Pigs In A Blanket (Classic Crescent Roll & Sausage Bites)

Alright, Pigs in a Blanket? Total classic, total crowd-pleaser. Juicy little sausages wrapped in golden, buttery dough—simple, fun, and always a hit.

I made them for game night, and they were gone before halftime. That soft, warm bread with the salty sausage? So easy, so good.

They take just minutes to prep. Roll, bake, and dip. Let’s make a batch together—you’re gonna want these at every party!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd Favorite: Their comforting flavor and satisfying texture make these ideal for gatherings. Serve them fresh out of the oven, and watch them disappear.
• Simple Yet Versatile: The basic version is wonderful on its own, but you can easily make it your own. Sprinkle in cheese, seasonings, or even a dash of heat.
• Beginner-Friendly: Great for first-time cooks or cooking with children. No special equipment, skills, or obscure ingredients needed.
• Quick Assembly: Prep takes just 10–15 minutes. You can even prepare the rolls in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
• Pairs Well with Dips: Elevate these little rolls with a homemade dipping sauce like creamy Dijon-honey mustard or garlic aioli.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
  This includes unrolling the dough, cutting it, and wrapping the mini sausages.
• Bake Time: 12 to 15 minutes
  Bake until the pastry is golden and puffed. Rotate the baking sheet if your oven has hot spots.
• Total Time: About 30 minutes from start to finish

Servings

This recipe yields 24 pigs in a blanket—perfect as a light snack for 6 to 8 people. For larger events, double the ingredients and use two baking trays.

Difficulty Level

This is an easy, approachable recipe that even first-time home cooks can master. Kids can help wrap the sausages in dough—it’s a fun and rewarding kitchen task.

Required Kitchen Tools

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just a few basics:

• Baking sheet – Use a rimmed sheet to prevent butter from dripping into your oven.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and helps the bottoms brown evenly.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter – For cutting the dough into strips or triangles.
• Pastry brush (optional) – Useful for brushing melted butter over the dough before baking for a golden finish.
• Small bowl and whisk – If making the optional dipping sauce.

If you’re baking for a crowd or preparing in advance, a second baking sheet allows for batch prep.

Ingredients for Classic Pigs In A Blanket

Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy appetizer. Quantities and measurements are provided again in the recipe card at the end.

For the Rolls:

• 1 (8-ounce) tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
  Crescent dough is light, buttery, and perfectly flaky when baked. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Some brands offer a “sheet” version, which you can cut to size yourself.
• 24 mini cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs
  These are small smoked sausages typically sold in 12–14 oz. packs labeled “cocktail wieners.” You can use beef, turkey, or chicken depending on your preference.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  Adds richness and a beautiful golden color to the tops of the rolls. Brush it on just before baking.
• Coarse salt or flaky sea salt (to taste)
  A light sprinkle on top gives a lovely contrast to the buttery dough. Don’t overdo it—just a pinch enhances the flavor.
• All-purpose flour (a small amount for dusting)
  Use just enough on your work surface to keep the dough from sticking while you cut and shape it.

Optional: Mayo-Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

This smooth, sweet-and-tangy dip is perfect alongside warm pigs in a blanket. Mix it up while the rolls bake.

• ½ cup mayonnaise – Full-fat works best for creaminess.
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard – Brings the sharp, savory edge.
• 2 tablespoons honey – For a touch of sweetness that balances the mustard.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – Brightens everything and adds a little acidity.

Variations for Pigs In A Blanket

While the classic version is perfect on its own, here are some fun ways to switch things up depending on your occasion, pantry, or flavor preference:

• Cheesy Center: Tuck a small piece of cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack inside each crescent before wrapping. The cheese melts into the sausage for extra richness.
• Everything Bagel Topping: Instead of plain salt, sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning before baking for a savory twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a slice of pickled jalapeño or a light smear of sriracha inside the dough before rolling for heat lovers.
• Pretzel-Style Finish: Brush with baking soda wash before baking and top with coarse salt for a soft pretzel version.
• Sweet & Savory: Add a dab of honey or a small smear of fig jam before rolling for a hint of sweetness.
• Veggie Swap: Try using plant-based sausages for a vegetarian alternative that still tastes great.

How to Make Pigs In A Blanket – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and help with even browning.

2. Prepare the Crescent Dough

Open the tube of refrigerated crescent dough. Carefully unroll it onto a lightly floured surface to keep it from sticking.

• If you’re using pre-cut triangles, separate them along the perforated lines.
• For uniform rolls, you can cut each triangle in half lengthwise to make 24 thin triangles (one for each sausage).
• If using crescent sheet dough, cut into rectangles or small triangles that match the size of your cocktail sausages.

Lightly dust with flour if it’s too sticky to work with.

3. Wrap the Sausages

Place one mini sausage at the wide end of each dough triangle or rectangle. Gently roll the sausage toward the narrow end, tucking it as you go.

• Leave the ends of the sausage slightly exposed for a classic look.
• Make sure the dough seam ends up underneath to help it stay closed during baking.

Place each rolled sausage seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion.

4. Brush with Butter and Add Toppings

Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the dough with melted butter. This helps them turn golden and gives a richer flavor.

Sprinkle lightly with coarse salt or flaky sea salt. You can also use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or seasoning blends if you like.

5. Bake

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and puffed.

Keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes—every oven is slightly different, and you don’t want them to overbake.

6. Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the pigs in a blanket to rest on the tray for 2–3 minutes before serving. This makes them easier to handle and allows the filling to settle.

Serve warm, ideally with your dipping sauce of choice. They’re best eaten fresh but can also be reheated if needed.

How to Serve Pigs In A Blanket

These little bites are best served warm, straight from the oven. They work beautifully on a party platter or snack board alongside a variety of dipping sauces. Here are a few ideas for presentation and pairing:

• With Dipping Sauces: Arrange in a circle with a bowl of honey mustard or spicy ketchup in the center. Other options include ranch, BBQ sauce, or cheese dip.
• Appetizer Platter: Serve alongside mini meatballs, veggie sticks, and deviled eggs for a balanced finger food spread.
• Themed Trays: For game days, try serving with picks in team colors or line the tray with parchment printed like a football field.
• Holiday Parties: Pair with a fruit-and-cheese tray or arrange in a holiday shape, like a wreath or star, for a festive touch.
• Kid’s Plates: Add to a kid-friendly dinner with apple slices, cheese cubes, and carrot sticks.

Storing and Reheating Pigs In A Blanket

Leftovers (if you have any!) store quite well with the right method:

Storing

• Refrigerator: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Arrange baked pigs in a blanket in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Oven or Toaster Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm on a baking sheet for 6–8 minutes.
• Microwave (for speed): Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15–20 second intervals until warm. Note: texture may be softer.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Keep Dough Cold: If the crescent dough becomes too soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before handling again.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid stuffing with large cheese pieces or sauces inside the dough—this can cause leaks during baking.
• Use Parchment or Silicone Liner: This prevents sticking and helps the bottoms brown evenly.
• Customize Your Seasonings: A little garlic powder or paprika can be added to the butter before brushing for extra depth.
• Plan Ahead: You can roll the sausages in the dough and refrigerate the tray (unbaked) for up to 4 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size	2 pieces
Calories	~180 kcal
Fat	13g
Carbohydrates	10g
Protein	5g
Sodium	~420mg
Sugar	<1g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

Pigs In A Blanket FAQs

Q: Can I use regular hot dogs instead of mini sausages?
A: Yes, simply cut regular hot dogs into smaller pieces to wrap with the dough.

Q: How do I store leftover pigs in a blanket?
A: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: You can try gluten-free crescent dough alternatives, but baking times may vary.

Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: Yes, wrap the sausages and refrigerate the unbaked rolls on the baking sheet covered for up to 4 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Pigs In A Blanket are a simple, classic appetizer with broad appeal. Their buttery, flaky dough and savory sausage center make them an inviting snack for any occasion, from casual family nights to festive gatherings. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

The optional honey mustard dipping sauce adds a fresh, tangy complement that balances the richness perfectly.

Enjoy making these warm, comforting bites for your next snack or party spread.