Classic 4-Ingredient Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer
There’s something undeniably charming and utterly delicious about a tray of freshly baked pigs in a blanket. This iconic party appetizer, requiring just four simple ingredients, transforms humble mini sausages into delightful bites, snugly wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough. Basted with melted butter and baked to a puffy, golden-brown perfection, these savory treats are designed for dipping and dunking into an endless array of your favorite sauces, making them the star of any gathering. From football Sundays to festive holiday celebrations, or even a simple weeknight snack, these mini crescent dogs promise to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Why Everyone Loves This Easy Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Pigs in a blanket hold a special place in the hearts of many, not just for their delicious flavor but also for their incredible simplicity and versatility. This recipe stands out as one of the easiest party appetizers you can prepare, consistently earning rave reviews from both children and adults. Much like their beloved cousin, the bacon-wrapped lil’ smokies, these mini crescent dogs disappear quickly, making them a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
The magic lies in using ready-made crescent dough. You simply wrap the mini cocktail sausages securely, brush them with melted butter for that irresistible golden sheen, and bake. The result is a warm, savory, and slightly sweet bite-sized treat that’s perfect for casual snacking or elegant entertaining. They’re a fantastic choice for game days, holiday parties, birthdays, or even as an effortless snack or quick dinner for the kids (or for yourself!). The minimal ingredient list and straightforward steps mean you can whip up a large batch in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests and less time stuck in the kitchen. Plus, the ability to customize with various dipping sauces makes them endlessly adaptable to different tastes.
Simple Ingredients for Perfect Pigs in a Blanket
One of the best features of this classic appetizer is its minimal ingredient list. You only need a few staple items to create a sensational snack that everyone will adore. For precise measurements, exact ingredient quantities, and detailed instructions, refer to the convenient printable version of this recipe located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, understanding a bit more about each ingredient can help you achieve the best results and even inspire some creative twists.
- CRESCENT DOUGH: The foundation of our “blankets”! Typically, one standard 8-ounce can of refrigerated crescent roll dough is sufficient to wrap an entire 14-ounce package of mini cocktail sausages, yielding about 28 delicious pigs in a blanket. If you’re hosting a larger crowd or simply can’t get enough of these tasty morsels, feel free to double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe. For maximum convenience, some grocery stores offer crescent roll sheets, which are essentially crescent dough without the perforations. If you can find these, you’ll save a step by not having to press the seams together. Simply unroll the sheet and slice it directly into small triangles. You can also experiment with different brands of crescent dough; while name brands are reliable, store brands often perform just as well. For a slightly different aesthetic, you can cut the dough into small strips and wrap them around the sausages, though the traditional crescent roll appearance is often preferred for its classic charm.
- MINI COCKTAIL SAUSAGES: These tiny sausages are the “pigs” in our blankets! The 14-ounce package typically contains cocktail frankfurters or “lil’ smokies.” You can find these in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets. While traditional pork sausages are common, don’t hesitate to explore varieties like beef, chicken, or even plant-based mini sausages for different dietary preferences. Ensure the sausages are well-drained and patted dry before wrapping to prevent any excess moisture from making the dough soggy.
- BUTTER: Melted butter serves a dual purpose in this recipe: it gives the crescent dough a beautiful golden-brown color and adds a rich, savory flavor. Both salted and unsalted butter will work wonderfully. If you plan to add a sprinkle of coarse salt on top of your pigs in a blanket, opting for unsalted butter might give you more control over the final saltiness. As an alternative to butter, you could use an egg wash (one egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) for a similar golden finish and shine, though it won’t impart the same buttery flavor. For an extra layer of flavor, consider melting some garlic into your butter before brushing for a savory twist.
- FLAKED SEA SALT (Optional): A pinch of flaky sea salt on top elevates these appetizers significantly. The coarse texture provides a delightful crunch, and the saltiness offers a perfect contrast to the slight sweetness of the crescent dough and the savory sausage. If you don’t have flaked sea salt, coarse kosher salt is a great alternative. This step is optional, but highly recommended for that extra touch of gourmet flavor and presentation.
How to Master the Art of Making Pigs in a Blanket
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this classic appetizer. For your convenience, you can Jump to Recipe to access the complete printable version, which includes all measurements and instructions at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents the crescent rolls from sticking.
- Unroll the Dough: Carefully remove the crescent rolls from their packaging. Gently unroll the dough, making sure to keep the perforated sheet of triangles as intact as possible. Handle the dough tenderly to avoid tearing.
- Form a Single Sheet: Once unrolled, gently press along the perforated seams. The goal is to create a single, cohesive sheet of crescent roll dough. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; minor imperfections will not affect the final delicious outcome.
- Slice the Dough: Using a pizza wheel or a sharp knife, slice the large crescent sheet into four equal sections lengthwise. Then, take each of these four sections and slice it into seven smaller triangles. This will give you 28 triangles in total, perfectly sized for wrapping your mini sausages. The triangles don’t need to be perfectly uniform; approximate triangles are absolutely fine and add to their homemade charm.
- Wrap the Sausages: Place one mini cocktail sausage at the wide end of each crescent dough triangle. Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up the sausage, tucking the dough tightly around it to form a miniature crescent roll. Ensure the tip of the triangle is tucked underneath to keep it secure during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the newly formed “pigs in a blanket” onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there’s a little space between each one, as the crescent dough will puff up during baking, and you don’t want them to stick together.
- Butter and Season: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each crescent roll with the melted butter. This step is key for that beautiful golden color and helps any toppings adhere. If desired, sprinkle a little flaked or coarse sea salt over the buttered tops for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are ready when the crescent rolls are beautifully puffed up and have turned a delightful golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve hot! These pigs in a blanket are fantastic with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, various mustards (yellow, Dijon, honey), BBQ sauce, or even a zesty spicy mayo. Feel free to explore other favorite dipping sauces to complement their savory flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Pigs in a Blanket
Absolutely! Pigs in a blanket are excellent for meal prep or party planning. You have a couple of options:
- Unbaked: Prepare the crescent-wrapped sausages as instructed, but do not bake them. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply pull them out and bake according to the recipe.
- Baked and Reheated: Bake the pigs in a blanket completely, then let them cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soft.
Yes, pigs in a blanket freeze wonderfully, both cooked and uncooked!
- Uncooked: Arrange the unbaked, wrapped sausages in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first, then bake as directed.
- Cooked: Allow the baked pigs in a blanket to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container or a large freezer-safe zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Then, warm them in a 325°F (160°C) oven until thoroughly heated, being careful not to overbake them, as this can dry out the already cooked dough.
Store any leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality for 4-5 days. For best results when reheating, use a toaster oven or conventional oven to help crisp up the dough again.
Classic cocktail frankfurters or “lil’ smokies” (often found in the refrigerated meat section) are the go-to choice for this recipe. However, feel free to experiment! You can use mini chicken sausages, beef sausages, or even vegetarian/vegan hot dogs for dietary variations. Just ensure they are “mini” sized, or cut larger hot dogs into appropriate cocktail-sized pieces.
Absolutely! While flaky sea salt is a fantastic touch, you can get creative with other toppings. Before baking (after brushing with butter), try sprinkling with:
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: For a savory, oniony, and garlicky crunch.
- Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds: For a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a cheesy, savory crust.
- Garlic Powder or Onion Powder: Mix a pinch into the melted butter or sprinkle directly.
- Smoked Paprika: For a hint of smoky flavor and color.
Elevate Your Pigs in a Blanket: Dipping & Serving Ideas
The beauty of pigs in a blanket lies not only in their irresistible taste but also in how wonderfully they pair with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them hot, either straight from the baking sheet or artfully arranged on a serving tray, always with a selection of dipping sauces on the side.
Classic choices include the ever-popular ketchup and yellow mustard, but don’t stop there! Explore other fantastic dipping options like:
- Dijon Mustard: For a more sophisticated and slightly spicier kick.
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy favorite that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet, and savory dimension.
- Spicy Mayo: A creamy sauce with a touch of heat, perfect for those who like a little zing.
- Ranch Dressing: A cool and herbaceous dip that complements the savory sausages.
- Cheese Sauce: For an indulgent, gooey experience.
- Relish: Sweet or dill relish can add a refreshing bite.
- Our homemade French Fry Sauce is also a fantastic, unexpected pairing!
Beyond the dips, you can also customize the pigs themselves. Instead of just plain melted butter, consider brushing them with garlic butter for an aromatic twist. The flaky sea salt is optional, but it truly enhances the flavor profile by providing a pleasant contrast to the crescent dough’s slight sweetness and the sausage’s savoriness. Alternatively, for a different texture and look, try sprinkling poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top before baking.
While they are quintessential party fare, these versatile bites aren’t limited to special occasions. They make an excellent and quick snack after school, a fun lunch option, or even a delightful light dinner any day of the week. Their ease of preparation makes them a go-to for busy families or anyone craving a comforting, savory treat.
More Crowd-Pleasing Party Appetizer Recipes
If you loved making these easy pigs in a blanket, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic appetizer ideas that are perfect for any gathering:
- Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Pinwheel Sandwiches
- Appetizer Veggie Pizza
- Turkey Pepper Jack Roll Ups
- Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
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Pigs in a Blanket
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces refrigerated crescent rolls 1 can of 8 rolls
- 14 ounces cocktail sausages
- 1 Tablespoon butter melted
- 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt optional
Things You’ll Need
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Baking sheets
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Pizza Cutter
Before You Begin
- The salt is optional, but it really adds a nice salty contrast to the sweetness in the crescent roll dough.
- Brushing the pigs in a blanket with melted butter helps them to achieve a nice golden brown color and it also helps the salt stick to the top of the roll.
- Salted or unsalted butter will work find to brush over the crescent dough. You could also use an egg wash.
- One can of crescent dough is enough to cover about 1 full 14 oz. package of sausages. Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe as needed – these little snacks go fast!
- Leave a little room between sausages on the baking sheet as the dough does puff up around the sausage and you don’t want them bumping into one another.
- Some stores sell crescent roll SHEETS – if you can find one of these, you can eliminate the step of pressing the perforated seams together. Simply slice the sheet into 28 small triangles. You can even just cut small strips of the dough, though I like the more traditional crescent roll appearance.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Remove crescent rolls from packaging and gently unroll, taking care to keep the perforated sheet intact.
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Press over the seams gently to form a single sheet of crescent roll dough.
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Use a pizza wheel to slice the crescent sheet into four sections and then slice each section into 7 triangles. (The triangles don’t have to be perfect or sized exactly the same – approximate triangles are just fine.)
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Place one cocktail sausage aligned with the wide end of each triangle. Roll up the sausage to form a small crescent roll surrounding the sausage.
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Place prepared “pigs in a blanket” on the prepared baking sheet.
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Brush the tops of each roll with melted butter and top with a sprinkle of flaked/coarse salt, if desired.
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Bake for 15 minutes or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown.
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Serve hot with ketchup, mustard, and any of your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.