If you’re on the hunt for a delightful appetizer that’s both irresistibly tasty and surprisingly easy to make, this Homemade Pigs in a Blanket Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Imagine juicy mini sausages curled snugly inside flaky, golden puff pastry, baked to perfection and served hot, ready to bring smiles to every gathering. This classic bite-sized treat offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and a texture that’s flaky on the outside, tender and meaty on the inside — absolutely perfect for parties, family dinners, or even a cozy snack night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for nailing the perfect texture and flavor of your Homemade Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s creating that golden, flaky crust or delivering the savory punch you crave.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): Provides the flaky, buttery wrap that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Mini sausages or hot dogs: The star of the show, offering savory juiciness that complements the pastry perfectly.
- Egg: Used to make the egg wash, it adds a gorgeous shine and helps the pastry brown evenly.
- Water: Mixed with the egg for the perfect consistency of the egg wash.
- Mustard or ketchup: Ideal dipping sauces that enhance flavor with a tangy or sweet twist.
How to Make Homemade Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your pigs in a blanket don’t stick and bake evenly, giving you an easy cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Then, slice it into 1-inch-wide strips. This thickness makes sure the pastry is thin enough to crisp up yet sturdy enough to hold your mini sausages.
Step 3: Wrap the Sausages
Take each mini sausage and place it on one end of a pastry strip. Roll it up tightly until it’s fully wrapped, then set it seam-side down on your baking sheet. This technique traps the air inside the pastry, helping it puff beautifully while baking.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
Whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of water to create your egg wash. Brush this gently over each wrapped sausage to give your pigs in a blanket that irresistible golden sheen and a lovely crisp texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and exquisitely golden brown. Let them cool just a little before serving — this keeps the filling hot and the pastry crisp, ready for dipping.
How to Serve Homemade Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your pigs in a blanket with simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a pop of color and a touch of gourmet appeal. For an extra flavor boost, try a dash of smoked paprika or a few cracks of black pepper right after baking.
Side Dishes
These bite-sized delights pair wonderfully with fresh crunchy veggies or a zesty coleslaw to add brightness and crunch. For something heartier, a bowl of creamy mac and cheese or a fresh green salad balances the richness of the pastry and sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Homemade Pigs in a Blanket Recipe by arranging them on a large wooden board with ramekins filled with mustard, ketchup, or even a spicy aioli. Another fun idea is to serve them skewered with toothpicks, dipped in a trio of sauces, making them perfect finger food for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long), place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy reheated snacks later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the wrapped but unbaked pigs in a blanket by laying them spaced apart on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from frozen, baking for a few extra minutes until golden and heated through.
Reheating
To bring your leftover pigs in a blanket back to life, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This method revives the crisp pastry without drying out the sausage, unlike microwaving which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized hot dogs instead of mini sausages?
Absolutely! You can cut regular hot dogs into smaller pieces and wrap them the same way. Just make sure your pastry strips are wide enough to fully encase the sausages for the best bake.
Is puff pastry the only dough option for this recipe?
Puff pastry works best for the flaky, buttery texture, but you can also use crescent roll dough or biscuit dough if you want a softer, breadier blanket. Each brings a slightly different character to the dish.
How do I avoid the pastry from getting soggy?
The key is rolling the pastry thinly and placing the wrapped sausages seam-side down on parchment paper, which prevents moisture from making the bottom soggy. Also, make sure the oven is fully preheated for a quick, crisp bake.
Can I make these vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the mini sausages for your favorite plant-based sausage alternatives and use a plant-based puff pastry. Don’t forget the egg wash can be replaced with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for that golden finish.
What dips go best with Homemade Pigs in a Blanket Recipe?
Classic mustard and ketchup are always winners, but feel free to get creative with honey mustard, spicy mayo, barbecue sauce, or even a tangy cheese dip for something different and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and endlessly delightful about this Homemade Pigs in a Blanket Recipe that makes it perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a warm, satisfying snack, these golden, flaky bundles never disappoint. Trust me, once you try making them yourself, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this easy-to-love recipe in your kitchen arsenal!
Print
Homemade Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Pigs in a Blanket are a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring mini sausages wrapped in flaky puff pastry, baked to golden perfection. Served with mustard or ketchup, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 mini sausages or hot dogs
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Mustard or ketchup (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the pastry into strips approximately 1 inch wide, which will be used to wrap the sausages.
- Wrap the sausages: Place each mini sausage at one end of a pastry strip and roll it tightly until fully covered with the dough. Arrange the wrapped sausages seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to prevent unrolling while baking.
- Apply the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this evenly over each pastry-wrapped sausage to promote a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Serve your homemade pigs in a blanket warm, accompanied by mustard or ketchup for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold for best handling.
- You can use regular hot dogs if mini sausages are unavailable, just cut them into smaller pieces.
- For a spicier option, try brushing the pastry with a mix of egg wash and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- These can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Ensure the puff pastry strips are not too wide to avoid dough overflow during baking.
