These Best Pigs in a Blanket recipe are the ultimate snack that’s sure to please any crowd! Imagine the warm, golden dough, hugging mini sausages with a soft, fluffy texture, and every bite delivers that irresistible combination of flavors. What makes this recipe truly special is the homemade dough – no yeast required – which comes together in minutes for an easy, stress-free baking experience. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, prepping snacks for game day, or just looking for a fun way to elevate a classic favorite, these Best Pigs in a Blanket recipe is a guaranteed hit. Customize with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a dusting of cheese for an extra touch. With simple ingredients and foolproof dough, this recipe transforms into a warm, comforting treat that everyone will want seconds of – and they’re so easy, you won’t mind! Grab some mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dip, and enjoy this crowd-pleaser anytime.
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ToggleFrom New York to My Kitchen: The Pigs in a Blanket That Stole My Heart
I still remember the first time I tasted Pigs in a Blanket – I must have been around ten years old. My Auntie M had just come back from visiting our cousins in New York, and she brought this recipe back with her. For me, it was love at first bite! My mom didn’t usually let us eat hot dogs, so this was a special treat. Auntie kept making "The Pigs," and we kept sneaking more. I remember thinking, "This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!"
Now, it’s my turn to share this joy with my family, and these Pigs in a Blanket with my easy, foolproof dough make it possible to enjoy the magic anytime. They’re easy, delicious, and an instant favorite every time I make them. Whether I’m serving them for a family gathering, or as snacks on game day, the whole batch always disappears in minutes.
If you’re looking to add to your appetizer game, you’d love my Asparagus and Onion Tart, Breaded Mushrooms, and Grilled Zucchini and Blue Cheese Bruschetta – each one as easy and tasty as these!
Best,
Ana
Ingredients for Best Pigs in the Blanket Recipe
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and a tender bite.
- Baking powder: Adds a light, fluffy texture to the dough, helping it rise without yeast.
- Natural yogurt: Adds moisture, a slight tang, and makes the dough soft and pliable.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors in the dough and balances the taste.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough, making it tender and flavorful.
- Mini sausages or hot dogs: The star of the show, adding a savory bite inside each wrap.
- Egg: Gives a beautiful golden finish to the baked dough, adding shine.
- Toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese): Optional garnishes that add extra flavor and a decorative touch on top of each wrap.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze Pigs in a Blanket?
Yes, freeze them before baking on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.
How do I keep them warm for a party?
You can keep them warm in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting or cover them with foil and keep them in a low-temperature oven.
How to Make Best Pigs in the Blanket Recipe
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the yogurt and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, adjusting with more flour or yogurt as needed for consistency.
- Knead: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the prepared pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Slice and Wrap: Cut the dough into strips that are slightly shorter than the length of each sausage. Wrap each sausage in a strip of dough, gently pressing the ends to seal.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the wrapped sausages seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden and puffed.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Dobar tek!
10 Perfect Dipping Sauces for Best Pigs in the Blanket
- Honey Mustard: A blend of honey and mustard gives a perfect sweet and tangy complement to the savory flavors of the mini hot dogs.
- Classic Ketchup: Always a crowd-pleaser, ketchup adds that classic flavor for a nostalgic touch.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a splash of sriracha for a creamy dip with a bit of heat.
- Cheese Sauce: Warm, creamy cheese sauce brings a rich and indulgent touch. Perfect for those who love a little extra decadence.
- BBQ Sauce: A smoky BBQ sauce adds a sweet, tangy flavor that’s fantastic with savory bites.
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy and garlicky, this dip is a great option for those who enjoy bolder flavors.
- Ranch Dressing: Cool and herby, ranch is always a hit and adds a fresh flavor contrast.
- Dijon or Spicy Mustard: For those who prefer a sharp mustard bite, a good Dijon or spicy mustard brings a refined, tangy flavor.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: If you want a bit of sweet and spicy, sweet chili sauce brings just the right balance.
- Maple Dijon Dip: Mix maple syrup with Dijon mustard for a subtly sweet, tangy dip that’s unique and flavorful.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket: Add a small slice of cheddar or mozzarella cheese inside the dough wrap before rolling the sausage. Bake as usual for an extra cheesy twist.
- Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket: Before baking, brush the wrapped sausages with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. It adds a savory crunch and pop of flavor.
- Honey Mustard Pigs in a Blanket: Spread a light layer of honey mustard on the dough before wrapping each sausage for a touch of sweetness and tang.
- Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket: Boil the wrapped sausages briefly in water with baking soda (like pretzel dough), then brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt before baking. These turn out like mini soft pretzels with a sausage surprise inside.
- Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket: Add a thin slice of fresh or pickled jalapeño and a dab of cream cheese inside the dough wrap for a spicy, creamy bite.
- Garlic Herb Pigs in a Blanket: Mix some minced garlic and Italian herbs into the dough before rolling it out for a flavorful, herby twist.
- Bacon-Wrapped Pigs in a Blanket: Wrap a small piece of bacon around each mini sausage before wrapping it in dough. Bake until both the bacon and dough are golden.
- Sweet & Spicy Pigs in a Blanket: Mix a small amount of honey and sriracha together and brush it over the top of the dough before baking for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Buffalo Pigs in a Blanket: After baking, toss the mini sausages in buffalo sauce for a spicy coating. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Crescent Roll Pigs in a Blanket: Use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough for a flakier, buttery texture.
Best Pigs in the Blanket Recipe
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup natural yogurt (full-fat)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the rolls:
- 22 - 24 mini sausages or hot dogs (or cut larger hot dogs into small
- 1 egg + 1 tsp water, beaten (for egg wash)
For topping, optional:
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the yogurt and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, adjusting with more flour or yogurt as needed for consistency.
- Knead: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the prepared pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Slice and Wrap: Cut the dough into strips that are slightly shorter than the length of each sausage. Wrap each sausage in a strip of dough, gently pressing the ends to seal.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the wrapped sausages seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden and puffed.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Dobar tek!
For the Curious Foodie
The Origins of Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a Blanket might feel like a uniquely American comfort food, but variations of this snack actually pop up around the world. The basic concept - wrapping meat in dough - dates back centuries and appears in several culinary traditions. In the United States, Pigs in a Blanket gained popularity in the mid-20th century, especially as an appetizer or snack for gatherings. Many people credit the “party food” craze of the 1950s for its rise to fame, with cookbooks and magazines offering quick, convenient recipes for home entertaining. However, similar dishes have appeared in places like the UK, where “pigs in blankets” refers to sausages wrapped in bacon, often served with holiday meals.
Global Variations
While the classic American version involves mini sausages wrapped in dough, variations on this beloved snack can be found worldwide:
- United Kingdom: British pigs in blankets are wrapped in bacon rather than dough, making them a festive favorite, especially for Christmas dinner.
- Czech Republic: Known as "párky v rohlíku," this version is similar to an American corn dog, where a sausage is covered in bread dough and baked.
- China: "Lap cheong bao" is a Chinese variant where sweet Chinese sausage is enclosed in a soft, steamed bun.
- Denmark: "Pølsehorn" is a Danish snack where a sausage is wrapped in bread dough, much like the American version, making it a popular street food.
Each of these adaptations is as beloved in its home country as the American Pigs in a Blanket are in the U.S.
Fun Facts
- A Party Classic: In the U.S., Pigs in a Blanket have become a go-to for game day parties, potlucks, and casual gatherings. They're easy to make, transport, and enjoy without utensils, making them an ideal snack for social occasions.
- National Pigs in a Blanket Day: Celebrated on April 24, this unofficial holiday invites fans of the snack to whip up their favorite versions and share them with friends and family.
- Versatile and Customizable: The appeal of Pigs in a Blanket lies in their versatility. You can swap the sausage for cocktail franks, chicken sausage, or even veggies and cheese for a vegetarian twist. Plus, they pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, from ketchup and mustard to more inventive options like honey mustard or sriracha mayo.
Why We Love Them
Pigs in a Blanket have a magical way of sparking nostalgia. They’re simple, quick to make, and bring back memories of shared moments, whether from childhood birthday parties, family gatherings, or late-night snacks. Plus, they allow for plenty of creativity. Whether you make them with classic American ingredients, add a twist with international flavors, or create mini versions for appetizers, these bites are sure to be a hit.
Enjoy this tasty classic, and feel free to put your spin on it! It’s a dish that invites both tradition and innovation - a perfect blend for any curious foodie.
Author
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Welcome to my culinary haven! My name is Ana, and I'm the passionate voice behind World Cuisines Network. Here, I share recipes that have not only won the approval of my family but have also stood the test of time in our kitchen. My goal is to introduce the rich tapestry of global flavors right to your family table. Thank you for dropping in! We're thrilled to have you join us.
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