Welcome to the definitive guide for crafting the most irresistible Pigs in a Blanket Recipe! This beloved party appetizer elevates classic cocktail franks by wrapping them in golden, flaky crescent roll dough, then finishes with a generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. The result is a quick, easy, and endlessly satisfying snack that disappears in minutes at any gathering.
author’s note
Party-Perfect Pigs in a Blanket That Disappear in Minutes!
Growing up, Pigs in a Blanket were an absolute staple at virtually every family gathering. Whether it was New Year’s Eve, a birthday bash, or even just a casual movie night, my mom always had a tray of these golden delights baking in the oven. The aroma alone was enough to get everyone excited! It’s a tradition I’ve happily carried into my own home, but with a delicious, simple twist: a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning before they hit the oven.
This one extra step takes a humble, classic appetizer and elevates it to something truly gourmet, without adding any complexity to the preparation. During recipe testing, my kids couldn’t keep their hands off them, sneaking piece after piece from the tray before I could even properly photograph them. That’s when I knew I had perfected “my version” of this timeless treat. It’s incredibly simple, undeniably fun, and consistently the biggest crowd-pleaser at any event. Prepare for compliments and empty platters!
Why You’ll Love This Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
There are countless reasons why these Pigs in a Blanket will become your new go-to party snack. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients. The combination of savory cocktail franks and buttery, flaky crescent roll dough is already a winner, but the addition of everything bagel seasoning takes them to an entirely new level. This seasoning adds a fantastic crunch and a burst of savory, garlicky, oniony flavor that complements the richness of the hot dogs perfectly. They’re also highly versatile, perfect for any occasion from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Plus, they’re wonderfully customizable with various dipping sauces and ingredient swaps.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pigs in a Blanket
Crafting these delectable appetizers requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture, from the savory franks to the golden, seasoned crust. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Notes & Swaps for Best Results |
|---|---|
| Cocktail Franks / Little Smokies® | The star of the show! Any small sausage will work beautifully. For an extra kick, try a spicy variety, or opt for turkey franks for a lighter, leaner flavor profile. Make sure they are well-drained. |
| Crescent Roll Dough | Refrigerated crescent roll dough is the ultimate time-saver, making this recipe incredibly quick. For a flakier, more pastry-like result, you can easily swap this with puff pastry sheets, adjusting baking time as needed. |
| Dijon Mustard | A thin layer of Dijon adds a wonderfully tangy depth to the inside of the dough. If Dijon isn’t on hand, classic yellow mustard offers a familiar flavor, or a touch of honey mustard can provide a sweet and savory note. |
| Everything Bagel Seasoning | This is our secret ingredient for an elevated taste! You can use your favorite store-bought blend or whip up a homemade version. If you prefer a simpler finish, plain sesame seeds (white or black) or poppy seeds are excellent alternatives. |
| Egg Wash | A simple egg wash (one beaten egg) brushed over the dough creates a beautiful golden sheen and acts as the perfect adhesive for the everything bagel seasoning, ensuring it sticks firmly during baking. Milk can be used as a substitute for a slightly less shiny finish. |
Everything Bagel Seasoning: The Game-Changing Twist
While classic Pigs in a Blanket are delicious on their own, the addition of everything bagel seasoning is what truly sets this recipe apart. This savory blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky sea salt provides an incredible texture and a burst of robust flavor that transforms these simple appetizers into something special. It adds a delightful crunch and a depth of umami that perfectly complements the savory hot dogs and buttery dough.
You can easily find everything bagel seasoning in most grocery stores in the spice aisle, or you can even make your own at home with a few basic ingredients. The homemade version allows you to customize the ratios to your liking, perhaps adding more garlic or a touch more salt. Whichever you choose, don’t skip this step – it’s the secret to making these Pigs in a Blanket unforgettable!
How To Make Pigs In A Blanket: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing these fantastic appetizers is surprisingly simple and quick, making them ideal for last-minute party preparations. Follow these easy steps to create perfectly golden and flavorful Pigs in a Blanket:
- Prep the Dough with Precision: Start by unrolling your refrigerated crescent roll dough. Each triangle should then be carefully cut lengthwise into three smaller, thinner strips. This ensures a perfect dough-to-frank ratio and enough dough for all your mini hot dogs.
- Add a Touch of Tang: Lightly spread a small amount of Dijon mustard on each individual strip of crescent dough. This subtle layer adds a wonderful tangy flavor that perfectly cuts through the richness of the sausage and dough.
- Wrap the Dogs Securely: Place a cocktail frank at the wider end of each mustard-brushed dough strip. Carefully roll the frank towards the narrow tip, ensuring it’s snugly wrapped. Once rolled, place each mini pig seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to prevent it from unrolling during baking.
- Brush for Shine & Sprinkle for Flavor: In a small bowl, whisk one large egg until smooth to create your egg wash. Lightly brush this egg wash over the top of each wrapped frank. This not only gives them a beautiful golden sheen but also acts as a binder for the star ingredient: the everything bagel seasoning. Sprinkle generously over each, ensuring an even coating.
- Bake to Golden Perfection & Serve: Transfer the baking sheet to a preheated oven and bake until the crescent dough is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, typically about 10-14 minutes. Serve these delightful appetizers hot, ideally with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Pro Tips for the Best Pigs in a Blanket
- Don’t Over-Season: While the everything bagel seasoning is key, be mindful of the salt content. Many cocktail franks and crescent rolls are already quite salty. Taste a plain frank first to gauge if you need additional flaky sea salt in your seasoning blend.
- Keep Dough Cold: Work quickly with the crescent roll dough. Cold dough is easier to handle and will result in a flakier texture once baked.
- Even Spreading of Mustard: Use a small pastry brush or the back of a spoon to apply a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard. Too much can make the dough soggy, too little might mean missing out on that tangy kick.
- Seam-Side Down is Key: Always place the wrapped pigs in a blanket with the seam facing down on the baking sheet. This prevents them from unrolling during the baking process and ensures a neat, finished look.
- Watch Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your pigs in a blanket towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning, especially if your oven runs hot. They should be golden brown and puffed.
Make Ahead And Storage Tips
- Make Ahead Magic: Pigs in a blanket are fantastic for preparing in advance! Assemble them up to 4 hours before baking. Once wrapped and placed on the baking sheet, cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just before baking, remove them from the fridge, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with seasoning. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
- Storing Leftovers: If by some miracle you have any leftovers, store the baked pigs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
- Reheating Leftovers: For best results, reheat leftover pigs in a blanket in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly warmed through and crispy again, usually about 8-10 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the dough soft.
Flavorful Dipping Sauces to Elevate Your Pigs in a Blanket
While absolutely delicious on their own, Pigs in a Blanket are truly complemented by a great dipping sauce. The optional Dijon dipping sauce included in this recipe adds an extra layer of creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory franks and seasoned dough. This simple sauce comes together in minutes and is highly recommended for an enhanced culinary experience.
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Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket
Chelsea Lords
15
12
27
24 snacks
Equipment
- Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Ingredients
For the Pigs in a Blanket
- 1 (8-ounce) container refrigerated crescent rolls (8 count)
- 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
- 24 mini beef hot dogs or cocktail franks, drained
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
For the Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 tablespoon white sesame seeds (toasted recommended)
- 1/2 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon Flaky sea salt (adjust to preference, see note 1)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat recommended)
- 1/2 cup mayo (full fat recommended)
- 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the poppy seeds, white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaky sea salt. Stir everything together until well combined and set this flavorful mix aside.
- Preheat & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Set the prepared pan aside.
- Cut the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough straight from the refrigerator. Separate the triangles. For each triangle, cut it lengthwise into three smaller, thin strips. This will give you 24 strips in total, perfect for wrapping each mini frank.
- Mustard & Wrap: Very lightly and evenly brush each dough strip with Dijon mustard. Place a mini beef hot dog on the wider end of a dough strip. Roll the hot dog tightly towards the narrow tip, ensuring it’s fully enclosed by the dough.
- Egg Wash & Season: Place the wrapped pigs in a blanket onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the seam side is facing down to prevent them from unraveling. In a small bowl, briskly whisk the large egg until it is smooth to create an egg wash. Brush this egg wash gently over the top of each dough-wrapped hot dog. Then, sprinkle each bundle generously with the prepared everything bagel seasoning mix. You can eyeball the amount based on your preference for seasoning coverage.
- Bake & Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–14 minutes, or until the crescent dough is beautifully puffed and golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and serve hot. If desired, serve alongside the optional homemade dipping sauce.
- Optional Dipping Sauce: To make the optional dipping sauce, simply whisk together all the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve alongside your freshly baked Pigs in a Blanket.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Note: The provided nutrition information is calculated based on 24 appetizers and does not include the optional dipping sauce.
Storage: Store any leftover baked pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are warm throughout and the dough is flaky again.
Nutrition
Calories: 79kcal |
Carbohydrates: 1g |
Protein: 2g |
Fat: 8g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 18mg |
Sodium: 179mg |
Potassium: 43mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 47IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 20mg |
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Loved this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Recipe adapted from Food Network
Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Pigs: For those who love a bit of heat, swap out regular cocktail franks for jalapeño sausages. Serve them with a vibrant chipotle dip or a zesty sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Pigs: Elevate the indulgence by tucking a small piece of cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese stick cut into small pieces) inside the dough before rolling. Dip these cheesy delights in a warm, gooey queso dip.
- Change Up The Dip: The possibilities for dipping sauces are endless! Beyond our recommended Dijon sauce, try homemade ranch dressing, classic ketchup, tangy BBQ sauce, or even a sweet and sour sauce.
- Puff Pastry Pigs: For an even more elegant presentation and a wonderfully flaky texture, substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry. Simply cut the puff pastry into small squares or triangles and wrap as usual. This makes them feel a bit more sophisticated for formal gatherings.
- Italian Herb Twist: Instead of everything bagel seasoning, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a dash of Parmesan cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile. Serve with marinara sauce.
- Sweet & Savory: Add a thin slice of bacon or a tiny drizzle of maple syrup to the dough before wrapping for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use different types of sausages or hot dogs?
- Absolutely! While cocktail franks are traditional, feel free to experiment. Mini chicken sausages, spicy chorizo mini links, or even cut-up full-sized hot dogs can work. Just ensure they are small enough to be easily wrapped by the dough strips.
- Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
- Yes, you can! Puff pastry will give you a flakier, richer result. Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions, then cut it into squares or rectangles and proceed with the wrapping. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them until golden brown.
- Can I freeze pigs in a blanket?
- Yes, both uncooked and baked pigs in a blanket can be frozen. For uncooked: Assemble completely (with egg wash and seasoning), then flash freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 1-2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked: Freeze cooled pigs in a blanket in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven.
- What are the best dipping sauces for pigs in a blanket?
- Beyond the Dijon dipping sauce in this recipe, popular choices include honey mustard, classic yellow mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Consider homemade options for a fresher taste!
- How do I ensure the dough doesn’t get soggy?
- To prevent soggy dough, ensure your cocktail franks are thoroughly drained before wrapping. Also, avoid spreading too much mustard or egg wash, as excess moisture can affect the texture. Bake them immediately after assembling if possible, or refrigerate covered for no more than 4 hours if making ahead.
- Can I make these gluten-free?
- You might be able to find gluten-free crescent roll dough or puff pastry in specialty stores. Always check the ingredients of your cocktail franks as well, as some processed meats can contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free.
We hope this enhanced recipe for Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket becomes a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit, these mini appetizers are perfect for any gathering. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade party food!