Few appetizers are as universally loved as pigs in a blanket. These juicy cocktail sausages wrapped in soft dough deliver a perfect combination of rich, savory flavors with a light, buttery crust. Brushed with a glossy honey glaze, they become irresistibly sweet and shiny, making them perfect for game day, parties, or casual family gatherings.
Whether you choose flaky puff pastry or tender crescent dough, this recipe is simple yet elegant — and it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly once served. Let’s dive into how to create these bite-sized treats that always get everyone excited!
- Quick and easy finger food great for any occasion or snack time.
- A sweet and savory glaze adds an irresistible shine and flavor boost.
- Flexible dough options let you customize texture to your preference.
Ingredients
- Cocktail Sausages (24 pieces): Mini hot dogs that provide juicy, flavorful bites perfect for wrapping.
- Refrigerated Crescent Dough or Puff Pastry (approx. 8 oz / 225 g): Soft crescent dough offers a tender chew; puff pastry adds flakiness.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): Lightly toasted seeds to sprinkle on top for extra texture and nutty flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the glaze stick perfectly to the dough.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Creates a naturally sweet, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- Brown Sugar (1–2 tablespoons): Enhances the sweetness and contributes to a shiny, caramelized finish.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a mild tangy depth that balances the sweetness in the glaze.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
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Set your oven to 190 °C (375 °F) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly to prevent sticking. This step creates an optimal environment for even browning and easy cleanup.
- Wrap the Sausages with Dough
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Unroll the crescent dough or puff pastry on a clean work surface. Separate the crescent dough into triangles, or cut the puff pastry into rectangles large enough to enclose each cocktail sausage. Place one sausage on the wide end, then roll tightly towards the tip, sealing the dough well. Position each wrapped sausage seam-side down on your prepared sheet to ensure they hold their shape when baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Puffy
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Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for the dough to puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown color. This indicates that the dough is fully cooked, flaky or tender on the outside, and the sausage inside is warmed thoroughly.
- Prepare the Sweet Glaze
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While baking, whisk together melted butter, honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard if using. The glaze combines richness and sweetness with a touch of tang, designed to add a gorgeous shine and extra flavor layer right after baking.
- Brush Glaze and Add Finishing Touches
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When the pigs in a blanket come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm glaze to coat the tops evenly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for crunch and visual appeal. Allow them to cool slightly before serving so the glaze sets and they’re easy to handle.
- Choosing between crescent dough or puff pastry affects the texture; both yield delicious results but vary in flakiness.
- The glaze can be customized — swap honey with maple syrup or add a splash of BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- These can be rolled ahead of time and baked fresh just before serving to save prep time on event day.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 8 minutes to restore crispness without drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these glazed pigs in a blanket on a large platter with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing. Pair with classic dips like mustard, ketchup, or a spicy aioli to enhance every bite.
- For even browning, rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking to avoid hot spots.
- If using puff pastry, chill the dough slightly before cutting for cleaner edges and easier handling.
- Brush glaze while pieces are hot for better absorption and a glossy finish that stays put.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen sausages for this recipe?
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Yes, but make sure to thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture affecting the dough texture.
- How do I keep the dough from tearing?
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Handle the dough gently and avoid overstretching. If using crescent dough, separate triangles carefully along perforations.
- Can I make these gluten-free?
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Substitute with gluten-free crescent dough or pastry available in stores, but texture may differ slightly.
- What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
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Warm them in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness before serving again.
- Are there vegan alternatives?
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You can try vegan cocktail sausages and dairy-free puff pastry, adjusting the glaze ingredients accordingly.
Glazed Pigs in Blanket
Equipment
- 1 oven preheated to 375 °F
- 1 baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased
- 1 small bowl
- 1 pastry brush for glazing
Ingredients
- 24 cocktail sausages mini hot dogs
- 1 package 8 oz refrigerated crescent dough or puff pastry
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 –2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
- Sesame seeds for topping optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Unroll the dough on a clean surface; separate triangle shapes if using crescent dough or cut puff pastry into rectangles large enough to wrap each sausage.
- Place one cocktail sausage on the wide end of each dough piece and roll it snugly towards the end, placing seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake the wrapped sausages for 12 to 15 minutes until the dough is golden brown and puffed.
- While baking, combine melted butter, honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
- Remove the baked pigs in a blanket from the oven and brush the warm glaze generously over each piece.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if using and let the treats cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use puff pastry for a flakier crust or crescent dough for a softer texture.
- Swap honey with maple syrup or add BBQ sauce to the glaze for variety.
- Serve with ketchup, mustard, or preferred dips for extra flavor.
- Prepare and roll ahead, then bake fresh before serving.
