Ella Walter
Pigs in a blanket are a popular appetizer or snack, often served at parties and gatherings. They are made with two key ingredients: cocktail sausages or hot dogs, and dough, typically crescent roll dough, which is wrapped around the sausage. The dish is usually baked in the oven, but can you cook pigs in a blanket in a pan?
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Oven-baked pigs in a blanket
Pigs in a blanket is a dish that typically refers to hot dogs or pork sausages wrapped in a "blanket" of dough. This dish has become an iconic finger food and is perfect for appetizers, snacks, or parties. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to making oven-baked pigs in a blanket.
Ingredients
- Canned crescent dough
- Mini hot dogs or sausages (pork, chicken, or beef)
- Cheese (optional)
- Butter
- Salt
- Dipping sauces (ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F, depending on the recipe you follow.
- Line a baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet. You can lightly grease the cookie sheet if desired.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
- Cut each triangle lengthwise into thirds, creating narrow triangles.
- If using cheese, cut a slit into the center of each mini hot dog and insert a small piece of cheese.
- Place a mini hot dog or sausage on the wide end of a dough triangle. If using cheese, place the hot dog on top of the cheese.
- Roll the dough around the hot dog, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the opposite point.
- Place the pigs in a blanket on the prepared baking sheet, with the point side facing down.
- Brush the tops of the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt or other seasonings, such as poppy seeds or sesame seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips and Variations
- You can add a slice of cooked bacon on top of the hot dog before rolling it in the dough.
- For a full-size hot dog, use a regular hot dog and a full crescent roll triangle without slicing it into strips.
- To prevent sogginess, pat the hot dogs dry with a paper towel before wrapping them in the dough.
- You can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours or up to 24 hours.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- For freezing, place a single layer of baked pigs in a blanket in freezer bags and store them for up to a month.
How Pans Bend in the Oven: Warping Mystery Solved!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pan-fried pigs in a blanket
Pigs in a blanket are a classic party appetizer and a kid-friendly dinner. They are incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. The traditional recipe calls for baking, but you can also cook them in a pan.
Ingredients
- Cocktail wieners or mini sausages (smoked or regular)
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
- Butter or garlic butter
- Salt (coarse or flaky)
- Optional toppings: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, shredded Parmesan, granulated onion, or everything bagel seasoning
- Dipping sauces: ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, cheese sauce, or barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Cut the crescent roll dough or biscuit dough into triangles. If using biscuit dough, shape the dough into 3-inch diameter circles.
- Place a sausage or wiener on the thick end of each triangle, then gently roll towards the thinner end.
- Melt some butter and brush it on top of the pigs in a blanket. You can also use garlic butter for extra flavour.
- Sprinkle salt on top. You can also add toppings such as poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the pigs in a blanket. Cook until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauces and enjoy!
Tips
- You can assemble the pigs in a blanket a few hours before and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- If you prefer your pigs in a blanket cheesy, add a slice of cheese before rolling up the dough.
- For an extra indulgent twist, use puff pastry dough instead of crescent rolls.
Storage
- Store leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze unbaked or baked pigs in a blanket, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 1 month.
- To reheat from the fridge, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. To reheat from frozen, bake at 325°F for 14-16 minutes.
Dishwasher Ruins Pots and Pans
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.99
Choosing the right dough
When it comes to choosing the right dough for your pigs in a blanket, there are a few options to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Type of Dough:
- Crescent Dough: Crescent dough is a popular choice for pigs in a blanket as it has a classic taste and texture. It is readily available in stores and easy to work with.
- Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is another common option, especially if you're making pigs in a blanket for children. It is convenient and can be shaped into circles to wrap around the sausages.
- Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is an option, but it typically needs to be thawed before use as it is often sold frozen.
- Pizza Dough: If you're looking for a different flavour, you can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own.
- Homemade Dough: You can also make your own dough from scratch using basic bread dough ingredients like flour, yeast, water, sugar, and oil.
Taste and Texture:
Consider the flavour and texture you want to achieve. Some doughs, like crescent dough, have a classic taste and flaky texture. Biscuit dough tends to be softer and more bread-like. Puff pastry is flaky and buttery, while pizza dough can add a chewier texture. If you make your own dough, you can customize the flavour by adding ingredients like honey and butter.
Ease of Use:
Some doughs are easier to work with than others. Crescent and biscuit doughs are typically convenient and simple to shape. Puff pastry may require more skill to handle, and making your own dough from scratch will take more time and effort.
Availability:
Consider the availability of the dough. Crescent, biscuit, and puff pastry doughs are commonly found in stores. Pizza dough can also be purchased, but you may need to look for specialty stores or opt for a specific brand. If you're making your own dough, ensure you have the necessary ingredients and equipment.
In summary, the right dough for your pigs in a blanket depends on your personal preference for taste, texture, convenience, and the availability of ingredients. Experiment with different options to find your favourite, and don't be afraid to add your own creative twist!
Freezing Meatloaf in a Glass Pan: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Dipping sauces
Pigs in a blanket are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a snack. They can be made with a variety of sausages, including full-size hot dogs, cocktail-sized smoked sausages, breakfast sausages, or even spicy andouille or chicken sausage. They can also be made with different types of dough, such as crescent roll dough, puff pastry dough, or pie crust.
One of the best parts about pigs in a blanket is the dipping sauce that accompanies them. Here are some ideas for delicious dipping sauces that will take your pigs in a blanket to the next level:
Honey Mustard Sauce: This sauce is a classic for a reason. It's tangy, sweet, and a bit spicy all at once. To make it, simply combine mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a dash of sriracha to taste. You can also add a bit of garlic to the mix for a more complex flavor.
Cream Cheese Ranch Dip: This creamy and herby dip is a perfect match for the savory pigs in a blanket. You can make your own by mixing cream cheese with ranch dressing mix and a bit of milk to thin it out.
BBQ Sauce: A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is a great option if you're looking for something a little different. You can make your own by simmering ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of spices on the stovetop.
Ketchup and Mustard: Sometimes, the simplest option is the best. Ketchup and mustard are classic condiments for a reason, and they pair perfectly with pigs in a blanket. You can offer both the yellow and the honey variety of mustard to give your guests options.
Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip: If you're looking for something with a kick, this dip is a great choice. Mix cream cheese with diced jalapenos, a squeeze of lime, and a bit of garlic powder.
Remoulade: Remoulade is a creamy, tangy sauce that often includes ingredients such as mayonnaise, mustard, herbs, capers, and anchovies. It's a sophisticated option that will impress your guests.
So, there you have it! Whether you're serving pigs in a blanket as a snack or an appetizer, these dipping sauces will surely elevate your dish.
Filet Mignon: Pan-Seared to Medium Perfection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Storing and reheating
Pigs in a blanket can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan to consume them within three days, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet until they harden, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat pigs in a blanket from the fridge, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and arrange the pigs in a blanket on a lined baking sheet. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are heated through and the crescent dough starts to crisp.
If reheating from frozen, place the pigs in a blanket on ungreased cookie sheets and loosely cover them with foil. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 14 to 16 minutes or until heated through.
You can also reheat pigs in a blanket in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, in a crockpot set to warm for 20 to 30 minutes, or in an air fryer.
Ants and Metal: Can They Invade Your Pans?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The oven is the best way to cook pigs in a blanket. First, preheat your oven to 350-375°F. Then, assemble your pigs in a blanket on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
You will need two key ingredients: cocktail sausages or hot dogs, and crescent roll dough. You can also add toppings like cheese, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
Let the pigs in a blanket cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
