blanket with hot dogs or sausages, or make this cute mini version perfect for appetizer or snacks as we do below.

Recipe Notes

This recipe for pigs in a blanket is as simple as promised! Just a few minutes of prep for a family friendly dish.

In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make easy pigs in a blanket to get the absolute best and most delicious results.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.

Ingredients + Substitutions

The BEST Party Appetizer! Mini Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (2)
  • co*cktail sausages– Lil Smokies or similar. You can generally find these near the sausage or hot dogs. They come in different varieties, so you can choose based on your preference, but our family likes the classic pork variety.
  • Pillsbury crescent roll dough – I prefer the dough sheets, but if you can’t find them, regular crescent rolls are fine.
  • Egg wash – You’ll whisk an egg with water for this. This is optional, but makes a beautiful finish on them.
  • Everything bagel seasoning –Also optional, but I love the extra flavor it adds. The sesame seeds and poppy seeds add a nice texture too!

Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

  • Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket – Lightly coat the pigs in a blanket with cooking spray, then cook them in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes at 400°F. As with all air fryer recipes, don’t crowd them or they won’t cook properly.
  • Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese – Gently press shredded cheddar cheese into crescent roll dough before wrapping the sausage. This will keep the cheese tucked inside the pastry so your mini pigs in a blanket are still easy to eat as a finger food!
  • Pigs in a Blanket With Mini Hot Dogs – Instead of co*cktail sausage, you can use mini hot dogs.
  • Bacon-Wrapped Pigs in a Blanket – The original pigs in a blanket was made with bacon, not pastry! You can do even better by wrapping your sausages in bacon and crescent roll dough.

Recipe Step by Step

I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make mini pigs in a blanket with crescent dough.

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Cut the crescent roll dough into strips. I like using a pizza cutter to make it super easy.

The BEST Party Appetizer! Mini Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (4)

Roll the sausage in the dough strips.

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Place the pigs in a blanket seam side down and brush with egg wash.

The BEST Party Appetizer! Mini Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (6)

Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, then bake.

Recipe Tips

  1. Use crescent roll sheets – They make it easy to roll the dough out and cut it to the perfect width with a pizza cutter, eliminating waste. If you do use regular crescent roll dough, pinch together the seams.
  2. Egg wash is optional – I like to use it because it adds a nice color and shine to the dough, but it’s not absolutely necessary. I do recommend it if you’re using the everything bagel seasoning, though, because it will help the seasoning stick.
  3. Cook them all the way through – These may not seem like they need a lot of cooking time, but they do need that full 18 to 22 minutes to make sure they’re not doughy.
  4. Don’t overdo the seasoning – Too much everything bagel seasoning can be salty, especially when paired with sausage.

Make Ahead Pigs in a Blanket

If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here is my method for making these ahead of time!

  1. Assemble the pigs in a blanket as directed.
  2. Place them on a baking sheet and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  3. Refrigerate until the next day.
  4. Add the egg wash and seasoning while you preheat the oven.
  5. Bake as directed, adding a minute or two extra to account for the mini pigs in a blanket starting out chilled.
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Freezer Meal Instructions

Making this crescent roll pigs in a blanket recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.

To freeze before cooking

  1. Follow the directions for making your pigs in a blanket, but do not bake them.
  2. Place the wrapped and unbaked pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
  3. Once frozen, remove from baking sheet and place in an airtight container or freezer bag.
  4. Store in the freezer.
  5. Bake from frozen, adding about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Freeze Mini Pigs in a Blanket After Cooking

  1. Follow the directions for making and baking your pigs in a blanket.
  2. Allow them to cool completely before placing in an airtight container or freezer bag.
  3. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
  4. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the microwave or a 350ºF oven until warmed through.

What to Serve with Pigs in a Blanket

This recipe is great to serve as an appetizer, although my kids love to make a meal out of them too! As an appetizer they can be served alone or with dipping options to make it fun!

I have included some of my favorite dips, as well as, some appetizers that I like to pair with these delicious pigs in a blanket for a hearty snack spread.

Pigs in a Blanket Dip Ideas

  • Ketchup and mustard
  • Ranch dressing
  • Honey mustard
  • BBQ sauce
  • Cheese dip

Appetizer Pairings

  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
  • Honey Sriracha Meatballs
  • Baked Brie in Pie Crust
  • Southwest Corn Dip (Cold Corn Dip)

Mini Pigs in a Blanket Leftovers

If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.

To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:

  • in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
  • in the freezer up to a month

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I prep pigs in a blanket the night before?

Yes, you can prep pigs in a blanket the night before. Simply wrap them in dough and refrigerate until ready to bake. Before baking, brush with egg wash and seasonings as directed in the recipe.

How do you keep pigs in a blanket warm without getting soggy?

To keep pigs in a blanket warm without getting soggy, place them on a baking sheet and loosely cover with foil. Then, place the baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200-250°F) until ready to serve. This will keep them warm without adding excess moisture.

How long can cooked pigs in a blanket sit out?

Cooked pigs in a blanket can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated and reheated before serving.

How many pigs in a blanket per person?

The serving size for pigs in a blanket can vary depending on the occasion, whether they are being served as an appetizer or main dish, and how many other appetizer options are available. As a general rule, you can estimate 2-3 pigs in a blanket per person for an appetizer and 6-8 per person for a main dish.

More EASY Appetizer Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!

You can check out all of my easy appetizer recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.

  • Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
  • Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip
  • Jalapeno Popper Chicken Sliders
  • Greek Layer Dip

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Mini Pigs in a Blanket

By: Kimber Matherne

5 from 1 vote

Mini Pigs in a Blanket are the ultimate party starter, with bite-sized sausages wrapped up in warm, flaky crescent roll pastry. So easy too!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  • 28 ounces co*cktail sausages , (Lit'l Smokies or similar)
  • 2 packages Pillsbury crescent rolls, I prefer the dough sheets
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons Everything Bagel Seasoning, (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350˚F.

  • Roll out the crescent dough and use a knife, or pizza cutter to cut it into six long strips. Take one strip and roll it around a co*cktail sausage, and trim the excess. Place the wrapped co*cktail sausage on a large baking sheet seam side down.

    Repeat with each sausage until all are covered in the crescent dough.

  • Crack the egg into a dish and scramble with a whisk. Add 1 tablespoon of water and whisk to combine. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash over the top of the crescent roll on each sausage. Sprinkle the top with everything bagel seasoning.

  • Bake for 18-22 minute, or until the crescent dough is cooked through and the tops of the pigs in a blanket are golden brown.

  • Serve warm alone or with dipping sauce.

Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @easyfamilyrecipes!

Recipe Notes

How to Store:To save leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How to Freeze:Allow them to cool completely before placing in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month.

How to Reheat:When ready to serve, simply reheat in the microwave or a 350ºF oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 331kcal (17%), Carbohydrates: 16g (5%), Protein: 10g (20%), Fat: 26g (40%), Saturated Fat: 10g (63%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 42mg (14%), Sodium: 1015mg (44%), Potassium: 114mg (3%), Sugar: 5g (6%), Calcium: 7mg (1%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

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The BEST Party Appetizer! Mini Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (10)

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The BEST Party Appetizer! Mini Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can I prep pigs in a blanket the night before? ›

These mini pigs in a blanket can easily be made ahead of time and heated up later for your convenience. We don't recommend freezing them prior to baking—you can choose to either assemble your crescent roll pigs in a blanket a couple of hours ahead before baking and store them in the fridge, or freeze them after baking.

How do you keep pigs in a blanket warm for a party? ›

How do you keep pigs in a blanket warm for a party? You can either keep them in a low-heat oven (around 225 F degrees), and just pull out one plate-full at a time, or you can keep them warm in a slow cooker. The slow cooker method may make them a bit soggy, but it's less hands-on than the oven method.

How many pigs in a blanket per person? ›

If you're making classic pigs in a blanket recipe, you probably need about 1-2 per person. If you make the mini pigs in a blanket, I would plan for about 4-6 per person. Make them ahead of time. Roll the crescent dough around the hot dogs and put them onto a baking sheet.

What's a good dipping sauce for pigs in the blanket? ›

For the dipping sauce: Stir together the mayonnaise, mustard and honey in small bowl. Serve the pigs-in-a-blanket with skewers and the dipping sauce on the side.

Why are my pigs in a blanket soggy? ›

To prevent soggy pigs in a blanket: Pat the hot dog or Lil' Smokies with a paper towel prior to wrapping in the crescent dough to decrease the amount of moisture you add in. This will keep the pigs in a blanket crispy, not soggy.

How to stop pigs in blankets from sticking? ›

Preheat your oven to 180°C / fan oven 160°C / gas 4. Take a non-stick baking tray and drizzle in a little olive oil. Smear it round to make sure it covers the base to ensure your pigs in blankets won't get suck while they are cooking. Take your RSPCA Assured bacon and lay it out flat.

What side goes with pigs in a blanket? ›

The best side dishes to serve with pigs in a blanket are mashed sweet potatoes, baked beans, mac and cheese, Toad in The Hole, green beans and potatoes, cheese dip, deviled eggs, muffin mix waffles, blooming onion, scrambled eggs, creamy coleslaw, garlic bread, potato salad, corn on the cob, and sweet potato fries.

Do you need to refrigerate pigs in a blanket? ›

It's fine to leave cooked pigs in a blanket out for a few hours at room temperature, but if you want to reheat them you totally can. Just place them back on the baking sheet and pop them in a very low oven (my oven has a “keep warm” setting that's 170 degrees F; this is perfect!)

What are the original pigs in a blanket made of? ›

A pig in a blanket is a sausage (originally a pork sausage, hence the “pig”) wrapped in either a pancake, biscuit dough, or a crescent-style piece of pastry (you guessed it, that's the “blanket”).

What is the American version of pigs in a blanket? ›

Pigs in a blanket in the United States is a small hot dog or other sausage wrapped in pastry similar to a sausage roll in the UK, it is commonly served as an appetizer in the United States. The similarity in name with that of the UK dish pigs in blankets, which is a sausage wrapped in bacon, sometimes causes confusion.

Can I freeze homemade pigs in blankets? ›

Yes, you can prep them ahead by wrapping the sausages and placing on a baking tray, then cover and freeze. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then remove the cover and cook as per the recipe, straight from the fridge. If you want to cook them ahead, then cook, cool, cover and freeze the bacon-wrapped-sausages.

How to store pigs in a blanket overnight? ›

CAN YOU WRAP PIGS IN A BLANKET THE NIGHT BEFORE? This is a great make-ahead recipe! Make the pastry and wrap your pigs in a blanket the night before, or even sooner! Once they're frozen hard on the baking sheet, you can transfer them to a zip-top bag and they'll keep in the freezer for months!

Can you leave pigs in a blanket out overnight? ›

I would leave them at room temperature overnight. Maybe put them in the fridge overnight.

Can you cook pigs in blankets and reheat the next day? ›

Yes and either way. If reheating just ensure you reheat until piping hot again (oven or microwave). I make plenty on purpose for leftovers.

Are pigs in a blanket good the next day? ›

Pigs in blankets

This stops them from being contaminated by other food, and is a good food safety rule to apply to any cooked leftovers. Pigs in blankets should be eaten within three days.

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