Bite-sized and bursting with flavor, these little smokies in a blanket are always a hit. These are the ultimate party appetizer; the combination of savory sausage and flaky crescent roll is simply irresistible.
Inspired by classic pigs in a blanket, this version uses miniature sausages for easy snacking. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday parties.
Looking for more appetizer ideas? Try our cranberry brie bites for another crowd-pleasing option.
Get ready to learn how to make these addictive little smokies in a blanket with our easy, foolproof recipe. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to baking them to golden perfection!
Quick Bites: Your Little Smokies in a Blanket Cheat Sheet
Want to whip up some irresistible little smokies in a blanket, but need the key info fast? This quick guide gives you the need-to-know details for perfect appetizers every time.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Servings: 36
- Oven Temperature: 375°F
The Easiest Way to Make Them
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut each crescent roll triangle into 3 pieces.
- Wrap each piece around a smokie.
- Bake for 12 minutes, until golden.
Ready to dive into the full recipe? Keep reading for all the details!
The Ultimate Guide to Little Smokies: From Beef to Beyond
Little smokies, those bite-sized sausages wrapped in dough, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. But did you know there’s a whole world of little smokies to explore beyond the classic beef variety?
Let’s dive into the different types of smokies you can use for your pigs in a blanket. We’ll discuss flavor profiles and even touch on some dietary considerations.
Little smokies are traditionally made from beef, offering a rich and savory flavor that many find irresistible. The smoky flavor complements the buttery crescent roll dough perfectly.
Pork smokies provide a slightly sweeter and milder taste compared to beef. They are a great alternative if you prefer a less intense flavor.
For a lighter option, chicken or turkey smokies are available. These offer a leaner protein source while still delivering that signature smoky flavor.
When choosing your smokies, be aware of potential dietary restrictions. Some brands offer gluten-free options, which is crucial if you’re catering to guests with sensitivities. Also, check the sodium content, as some smokies can be quite high in salt.
Brands like Hillshire Farm are widely recognized, but don’t hesitate to explore regional or smaller producers for unique flavor variations. Experiment with different types to find your personal favorite.
Now that you’re armed with knowledge about the various types of smokies, let’s move on to some expert tips for achieving flaky, golden perfection in your pigs in a blanket.
Expert Tips for Flaky, Golden Perfection
Want to take your Little Smokies in a Blanket from simple to sensational? A few expert techniques can elevate these tasty bites. These tips focus on achieving a beautiful golden crust, perfectly-portioned servings, and delicious flavor enhancements.
The Secret to a Golden, Flaky Crust
The key to a truly irresistible pig in a blanket is a golden, flaky crust. An egg wash or melted butter brushed over the dough before baking creates that perfect finish.
The egg wash, made from a beaten egg (or just the yolk) and a touch of water, adds shine and richness. Melted butter, on the other hand, imparts a lovely buttery flavor and extra flakiness.
For either option, use a pastry brush to lightly coat the wrapped smokies just before they go into the oven. This simple step will transform their appearance and texture.
Perfectly Proportioned Bites
Why cut each crescent roll triangle into three smaller pieces? It’s all about achieving the ideal bite-size ratio.
Cutting the triangles ensures that each pig in a blanket has just the right amount of dough to complement the sausage. It prevents them from being overly doughy or unwieldy to eat, which are essential for appetizers.
These perfectly portioned bites are ideal for parties and gatherings, where guests can easily enjoy them without feeling overwhelmed.
Flavor Boosts: Seasonings and Additions
While Little Smokies in a Blanket are delicious on their own, there are countless ways to customize them. Consider adding a sprinkle of Everything But the Bagel seasoning before baking for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Cheese lovers can add a small cube of cheddar or a sprinkle of shredded cheese before wrapping the dough around the sausage. For a twist, try using different types of sausages, such as Italian sausage or chorizo, for a bolder flavor profile.
With these tips and tricks, you can create truly memorable Little Smokies in a Blanket. Next, let’s jump into the step-by-step instructions for bringing these crowd-pleasers to life.
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer? This step-by-step guide will walk you through making Little Smokies in a Blanket with ease. No more guesswork, just golden-brown perfection every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Station
First things first, let’s get organized. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the Little Smokies in a Blanket bake evenly.
Place the 1 (14-ounce) package of beef cocktail smokies on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to absorb any excess moisture.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Now for the fun part: the dough. Open the 1 (8-ounce) can of crescent rolls. I recommend using Pillsbury brand.
Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Then, cut each triangle into 3 pieces. This creates the perfect dough-to-smokie ratio, as discussed in the Expert Tips section.
Step 3: Wrap and Arrange
Time to assemble. Take one piece of dough and wrap it around a cocktail sausage. Repeat with the remaining dough and smokies.
Place each wrapped smokie on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are beautifully golden brown. Remember, for an extra touch of golden color, you could brush them with egg wash or melted butter before baking, as we covered earlier in the Expert Tips section.
Now that your Little Smokies in a Blanket are baked to perfection, let’s elevate the experience with the perfect dipping sauce.
Pigs in a Blanket: Dipping Sauce Perfection
Little smokies in a blanket are already delicious, but the right dipping sauce can truly elevate them to the next level. The perfect sauce balances the savory and slightly smoky flavor of the sausages, adding a burst of flavor that complements the flaky pastry.
Let’s explore some classic and creative dipping sauce options that will make your pigs in a blanket the star of any party.
Classic Pairings
Sometimes, the simplest choices are the best. For a taste of nostalgia, you can’t go wrong with classic condiments.
Ketchup is a go-to for many, offering a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory smokies. Mustard, especially yellow mustard or Dijon, provides a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Elevated Choices
Ready to take your dipping sauce game up a notch? These elevated options offer a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Honey mustard combines the sweetness of honey with the tang of mustard, creating a balanced and irresistible dip. Spicy mayo adds a creamy heat that will tantalize your taste buds; simply mix mayonnaise with your favorite hot sauce or sriracha to your desired spice level. A simple cheese sauce can transform your appetizer into a decadent treat.
Now that you’ve mastered the dipping sauces, let’s talk about how to make these little smokies ahead of time and store them for future enjoyment.
Making Ahead and Storage: Your Pro’s Guide
Want to get ahead of the game? These Little Smokies in a Blanket are incredibly easy to prepare in advance, making them ideal for parties and gatherings. You can tackle much of the work beforehand, leaving you free to enjoy your time with guests. Let’s explore the best ways to prep, store, and reheat these tasty bites.
Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Entertaining
You can assemble the pigs in a blanket several hours before baking. Simply wrap the cocktail sausages in the crescent roll dough as instructed, and then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them into the preheated oven, adding a minute or two to the baking time to ensure they’re golden brown and cooked through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked pigs in a blanket. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the appetizers are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw. Place the frozen pigs in a blanket directly onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F, adding about 5-8 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating and Keeping Them Warm
If you have leftover baked pigs in a blanket or want to reheat a batch you made earlier, there are several methods to choose from. For best results, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Arrange the pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is crisp. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the pastry may become a bit soft.
To keep a batch warm for serving, arrange the baked pigs in a blanket in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) until ready to serve.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat as described above, or enjoy them cold. While they are best served warm, they still make a tasty snack straight from the fridge.
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making these delicious appetizers ahead of time, so you can enjoy a stress-free and fun-filled gathering. Now, let’s explore some frequently asked questions to ensure your success!
Can I make pigs in a blanket in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for longer storage.
What is the best way to keep the pigs in a blanket warm?
To keep them warm, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) until ready to serve.
Are cocktail sausages the same as little smokies?
Yes, ‘Little Smokies’ is a brand name, but they are essentially small, pre-cooked cocktail sausages commonly used in this recipe.
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Little Smokies in a Blanket
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
Little Smokies
- 1 package (14-ounce) beef cocktail smokies or other small sausages
Crescent Roll Dough
- 1 can (8-ounce) refrigerated crescent roll dough Pillsbury recommended
Optional additions
- egg wash or melted butter for brushing
- Everything But the Bagel seasoning for sprinkling
- shredded cheese or small cubes of cheese e.g., cheddar
Instructions
Prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the 1 (14-ounce) package of beef cocktail smokies on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Roll and Cut Dough
- Open the 1 (8-ounce) can of crescent rolls. Separate the dough into triangles. Cut each triangle into 3 pieces.
Wrap and Arrange
- Wrap each piece of dough around a cocktail sausage. Place each wrapped smokie on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown. For extra color, brush with egg wash or melted butter before baking.