Pigs In The Blanket Bites

Pigs in a blanket are one of those legendary party snacks that always disappear first Each batch takes only a few minutes of hands on work and they come out golden snappy and entirely irresistible especially hot from the oven The crescent dough is pillowy and buttery wrapped around smoky sausages for the perfect bite with cocktails or at brunch

I used to make these for every family holiday and now my niece is the one calling dibs on the last one at the table They have become our nonnegotiable appetizer for movie nights too

Ingredients

• Beef cocktail sausages: choose a quality brand for plump juicy flavor Use refrigerated for easier handling
• Crescent roll dough: look for a fresh can refrigerated variety works best for reliable rise and buttery flavor Avoid doughs with a lot of additives for the cleanest taste
• Large egg (optional) for egg wash: select the freshest one for best shine and binding the egg wash gives amazing color and helps any toppings stick
• Cold water: mixes with egg for even application and gentle shine on top

Step by Step Instructions

Open and Prepare Dough:

Take the crescent dough out of the fridge immediately before use to keep it cold Gently open the can and unroll the dough onto a clean cutting board Separate into triangles and use a sharp knife to slice each triangle evenly into three smaller long triangles

Wrap the Sausages:

Place one little sausage at the wide end of each dough triangle Carefully roll up each sausage so the dough spirals around snuggly Seal the pointy end by gently pressing it into the dough so it stays closed during baking

Arrange and Prep for Baking:

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning Space each wrapped sausage about an inch apart on the pan so they do not touch

Brush with Egg Wash Optional:

Crack a fresh egg into a small bowl Add the cold water and whisk thoroughly until no bits of egg white remain Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of each roll with the egg wash This step gives a glossy golden finish and helps toppings stick if using

Bake Until Golden:

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until the dough is puffed and deeply golden on all sides

Cool and Serve:

Remove tray and let cool slightly before moving with a spatula to a serving plate Enjoy fresh and warm as they taste best straight from the oven

Save

Using an extra fresh egg for the wash is my secret for a bakery style sheen My favorite moment is sneaking a hot pig in a blanket off the tray while no one is watching and biting into that fluffy golden crust

Storage Tips

Leftover pigs in a blanket can be refrigerated for up to two days Place them in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven or standard oven for a few minutes so the dough re crisps nicely Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap beef cocktail sausages for turkey or chicken varieties If crescent roll dough is unavailable you can use puff pastry sheets cut into strips Just keep an eye on baking time as puff pastry browns quickly Want a vegetarian version Try wrapping cheese sticks or cooked veggie sausages for similar party fun

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a large platter with an assortment of dips like honey mustard barbecue sauce or a homemade cheese sauce They are great paired with a fresh salad for brunch or arranged around a bowl of warm tomato soup for a playful meal

Cultural Historical Context

Pigs in a blanket have roots in British cuisine where similar pastries have been served during holidays for over a century The American version using crescent dough dates to the mid twentieth century and has been a potluck staple ever since Many families consider them nostalgic comfort food

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausage works best for pigs in the blanket?

Cocktail-size beef smokies or mini hot dogs are perfect; choose your preferred variety for flavor.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bites, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for optimal freshness.

→ How do I get a shiny, golden crust?

Brush each wrapped sausage with an egg wash before baking; it gives a rich sheen and color.

→ What toppings can I add before baking?

Try sprinkling on poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or dried herbs to boost flavor and texture.

→ Can crescent dough be swapped for puff pastry?

Yes, puff pastry provides a flakier bite and works nicely with the same assembly and baking steps.

→ What dips pair well with these bites?

Serve with mustard, ketchup, cheese sauce, or your favorite dips for added flavor.