Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable pigs in a blanket:

• Cocktail-sized smoked sausages: Also known as Little Smokies, these mini pork sausages offer a delightful smoky flavor that complements the buttery crescent rolls perfectly. If Little Smokies are unavailable, you can substitute mini frankfurters or cut full-sized hot dogs into thirds. The key is to use a small sausage that will be fully encased in the dough.
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is the classic choice for wrapping pigs in a blanket, providing a flaky and tender crust. For a gourmet twist, you can also use puff pastry, which will result in an even flakier and more decadent appetizer.
• Egg: Whisked with a tablespoon of water, an egg wash creates a beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish on the pigs in a blanket. It also helps toppings like everything bagel seasoning adhere to the dough.
• Large-flake sea salt or Everything Bagel seasoning: These optional toppings add extra flavor and texture to the pigs in a blanket. Everything bagel seasoning is a particularly popular choice, offering a savory blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion.

See the recipe card below for complete information on ingredients and quantities.

Making pigs in a blanket is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these delicious appetizers:

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the pigs in a blanket from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Remove the cocktail sausages from their package and pat them dry with a paper towel. This ensures the dough adheres properly and prevents soggy bottoms.
2. Cut the dough: Remove the crescent roll dough from the can and unroll it onto a clean surface. Use your fingers to pinch the seams together, creating a solid sheet of dough. Once the seams are sealed, use a sharp knife or pizza wheel to cut the dough into 3-inch strips. The number of strips should match the number of sausages you’re wrapping.
3. Wrap the sausages: Place a sausage atop a strip of dough. Roll the dough away from you, wrapping it around the center of the sausage. Pinch the ends to seal the dough shut, ensuring the sausage is completely encased. Place the wrapped sausage on your prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Repeat with the remaining sausages, spacing them evenly apart to allow for proper baking.
4. Bake: Brush the egg wash over the tops of the crescent rolls, which will give them a beautiful golden-brown color. Sprinkle with sea salt or everything bagel seasoning for added flavor. Bake until the rolls are puffed and golden brown, approximately 12-15 minutes.

Dipping Sauces for Pigs in a Blanket

While pigs in a blanket are delicious on their own, a flavorful dipping sauce can elevate them to the next level. Keep it classic with ketchup, or explore a variety of mustards and other exciting options. Here are some crowd-favorite dipping sauce ideas:

• Spicy ketchup for a fiery kick
• Root beer barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor
• Buttermilk ranch dressing for a creamy and tangy option
• Beer cheese sauce for a rich and savory experience
• Cowboy butter for a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, and butter

Variations to Try

Pigs in a blanket are incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization and creative twists. Here are some fun and delicious variations to try:

• Use a different dough: For a flaky, gourmet twist, substitute puff pastry for crescent roll dough. Cut the pastry into strips, wrap the sausages as usual, and bake. You can even use pizza dough, just make sure to roll it out thin before cutting it into strips.
• Swap in your favorite hot dogs or bratwurst: Cut the hot dogs or bratwurst into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Adjust the size of the dough strips to accommodate the larger sausages, then wrap, brush, sprinkle, and bake as directed.
• Make cheesy pigs in a blanket: Add a small slice of cheddar, Swiss cheese, or pepper jack on top of each sausage before wrapping it with the dough. The result is melty, cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Go veggie: For a plant-based option, swap the cocktail sausages for your favorite vegetarian or vegan sausages. They cook up just as beautifully and are equally delicious.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Pigs in a blanket are perfect for making ahead of time, making them ideal for parties and gatherings. Here’s how to prepare and store them:

• To Make-Ahead: Assemble the pigs in a blanket but don’t bake them. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
• To Store: Place leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm the pigs in a blanket in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or in your air fryer at the same temperature for 3–5 minutes, until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving them, as it can make the dough less crisp.

Looking for more delicious and easy appetizer ideas? Here are some classic recipes that are sure to be a hit: