Pigs in a Blanket are cocktail-sized sausages wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked until golden brown, and brushed with a delectable garlic butter. This finger food is perfect for your Christmas party! For a heartier version, try using Sausages Enveloped in Flaky Pastry.
The first written recipe for Pigs in a Blanket can be found in Betty Crocker’s Cook Book for Boys and Girls, published in 1957. These treats are not only easy to make but also a hit at any gathering, be it New Year’s Eve or any other celebration. Both adults and children love them, and they disappear quickly. Additionally, you can make Pigs in a Pretzel Blanket, and I’ll share how to cook them in an air fryer too.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Dough: The convenience of this recipe lies in using store-bought dough. Grab a tube of crescent roll dough to wrap each sausage. Pizza dough is another option, though the baking time may need adjusting.
- Sausages: Cocktail sausages are smaller than regular sausage links. You will need 24 of them. Alternatively, use hot dogs cut into smaller pieces that just peek out from the dough.
- Egg: Beat an egg to brush over the dough for a lovely golden brown finish.
- Garlic Butter: Brushing garlic butter over the baked pigs in a blanket adds a wonderful flavor. However, they are still delicious without it.
- For Serving: Ketchup and mustard are classic dipping sauces. You can also try honey mustard, cheddar cheese sauce, beer cheese, or BBQ sauce.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble this appetizer and store it in the refrigerator the night before. Cover the pigs in a blanket with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, freeze them for up to 2 months. Place the assembled appetizers on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour or two until solid. Then, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator. If baking directly from frozen, increase the baking time significantly.
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
If your oven is occupied, use your air fryer to make these pigs in a blanket. Follow the assembly instructions, then place a few in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6-8 minutes at 325°F (165°C), flipping them halfway through. The size of your air fryer will determine how many batches you need. Don’t forget the garlic butter!
How to Store
Though best served fresh and warm, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 tube (8 ounces) crescent roll dough
- 24 links cocktail-sized sausages
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Garlic Butter (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a cutting board. Using a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough in half lengthwise.
- Then, cut each rectangle of dough into 12, 2-inch (5 cm) strips, making a total of 24 strips.
- Place one sausage onto each strip of dough and tightly roll it until completely wrapped.
- Arrange the dough-wrapped sausages on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
- Brush the outside of each with the beaten egg using a pastry brush.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Meanwhile, prepare the garlic butter.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and pepper. Brush the mixture over the baked pigs in a blanket.
- Serve warm with ketchup and mustard for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Pigs in a Blanket!
