Holiday gatherings are a time for celebration, laughter, and of course, delicious food. One party favorite that never fails to impress is Holiday Pigs in a Blanket. These bite-sized delights combine the comforting flavors of savory cocktail sausages wrapped in flaky pastry, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a fun addition to your buffet, they’re sure to disappear quickly!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 24 pieces
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 100
- Protein: 4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
Why Make This Holiday Pigs in a Blanket
Holiday Pigs in a Blanket are the epitome of comfort food, bringing warmth and a touch of nostalgia to your celebrations. They are incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without stress. The combination of buttery pastry and savory sausage creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they can be dressed up with a variety of dips and garnishes, making them perfect for any holiday gathering.
How to Make Holiday Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients:
- Cocktail sausages
- Puff pastry or crescent roll dough
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Decorative garnishes (optional)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven according to the dough package instructions. This ensures that your pigs in a blanket bake evenly and turn out golden brown.
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Step 2: Rolling Out Dough
Roll out the puff pastry or crescent dough on a clean surface. You want it to be thin enough to wrap around the sausages easily.
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Step 3: Cutting Strips
Cut the dough into strips, about 1 inch wide. This gives you enough pastry to wrap around each sausage securely.
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Step 4: Wrapping Sausages
Wrap each cocktail sausage with a strip of dough, starting from one end and spiraling down to the other. Make sure the dough covers the sausage completely.
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Step 5: Arranging on Baking Sheet
Place the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Make sure to leave a little space between each one for even cooking.
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Step 6: Egg Washing
Brush the dough with beaten egg for a golden finish. This step adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the flavor.
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Step 7: Baking
Bake in the oven until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, usually about 15-20 minutes. The smell will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
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Step 8: Serving Warm
Serve warm with garnishes if desired. Consider offering dipping options like mustard or a spicy aioli for an extra kick.
How to Serve Holiday Pigs in a Blanket
These delightful bites are best served warm, fresh from the oven. Present them on a festive platter along with an array of dipping sauces, like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a creamy ranch dip, to appeal to a variety of tastes. They make a fantastic starter at holiday parties or a fun snack at family gatherings.
How to Store Holiday Pigs in a Blanket
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Holiday Pigs in a Blanket
- Use Pre-made Dough: For convenience, pre-made puff pastry or crescent dough works perfectly. It saves you time and yields delicious results.
- Try Different Sausages: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian or cheesy sausages, to give variety to the flavor.
- Chill Before Baking: If the dough becomes too warm to handle, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes for easier wrapping.
- Add Cheese: Include a small piece of cheese with each sausage for a melty inside that adds flavor.
- Garnish Creatively: Use fresh herbs or sesame seeds for a decorative touch before baking.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the cocktail sausages with veggie hot dogs or mushrooms for a meatless version.
- Sweet and Spicy: Use jalapeño sausages and pair them with a sweet chili sauce for a delightful contrast.
- Cheesy Pigs: Wrap slices of cheese inside the dough with the sausage for a cheesy surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Prepare the pigs in a blanket ahead of time, place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. -
What dipping sauces pair well with pigs in a blanket?
Classic choices include mustard and ketchup, but try BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for variety. -
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the pigs in a blanket, then let them cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat them directly from the freezer. -
What type of dough works best?
Both puff pastry and crescent roll dough work well. Puff pastry gives a flakier texture, while crescent dough is softer and slightly sweeter. -
How do I ensure even baking?
Make sure to leave space between the wrapped sausages on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate and cook them evenly.
Conclusion
Holiday Pigs in a Blanket are a festive treat that brings joy and flavor to any gathering. Their simplicity and versatility make them a must-try for your next holiday feast. With just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a beloved appetizer that everyone will adore. So gather your friends and family, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to serve up some deliciousness this holiday season!
Print
Holiday Pigs in a Blanket
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Savory cocktail sausages wrapped in flaky pastry, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cocktail sausages
- Puff pastry or crescent roll dough
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Decorative garnishes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the dough package instructions.
- Roll out the puff pastry or crescent dough on a clean surface.
- Cut the dough into strips, about 1 inch wide.
- Wrap each cocktail sausage with a strip of dough.
- Place the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the dough with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake until the dough is golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve warm with garnishes and dipping options.
Notes
For best results, use pre-made dough and consider different types of sausage for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
