Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer!

  

There are some appetizers that transcend generations, cultures, and culinary trends, remaining steadfastly beloved. Pigs in a Blanket are undeniably one of them! These miniature hot dogs or sausages, snuggled cozily in a flaky, golden-brown pastry, are the quintessential party snack. They're fun, easy to eat, and disappear from the serving platter faster than you can say "more please!"

While the concept is simple, the history is a bit murky, with variations appearing in cookbooks as early as the 1900s. The common denominator? A small sausage wrapped in some form of dough – whether it's crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even biscuit dough. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the sheer joy it brings to any gathering, from casual game nights to festive holiday parties.

So, let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible bites!

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Classic Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry, thawed)
• 1 (10-ounce) package mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages, drained
• Optional: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling
• Dipping sauces: Ketchup, mustard (Dijon or honey mustard work great!)

Instructions:

1.     Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.    Unroll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. If using crescent rolls, separate the dough into the pre-cut triangles. If using puff pastry, roll it out slightly and cut it into small triangles or strips (about 1.5-2 inches at the base and 3-4 inches long).

3.    Cut Dough: For crescent roll triangles, you may want to cut each triangle lengthwise into two or three smaller triangles, depending on the size of your mini hot dogs, to ensure a good dough-to-sausage ratio.

4.    Wrap the "Pigs": Place a mini hot dog at the wider end of each dough triangle. Roll up the dough tightly towards the narrow tip, ensuring the sausage is fully enclosed.

5.   Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the wrapped pigs in a blanket seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

6.   Egg Wash & Seeds (Optional): If desired, brush the tops of the dough with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for extra flavor and a golden finish.

7.    Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

8.   Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

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Tips for Perfect Pigs in a Blanket:

• Dough Choice: Crescent roll dough is super easy and creates a soft, slightly sweet pastry. Puff pastry offers a flakier, richer texture. Both are delicious!
• Don't Overcrowd: Give them space on the baking sheet so they can bake evenly and get nice and golden.
• Get Creative: While classic hot dogs are great, you can also use mini smoked sausages, little bratwursts, or even vegetarian sausages for a twist.
• Spice it Up: A tiny spread of cream cheese, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dash of everything bagel seasoning inside before rolling can add extra flavor.

Whether it's for a party, a casual snack, or just a fun meal, Pigs in a Blanket are guaranteed to bring smiles. They're simple, satisfying, and a true testament to how delicious comfort food can be. Enjoy!