Mini Pigs in a Blanket are the kind of party appetizer that disappears fast. With just two ingredients,crescent roll dough and mini sausages, they’re quick to prep. They are crowd-pleasing, and perfect for everything from game day spreads to holiday snack tables.
If you want more easy appetizer recipes, try my Celery with Cream Cheese and Bacon and my Homemade Appetizers Crackers for your next party.
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Why this Mini Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is a Keeper
Easy pigs in a blanket recipes are quick and easy to make and are a classic appetizer. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Simplicity and Speed: With only two ingredients and a few simple steps, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks. The prep and bake time are minimal, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a classic appetizer that appeals to almost everyone, from kids to adults. The combination of savory sausage and warm, flaky crescent roll dough is universally loved.
- Versatility: The recipe is a blank canvas for countless variations, allowing you to easily customize it to your taste or the occasion.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together, a holiday party, or a game-day snack, Mini Pigs in a Blanket are always a hit.
What Dipping Sauce Can I Serve with Pigs in a Banket?
Use your favorite dipping sauce such as my Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, Buffalo Ranch Sauce or Bourbon BBQ Sauce.
Pro Tip to Make Mini Pigs
Chill Before Baking: After wrapping, pop them in the freezer for 5 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and hold its shape while baking or air frying.
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Ingredient Notes to Make Pigs in a Blanket
This easy pigs in a blanket with hot dogs uses just 2 simple ingredients you can grab in one quick trip to the store.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Lil Smokies: Lil Smokies are the perfect size for making pigs in a blanket.
- Pillsbury Crescent Dough: I prefer to use original crescent roll dough because it’s buttery and flaky.
Variations and Substitutions for this Easy Appetizer
This recipe is so easy to change up. I like to experiment with ingredients to make different varieties.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a thin slice of jalapeño to each pig in a blanket before rolling. You can also use a spicy sausage.
- Cheesy: Place a small piece of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a pepper jack for a kick) on the crescent dough before rolling.
- Everything Bagel: Brush the tops of the rolled pigs in a blanket with an egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
- Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap a small piece of bacon around the sausage before wrapping it in the crescent dough. You may need to secure it with a toothpick.
- Dough: Instead of crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry sheets, pizza dough, or even biscuit dough.
How to Make Lil Smokies Pigs in a Blanket
This recipe comes together in just 3 quick and easy steps. This little appetizer is so good, I make this every season.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cut the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate the dough into the 8 triangles. Cut each triangle with a pizza cutter into 3 triangles, so that you have 24 small triangles.
- Roll the Pigs in Blankets: Place a sausage on the wider end of the triangle and roll the sausage and dough until it meets the thinner end.
- Bake the Little Smokies : Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until puffed and golden brown.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Crescent Roll Piggies
Prepping ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space if hosting a game day party.
- Pre-Rolled: You can roll the pigs in a blanket up to 24 hours in advance. Arrange them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, transfer the sheet directly from the refrigerator to the preheated oven. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Frozen: For longer storage, arrange the unbaked pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. To bake, place the frozen pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet and bake at the same temperature. Add 5-7 minutes to the baking time, or until golden.
Alternate Cooking Methods – Air Fryer/Grill
Make this recipe into air fryer pigs in a blanket or grilled if your oven is occupied with something else.
- Air Fryer Pigs: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the pigs in a blanket in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry the pigs for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Grilling: This method is better for pigs in a blanket made with uncooked mini sausages. Wrap the sausage in the crescent dough and place on a preheated grill over indirect heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the dough is golden and the sausage is cooked through.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Store: Store leftover cooked pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the dough is crisp again. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but the dough will become soft.
- Use Leftovers:
- Pigs in a Blanket Skewers: Thread them onto skewers with cheese cubes and cherry tomatoes for a quick snack.
- Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket: Reheat and serve with eggs and a side of maple syrup for dipping.
Common Questions About This Game Day Recipe
Sure! Cocktail sausages, hot dogs cut into thirds or any small precooked sausage will work.
If you use turkey mini sausages or hot dogs, it can help reduce some of the grease.
Expert Tips for Making Pigs in a Blanket Crescent Rolls
- Don’t overbake: The dough can go from golden to burnt quickly. Keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark.
- Keep the dough cold: Working with cold crescent dough is much easier. If the dough starts to get sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Seal the ends: Make sure to roll the dough tightly and tuck the ends of the sausage in to prevent it from slipping out during baking.
- Egg wash for shine: For a beautiful, glossy finish, you can brush the tops of the unbaked pigs in a blanket with an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking.
- Serve With: Serve this recipe with Pulled Pork Totchos Recipe (Loaded Tater Tots), Barbecue Meatballs with Grape Jelly or Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip.
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Mini Pigs in a Blanket Appetizer
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 24 Lil Smokies, I used Beef
- 8 ounces Crescent rolls
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Unroll the dough sheet and pull apart at the perforations to divide it into the 8 triangles. Cut each triangle into 3 triangles.
- Set a Lil Smokie on the wider end of the triangle, and roll until it meets the thinner end.
- Arrange them all on a large baking sheet (or use two smaller ones), then transfer to the oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until golden.
Christina’s Notes
- Season the Dough: Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, or everything bagel seasoning before baking for extra flavor.
- Cheese Layer: Add a thin slice of cheddar or pepper jack between the dough and sausage for a melty surprise.
- Herb Finish: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives after baking for a fresh touch.
- Chill Before Baking: After wrapping, pop them in the freezer for 5 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and hold its shape while baking or air frying.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.