Embrace the joy of holiday entertaining with a classic appetizer presented in a stunning new way! This Pigs in a Blanket Wreath transforms simple mini sausage rolls into a beautiful, festive centerpiece perfect for any gathering. It’s incredibly easy to make, quick to prepare, and guarantees smiles from guests of all ages. Get ready to bake a showstopper!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
This festive twist on a beloved snack offers so much to love, especially during the busy holiday season. You’ll quickly discover why it becomes a new favorite.
- It’s an easy, quick party appetizer that comes together in minutes.
- The wreath shape creates a visually stunning centerpiece for your table.
- It’s a crowd-pleasing classic with a twist, appealing to everyone.
- You can enjoy customizable flavor options with different seasonings or sauces.
- This dish is simply perfect for holiday entertaining, making your spread extra special.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your beautiful Pigs in a Blanket Wreath. You likely have most of them already!
- 1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls (such as Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheet or traditional crescent rolls)
- 24 mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages, drained
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 2 tsp. poppy seeds
- Rosemary sprigs (for decoration)
- Ketchup, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
Dijon mustard adds a tangy, sophisticated flavor layer to the dough, elevating the classic taste. You can use yellow mustard for a milder option or omit it if preferred. For poppy seeds, feel free to substitute with flaky sea salt, everything bagel seasoning, or sesame seeds to add a different texture and taste. If you can’t find mini hot dogs, try using fully cooked cocktail sausages like Lil’ Smokies for a slightly different flavor. You can also make this Pigs in a Blanket Wreath with puff pastry for a flakier texture; simply cut the pastry into strips.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this easy recipe. Here’s what to grab from your kitchen:
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Small serving bowl (for dipping sauce)
Instructions
Creating this impressive Pigs in a Blanket Wreath is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect holiday appetizer.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Next, unroll the tube of refrigerated crescent rolls. If using traditional crescent rolls with perforations, press them together to form a solid sheet, then slice the dough lengthwise into approximately three equal strips. If you have a crescent dough sheet, just slice it into thirds lengthwise. Brush all over the dough strips with Dijon mustard.
Place a mini hot dog on the thick end of each dough strip. Starting from the thick end, carefully roll up each hot dog into its crescent “blanket.” Repeat until all hot dogs are wrapped.
Now, arrange the rolled pigs in a blanket side by side in a circle on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are touching each other to form a cohesive wreath shape. This creates a beautiful presentation for your Pigs in a Blanket Wreath.
In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg with one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to gently coat the top of each rolled pig in a blanket with the egg wash. This helps them brown beautifully and gives them a golden sheen. Sprinkle generously with poppy seeds.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crescents are puffed up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Pigs in a Blanket Wreath cool for at least 20 minutes on the sheet. This allows the dough to set and makes it easier to handle.
Finally, carefully transfer the cooled wreath to a serving platter. Lay fresh rosemary sprigs around the inside edge of the wreath to mimic holiday greenery. Place a small bowl filled with ketchup (or your favorite dipping sauce) in the center of the wreath for easy serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To save time, you can prepare this pigs in a blanket wreath in advance. Assemble and roll the pigs in blankets as instructed, but do not add the egg wash or poppy seeds yet. Arrange them in the wreath shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the entire sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, brush with the egg wash, sprinkle with toppings, and bake as directed, possibly adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if they are very cold.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve pigs in a blanket perfection with these helpful tips, ensuring your festive wreath turns out wonderfully every time.
- Cutting Crescent Rolls: Always cut the crescent rolls lengthwise into thirds. This ensures each mini hot dog gets enough dough for a snug, uniform blanket.
- Even Spacing: Arrange the pigs in a blanket touching but not overlapping too much. This allows for even baking and a beautiful, cohesive wreath shape.
- Golden Brown Crust: Watch your oven carefully! The crescent dough should be puffed and deeply golden brown. If they’re browning too quickly, lightly tent with foil.
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Ensure your hot dogs are well-drained before rolling to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy. A parchment-lined baking sheet also helps.
- Handling Sticky Dough: If the crescent dough is too sticky, lightly flour your work surface or chill the dough for a few minutes before slicing and rolling.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This Pigs in a Blanket Wreath is versatile for serving, easy to store, and fun to customize!
Serving Suggestions
Offering a variety of dipping sauces alongside your Pigs in a Blanket Wreath can elevate the experience for every palate. Food Network shares a wide array of easy holiday appetizers to complement any festive spread. Classic ketchup, tangy honey mustard, creamy ranch, or a warm cheese sauce are all excellent choices. For an extra festive touch, garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs, bright red cranberries, or small cherry tomatoes. Present the wreath on your largest, most festive platter for maximum impact.
Storage Instructions
Store any cooled leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soft.
Variations
Get creative with your Pigs in a Blanket Wreath!
- Add Cheese or Spice: Before rolling, tuck a tiny sliver of cheddar cheese, a thin strip of jalapeño, or even cooked crumbled bacon inside with the hot dog for extra flavor.
- Different Seasonings: Instead of poppy seeds, try sprinkling the dough with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a different kick.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Beyond the classics, consider sriracha mayo, a sweet chili sauce, or a homemade mustard dip.
Nutrition
While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes, this Pigs in a Blanket Wreath offers an approximate estimate. This recipe makes about 24 mini pigs in a blanket.
| Nutritional Component | Per serving (1 pig in a blanket) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80-100 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5-7g |
| Saturated Fat | 2-3g |
| Cholesterol | 10-15mg |
| Sodium | 200-250mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5-7g |
| Sugars | 1-2g |
| Protein | 3-4g |
Disclaimer: These are estimated values and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation. Please consult a professional nutritionist for precise dietary information.
FAQ
Can I use full-sized hot dogs for this recipe?
No, full-sized hot dogs are too large for this specific recipe. The crescent dough strips are designed for mini hot dogs to create the perfect bite-sized Pigs in a Blanket Wreath.
Can these be frozen raw or baked?
You can freeze them raw. Assemble the pigs in a blanket, arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid before transferring to an airtight freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding extra time. Freezing baked ones is not recommended as the dough can become soggy when reheated.
What other dough can I use?
You can easily substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry for a flakier result. Simply roll out the puff pastry and cut it into strips similar to the crescent dough.
How to ensure a crispy crust?
Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Brushing with egg wash and baking until deeply golden brown also helps achieve a wonderfully crispy crust on your Pigs in a Blanket Wreath.
What are the best dipping sauces?
For this appetizer, popular choices include classic ketchup, tangy honey mustard, creamy ranch dressing, and even a warm cheese sauce. Offer a variety so guests can choose their favorite.
Conclusion
This Pigs in a Blanket Wreath offers an incredibly simple yet spectacularly festive way to elevate your holiday spread. It’s a quick, easy, and undeniably crowd-pleasing appetizer that transforms a classic into a charming centerpiece. Get ready to impress your guests with this delightful showstopper!
Festive Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Equipment
- Large Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tube Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
- 24 Mini Hot Dogs
- 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
- Egg Wash
- 2 tsp. Poppy Seeds
- Rosemary Sprigs for decoration
- Ketchup for serving
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Slice crescent rolls lengthwise into thirds, then brush each piece with Dijon mustard.
- Place a mini hot dog on the thick end of each crescent roll triangle and roll it up. Arrange the rolled pigs in a blanket in a circle on the baking sheet, ensuring they are touching.
- Brush the arranged pigs in a blanket with egg wash and sprinkle with salt and poppy seeds. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden, then let cool for at least 20 minutes.
- Once cooled, lay rosemary sprigs around the inside of the wreath for decoration and place a small bowl of ketchup in the center for serving.