Pigs In A Blanket

Flakey and fun, pigs in a blanket are the ultimate party appetizer for nearly any occasion. This pigs in a blanket recipe replaces the usual crescent dough with puff pastry to get an ultra-crisp and delicate bite that's a little more elevated for dinner parties but still perfect for a kid's birthday party or tailgate spread.

Why Are They Called Pigs in a Blanket?

Sausages (AKA pigs) wrapped in puff pastry or a biscuit dough "blanket" are baked together, making the name pretty intuitive. You may also know the hors d'oeuvre by some other fun names like devils on horseback, kilted sausages, or wiener winks.

The Brits also snack on this dish, though bacon is used instead of pastry. Pigs in a blanket are often served at Christmas time in the U.K., alongside other festive plates like turkey and stuffing.

The finger food may have originated as early as the 1600s as a convenient lunch for laborers.

Ingredients in Pigs in a Blanket

You're only five ingredients from snacking on salty and rich pigs in a blanket:

• Hot dogs: Instead of searching for cocktail wieners, use all beef hot dogs, which provide the same flavor. Look for regular-sized dogs. Steer clear of jumbo or XXL-sized ones. Spiced sausages like Italian or herbed chicken would also be delicious, though follow package instructions for cooking times.
• Egg: Use an egg mixed with water to seal the pastry together. The egg, in this instance, acts as a glue, keeping the pigs in a blanket closed during the baking process.
• Puff pastry: While crescent dough is classic, try puff pastry to elevate this simple app. You can find puff pastry in the chilled or freezer section of your grocery store. This ingredient is an ultra-rich, flaky pastry dough made of flour, butter, and water.
• Dijon mustard: Creamy and tangy, Dijon mustard is often preferred in recipes over yellow mustard as it has a softer, less vinegary taste.
• Everything but the bagel seasoning: Sprinkle over top of your pigs in a blanket for fun flourish. Everything but the Bagel Seasoning is widely available at grocery stores in the spice aisle or online.

How To Make Pigs in a Blanket

While there is a bit of hands-on work to get these pigs in a blanket oven-bound, it really isn't complicated. In fact, this would be a great opportunity to involve the kids. They can prick the hot dogs and roll up the blankets while you slice the individual pieces.

Here, a brief recap on to make pigs in a blanket. The full recipe is below.

• Step 1. Prepare the hot dogs: Turn your oven to 425°F, and take the 12 hot dogs from the package. Pierce each one about 3 times with a fork.
• Step 2. Make an egg wash: Combine the egg and water in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
• Step 3. Prepare the blankets: Spread out the puff pastry, and roll the puff pastry into a 12-inch square. Then, use a pizza cutter or long knife to cut 12 pieces of pastry dough.
• Step 4. Spread the mustard: Use a spoon or small pastry brush to spread a bit of Dijon mustard on each of the 12 pieces of pastry. Top each one with a hot dog.
• Step 5. Blanket the dogs: Brush a bit of the egg wash on all edges of the pastry. Roll up the hot dog, and press the edges of the pigs in a blanket to seal. Freeze the rolled hot dogs just until firm, which should take about 30 minutes.
• Step 6. Cut pieces: Once the hot dogs have firmed up a bit in the freezer, cut each into four equal pieces. Trim the ends for even, tidy pieces, or leave them on if you don't mind the look.
• Step 7. Add seasoning: Brush the tops of each bite with the remaining egg wash, and sprinkle the everything-bagel seasoning on the bites.
• Step 8. Bake the bites: Bake one tray of pigs in a blanket at a time for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown. Remove the bites from the baking tray, and plate with the additional mustard for serving.

How To Store Pigs in a Blanket

With a flaky pastry crust, pigs in a blanket are best enjoyed the day they are baked. If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Store fully baked pigs in a blanket in the freezer for up to six months in an airtight container or zip-top bag. First, lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and pop them in the freezer for an hour. Then place them in the freezer-safe container.

How To Reheat Pigs in a Blanket

Defrost the pre-cooked pigs in a blanket by leaving the container overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes or the air fryer on medium for 8 to 10 minutes to help crisp up the pastry.

How Should Pigs in a Blanket Be Served?

Salty and a little garlicky, these pigs in a blanket are best served with a prepared condiment like hot honey or grainy mustard to balance the flavors. Or whip up an easy dip like this Creamy Avocado Dip, a rich and creamy Diner-Style Queso, or sneak some veggies in with this Sweet Pea-Parmesan Dip.

What Other Foods Should Be Served with Pigs in a Blanket?

Pigs in a blanket are a tasty finger food, great for cocktail parties or easy-to-eat apps at tailgates and casual get-togethers. Serve pigs in a blanket alongside other classic apps like Deviled Eggs, or keep it simple with Sheet Pan Nachos or everyone's favorite, Hush Puppies.

Editorial Contributions by Alexandra Emanuelli.