Who can resist the allure of warm, flaky pastry wrapped around a savory little sausage? Classic pigs in a blanket are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, birthday parties, or just a fun weekend snack. But let’s be honest, achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside is fully cooked can sometimes be a challenge. This recipe tackles that head-on, ensuring perfectly cooked and irresistibly delicious pigs in a blanket every time.
Why You’ll Love These Pigs in a Blanket
These aren’t just any pigs in a blanket; they’re the perfect pigs in a blanket! Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:
- Golden Perfection: Achieve that coveted golden-brown color on the pastry without burning.
- Perfectly Cooked Inside: No more worrying about lukewarm sausages!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses readily available ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time means you can have these ready in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with children of all ages (and adults too!).
Gathering Your Ingredients for Classic Pigs in a Blanket
Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We’re using just a handful of key ingredients to create a flavor and texture combination that’s simply irresistible. The slight saltiness of the sausage contrasts beautifully with the buttery, flaky pastry, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry Sheets: This forms the blanket that cuddles our little sausages! Crescent roll dough offers a slightly sweeter, softer texture, while puff pastry delivers a more intensely buttery and flaky experience. Either works beautifully, so choose your preference.
- Cocktail Sausages (Miniature Hot Dogs): These are the “pigs” in our blanket! Opt for your favorite brand of cocktail sausages. You could even experiment with different flavors, such as chicken or turkey sausages, for a fun twist.
- Large Egg: The egg wash is the secret weapon to achieving that beautiful golden-brown color. It also helps the pastry puff up and become extra crispy. You can learn more about how eggs work in baking if you are interested.
Crafting Your Pigs in a Blanket: Step-by-Step
Ready to transform these simple ingredients into a batch of golden, delicious pigs in a blanket? Don’t worry, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. The key is to follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked, crowd-pleasing snacks. Let’s get started!
- Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures even cooking from the start. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Prepare the Pastry: Now, it’s time to unleash the pastry! If you’re using crescent roll dough, unroll the dough and separate it into individual triangles. If you’ve opted for puff pastry, unfold the sheet and cut it into strips approximately 1 inch wide. These strips will be the perfect size to wrap around our sausages.
- The Secret Step: Pat Dry the Sausages: This is the crucial step that makes all the difference! Using a paper towel, thoroughly pat dry the cocktail sausages. Removing excess moisture ensures that the pastry crisps up beautifully instead of becoming soggy. Trust me, this little trick is a game-changer!
- Wrap ‘Em Up!: Take a crescent roll triangle or a strip of puff pastry. Place a sausage at the wider end of the triangle or at one end of the pastry strip. Begin rolling the pastry around the sausage, working towards the point of the triangle or the other end of the strip. Ensure the sausage is completely enclosed, and gently press the seam to seal it.
- Arrange and Egg Wash: Arrange the wrapped sausages seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one to allow for even cooking and browning. In a small bowl, beat the large egg until smooth. Brush the tops and sides of each pig in a blanket with the beaten egg wash. Don’t skip this step! The egg wash is what gives them that gorgeous golden color and helps the pastry puff up beautifully.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the sausages are heated through. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Once the pigs in a blanket are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to cool down a bit and prevents any accidental burns.
Tips for Perfect Pigs in a Blanket Every Time
Want to take your pigs in a blanket game to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every single time:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, bake in batches.
- Use Room Temperature Dough (Slightly): Letting the dough sit at room temperature for just a few minutes makes it easier to work with and prevents tearing.
- Experiment with Fillings: While cocktail sausages are classic, you can try using sliced chicken sausages or even vegetarian sausages for a different twist.
- Add Cheese!: Sprinkle a little shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) inside the pastry before wrapping for an extra cheesy treat.
- Spice it Up!: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg wash for a subtle kick.
What to Serve With Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with complementary flavors. Consider serving them with:
- Your favorite dipping sauces, such as mustard, ketchup, ranch dressing, or a creamy honey mustard.
- A simple salad to balance out the richness. You could try a creamy cauliflower broccoli salad with smoked paprika dressing.
- Fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Your Pigs in a Blanket Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I make pigs in a blanket ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the pigs in a blanket up to a day in advance, but don’t brush them with the egg wash until just before baking. Store them in the refrigerator, covered tightly, until ready to bake.
Can I freeze pigs in a blanket?
Absolutely! Bake the pigs in a blanket as directed, then let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Can I use a different kind of pastry?
Yes! While crescent roll dough and puff pastry are the most common choices, you can also use biscuit dough or even homemade pastry dough. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pigs in a Blanket!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for perfectly golden and cooked pigs in a blanket! This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight snack yet impressive enough for a party. So, gather your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and prepare to enjoy these little bites of happiness. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out! And if you are looking for other snack options, be sure to check out our recipe for cream cheese stuffed pretzel bites!
Classic Pigs in a Blanket (Perfectly Golden & Cooked Inside)
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets
- 1 package cocktail sausages (miniature hot dogs)
- 1 large egg, beaten
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using crescent roll dough, unroll and separate into triangles. If using puff pastry, unfold and cut into approximately 1 inch wide strips.
- Pat the cocktail sausages dry with a paper towel. This is a key step for better results!
- Starting at the wider end of the crescent roll triangle or one end of the puff pastry strip, place a sausage and roll it up towards the point or the other end, enclosing the sausage. Press the seam gently to seal.
- Arrange the wrapped sausages seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Brush the tops and sides of the pastry with the beaten egg wash. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly golden color and helps the pastry puff beautifully as the sausage heats.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the sausages are heated through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
