Mini Pigs In A Blanket Recipe – Made With Little Smoked Sausages

Mini pigs in a blanket are a classic party appetizer that nearly everyone loves. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd pleaser.

Although, most traditional pigs in a blanket recipes are made with standard size hot dogs wrapped in some sort of dough. However, because we are serving them as a small hand held appetizer at our New Year’s Eve celebration we are going to take a different approach to the classic recipe.

Although you can now purchase mini hot dogs that could be used in this recipe, we are going to amp up the flavor and use little sausages instead. Then the mini sausages are wrapped in crescent roll dough and put in the oven to bake.

Once the sausages are warm and the dough turns golden brown you are ready to serve these delicious bite size appetizers.

Best of all, this recipe is extremely easy to make. All you need is 2, easy to find ingredients: Little Red Smokies and refrigerated crescent roll dough.

Both ingredients can be found at nearly every grocery store in the refrigerator section where you find canned biscuits and hot dogs. Then once you get home you can have them made and in the oven in under 15 minutes!

While they are in the oven, grab a few dippings sauces out of the refrigerator and you will be ready to enjoy the pigs in a blanket once they come out of the oven. And who couldn’t use a quick and easy appetizer recipe like that?

Traditional Pigs In A Blanket

Depending on where you live the term ‘pigs in a blanket’ can mean different things. For example, in the U.K. little sausages that are wrapped in bacon are referred to as pigs in a blanket.

However in the United States, some sort of dough is the preferred ‘blanket’ of choice. Whether it be croissants, biscuits or crescent roll dough, hot dogs or sausages are wrapped in the dough and then baked in the oven.

Although, they are traditionally made with full size hot dogs and are a favorite snack or meal for kids. However mini pigs in a blanket have become just as popular and a preferred appetizer or snack to serve at parties.

You can purchase mini hot dogs, often referred to as cocktail hot dogs in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. However, if you are looking for a quick and easy appetizer to serve to adults it is best to use mini sausages, also commonly called Little Red Smokies.

What Are Little Red Smokies

Little Red Smokies are actually a name brand for small smoked sausages. You will see them referred to as Lil Smokies, Li’l Smoked Sausages, and Lit’l Red Smokies or simply cocktail sausages.

They are about 2-3 inches long and about the width of a finger. As the name suggests, they have a reddish hue due to the use of spices when they are made.

They have a savory, smoky flavor which is why they are the perfect item to serve to adults. In addition, because they are pre-cooked they are extremely popular to serve as a Barbecue Sausage appetizer or to make Candied Bacon Wrapped Smokies.

No matter the name or brand, the mini smoked sausages typically come in a vacuum sealed pouch. During the holidays they are easy to find, however you can also find them all year long in the refrigerated section of the grocery where you find hot dogs or various sausage products.

Crescent Rolls

And as for what type of crescent rolls to purchase when making mini pigs in a blanket, you have many choices. Any brand can be used, however it is best to purchase crescent roll dough that is perforated into triangles rather than the full crescent roll sheets of dough.

This is because you want to have the traditional crescent roll look once the mini sausages are wrapped in the dough. No matter what brand or variety of dough that you purchase the key to this recipe is to keep the dough cold until you are ready to work with the dough.

Once it warms up to room temperature, it becomes sticky and difficult to work with. Therefore if you are making a double batch, keep the second roll of the crescent dough in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Recipe Tips When Making Mini Pigs In A Blanket

For extra crispy pigs in a blanket: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes after unrolling before wrapping the sausages. Although the dough will be a little stickier to work with, it will be more crispy.

To make ahead of time: Prepare the pigs in a blanket as directed, then arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze for up to 24 hours. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Add your favorite topping: Try different combinations of herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. Everything Bagel seasoning, seasame seeds and poppy seeds are all popular choices.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces: Some popular options include honey mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce.

Recipe Variations For Mini Pigs In A Blanket

• Cheese pigs in a blanket: Add a small slice of your favorite cheese to each roll along with the sausage.
• Jalapeño popper pigs in a blanket: Add a small piece of jalapeño pepper and cheese to each roll.
• Bacon-wrapped pigs in a blanket: Wrap each pig in a blanket with a mostly cooked slice of bacon before wrapping in the dough.
• Mini hot dog pigs in a blanket: Use mini hot dogs instead of little red smokies. This is especially popular when serving mini pigs in a blanket to kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of crescent roll dough should I use?

You can use either refrigerated or frozen crescent roll dough for this recipe. If using frozen dough, be sure to thaw it completely before using.

How do I store leftover pigs in a blanket?

Store leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What are some good dipping sauces for mini pigs in a blanket?

Some popular dipping sauces for pigs in a blanket include honey mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce. You can also experiment with other dipping sauces, such as sriracha mayo, buffalo sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.

Can I make pigs in a blanket with puff pastry?

Yes, you can use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough. However, puff pastry will require a slightly different baking time. Be sure to check the instructions on the package for the correct baking time.

Mini Pigs In A Blanket Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz. can refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 package cocktail-size smoked link sausages

Optional:

• Egg Wash
• Everything Bagel Seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) Unroll the can of the crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles.

Starting at the pointed end, cut each triangle lengthwise into 3 narrow triangles of equal size. Then working one at a time place one sausage on largest side of the triangle.

Roll the sausage and dough to the opposite point and place point side down on an un-greased cookie sheet.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove each mini pig in a blanket from the cookie sheet and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy! Mary

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