Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Crescent roll dough: This is a pre-made dough that is rolled into a tube and can be found in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. It bakes into a flaky, buttery pastry.

Mini sausages: These are small sausages, often called cocktail sausages or little smokies, that are perfect for bite-sized appetizers. They are usually pre-cooked and only need to be heated.

For an extra layer of flavor, brush the crescent roll dough with a thin layer of mustard or barbecue sauce before placing the mini sausages on top. This adds a delightful tangy or smoky note to each bite.

• refrigerated crescent roll dough - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry provides a similar flaky texture and can be used to wrap the sausages just like crescent roll dough.

• refrigerated crescent roll dough - Substitute with pizza dough: Pizza dough can be rolled out and cut into strips to wrap around the sausages, offering a slightly chewier texture.

• mini sausages - Substitute with hot dogs: Hot dogs can be cut into smaller pieces to mimic mini sausages and provide a similar flavor profile.

• mini sausages - Substitute with veggie sausages: Veggie sausages are a great plant-based alternative that can be used to cater to vegetarians while maintaining a similar taste and texture.

• Allow the pigs in a blanket to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled pigs in a blanket in an airtight container. If stacking them, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness.

• For freezing, arrange the cooled pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Transfer the frozen pigs in a blanket to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen pigs in a blanket directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

• For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the dough chewy instead of crispy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crescent roll dough is crispy again. This method ensures they stay nice and flaky.

• Toaster Oven Method: If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the pigs in a blanket on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This is a great option for smaller batches.

• Microwave Method: Place the pigs in a blanket on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. Note that this method might make the crescent roll dough a bit softer.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pigs in a blanket in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give you a crispy exterior.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet. Place the pigs in a blanket in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy. This method adds a nice golden crust to the crescent roll dough.

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) to bake the wrapped sausages until golden brown.

• Baking sheet: Place the wrapped sausages on this to bake them evenly.

• Knife: Use to cut each triangle of crescent roll dough into 3 smaller triangles.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut the crescent roll dough.

• Parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with this to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

• Tongs: Use to place and arrange the wrapped sausages on the baking sheet.

• Serving platter: Present the baked pigs in a blanket attractively for serving.

• Small bowls: Use these to serve your favorite dipping sauces.

Pre-cut the dough: Unroll and cut the crescent roll dough in advance. Store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the mini sausages to save time.

Batch preparation: Assemble multiple pigs in a blanket at once instead of one by one to speed up the process.

Dipping sauces ready: Prepare your favorite dipping sauces ahead of time and keep them in small bowls for easy serving.