Pigs in a Blanket are tasty little snacks where juicy sausages are wrapped in buttery dough. They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in!
These bite-sized treats are so fun to eat! I love dipping them in mustard or ketchup. What about you? It’s hard to stop at just one—everyone loves a good pig in a blanket! 🐷🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocktail Sausages: These are classic for pigs in a blanket. If you want to mix things up, try using mini hot dogs or even vegetarian sausages. They work just as well!
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is super convenient. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use crescent roll dough. Just roll it out and cut it into strips!
Cheddar Cheese: I love cheddar, but feel free to swap it with mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor. Different cheeses can really change the taste.
Egg Wash: The beaten egg gives a nice color and shine. If you’re avoiding eggs, try milk or a plant-based milk for brushing the pastry instead.
How Do I Make Sure the Puff Pastry is Perfect?
Getting perfect puff pastry requires some attention. The key is to keep everything cold and handle the dough as little as possible. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep the puff pastry in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Warm dough doesn’t puff as well.
- Use a sharp knife when cutting the pastry to keep the edges clean.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly.
- Watch closely in the last few minutes of baking. Remove them from the oven once they are golden brown.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly puffy and delicious pigs in a blanket every time!
How to Make Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Snack:
- 8 cocktail sausages (or mini hot dogs)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 small slices of cheddar cheese
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful snack takes about 15 minutes for prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy treat for any occasion. You’ll be enjoying these cheesy, meaty bites in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 8 equal strips. This will make wrapping the sausages easier!
3. Add Cheese:
On the parchment-lined baking sheet, place a slice of cheddar cheese for each pig in a blanket. This melty goodness will add flavor and a creamy texture.
4. Wrap the Sausages:
Now it’s time to wrap! Take one cocktail sausage and place it on the edge of a pastry strip. Start wrapping it tightly from one end to the other until it’s fully covered. Lay the wrapped sausage on top of the cheddar slice, making sure the end of the sausage is slightly sticking out.
5. Create the Piggy Ears:
To give your pigs a fun look, use a small knife to pinch and twist the ends of the pastry, resembling cute little ears. This is all about creativity, so have fun with it!
6. Brush and Season:
With your beaten egg, brush the top of each wrapped sausage. This will create a beautiful golden color as they bake. If you’d like, sprinkle a few sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for added crunch and flavor!
7. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t burn.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the tray from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy these adorable, cheesy pigs in a blanket warm with your favorite dips!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! You can use mini hot dogs, vegetarian sausages, or even larger sausages cut in half. Just make sure they fit well within the puff pastry wrap.
What’s the Best Way to Thaw Puff Pastry?
The best method is to transfer it from the freezer to the fridge the night before you plan to use it. If you’re short on time, you can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it becomes pliable.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance, wrap them, and freeze them before baking. Just add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time when you bake them from frozen.