Elevate your appetizer game with this incredible Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket Casserole. Baked to golden-brown perfection, this dish offers a delightful symphony of buttery, flaky pastry wrapped around savory mini sausages. Each bite delivers a comforting warmth, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a lively game day party, a festive holiday gathering, or a relaxed weekend brunch, these easy-to-share wrapped sausages are designed for effortless enjoyment – just pull them apart, dip them into their rich accompanying sauce, and savor the irresistible flavors. And for the ultimate experience, don’t overlook the vital role of the perfect Pigs in a Blanket Dipping Sauce to tie every element together.
This inventive pigs in a blanket lil smokies recipe transforms a classic snack into a magnificent casserole-style dish, making it effortlessly suitable for feeding a large gathering. Its beauty lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its incredible convenience; these wrapped mini sausages are simple to prepare in advance and even easier to bake. The process is straightforward: arrange the lil smokies and crescent dough in a casserole dish, shaping them into an appealing festive wreath if desired. Bake until they are wonderfully puffed and achieve a tempting golden hue, then serve them warm with a delectable dipping sauce nestled right in the center of your creation.
What truly sets this dish apart is its remarkable versatility. You have the freedom to keep it elegantly classic or dress it up with a variety of exciting flavors. Experiment with different pigs in a blanket dipping sauce options, ranging from a sweet and tangy honey mustard to a bold and spicy cheese sauce, or even an unexpected creamy sriracha mayo for those who love a kick. Beyond the sauce, you can also customize the dough itself. Enhance its flavor profile with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, or a brush of fragrant garlic butter for an extra layer of deliciousness. This highly adaptable recipe is universally appealing, delighting both children and adults, and is perfect for any celebration throughout the year, ensuring it becomes a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.
Table of Contents
Why This Pigs in a Blanket Casserole Is A Must-Try
There are countless reasons why this Pigs in a Blanket Casserole will become your new go-to appetizer, but here are the top three that consistently win over guests and hosts alike:
- It’s The First to Disappear!
These delightfully bite-sized pigs in a blanket are undeniably addictive. Served as a pull-apart casserole, they invite everyone to dive in and enjoy. You’ll often find that your perfectly baked pigs in a blanket lil smokies are the very first dish to vanish from any table, a testament to their irresistible appeal and the communal joy they bring. - So Simple, Even Kids Can Help!
This recipe is a fantastic opportunity to involve little hands in the kitchen. Kids absolutely love the fun and tactile process of rolling the mini smokies in the crescent dough. It’s a wonderful way to foster a love for cooking and create cherished memories, making meal prep a fun family activity rather than a chore. - The Dipping Sauce Sits Right in the Middle!
One of the most charming features of this casserole is the dedicated space for the dipping sauce in its center. This thoughtful design simplifies the serving process immensely, eliminating the need for extra bowls scattered across the table. It also significantly enhances the visual appeal of your appetizer spread, making it a particularly attractive and convenient centerpiece for special occasions like Christmas dinner or elegant holiday brunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need and Smart Substitutions
Crafting the perfect Pigs in a Blanket Casserole begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some handy substitutions to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Pigs in a Blanket Casserole Ingredients
- Butter or Vegetable Oil: Essential for greasing your baking dish, ensuring your pigs in a blanket don’t stick and achieve that lovely golden crust. Non-stick cooking spray is also a convenient and effective alternative.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used for dusting your work surface when rolling out the dough. For best results, we recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour, which provides a consistently smooth texture.
- Refrigerated Pizza Crust Dough: The foundation of our “blankets.” The Pillsbury brand in the tube is a popular and convenient choice. Alternatively, for a truly homemade touch, feel free to use one of our homemade pizza dough recipes. Ensure your dough is fresh and pliable for easy handling.
- Little Smokies (Lil Smokies) or Cocktail Sausages: These mini hot dogs are the “pigs” of our dish. Their small size makes them ideal for wrapping and creates perfect bite-sized appetizers. They are especially perfect for arranging vertically to form an impressive pigs in a blanket wreath.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients
No Pigs in a Blanket Casserole is complete without a rich, flavorful dipping sauce. Our mustard cheese sauce recipe is specifically designed to complement the savory sausages and flaky pastry perfectly.
- Butter: Forms the base of our roux, creating a silky smooth sauce. Whether you opt for unsalted or salted, ensure it’s real butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine or oil will not deliver the same creamy consistency or rich taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Combined with butter to create a roux, which thickens the sauce. While all-purpose flour works perfectly, you can also use bread flour or even self-rising flour in a pinch, though the latter might alter the texture slightly.
- Whole Milk: The key to a luxuriously smooth and creamy dipping sauce. Whole milk provides the optimal richness. If necessary, 2% milk can be used, but for the creamiest result, avoid non-fat milk as it will yield a thinner, less satisfying sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star of our cheesy dipping sauce. For unparalleled creaminess and meltability, always shred your own cheddar cheese from a block. See our Pro Tip below to understand why this simple step makes all the difference!
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that beautifully balances the richness of the cheese. Stone ground mustard is an excellent substitute if you prefer a slightly coarser texture and milder mustard flavor.
- Spices (Coarse Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper): These spices are crucial for enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dipping sauce. Cayenne pepper introduces a pleasant hint of warmth. If you or your guests prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of cayenne or substitute it with a milder pinch of chili powder. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Unleash Your Creativity: Recipe Variations
The beauty of this Pigs in a Blanket Casserole lies in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these delicious variations to make it uniquely yours or to suit different occasions and tastes:
- How to Make Pigs in a Blanket with Crescent Rolls: For a slightly different texture and flavor, swap the pizza dough for two similar-sized containers of crescent roll dough (typically 13.8 ounces each). Unroll the crescent dough, but instead of rolling it thinner, simply cut it into strips. The distinct buttery layers of crescent rolls add another dimension of deliciousness.
- Breakfast Blanket Casserole: Transform this appetizer into a hearty breakfast or brunch dish! Before baking, whisk a few eggs with a splash of milk and pour this egg mixture generously over the pigs in their blankets. This creates a savory, eggy base that makes for a more substantial meal, perfect for a leisurely morning.
- Southwest Style: Infuse your casserole with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Before wrapping, add a small amount of finely diced onion, fresh tomatoes, and a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack or a Tex-Mex cheese blend inside each dough strip. You could even add a tiny dab of green chili for extra zest.
- Italian Version: Give your pigs in a blanket an Italian twist! Spoon a small amount of your favorite marinara or tomato sauce onto each crescent dough strip before rolling. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and a touch of garlic powder for an aromatic delight.
- Garlic Butter Finish: For an irresistible aroma and an extra layer of savory flavor, brush the baked pigs with a mixture of melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder immediately after they come out of the oven. This simple step adds a wonderful sheen and a burst of garlicky goodness.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: For a savory, crunchy topping, sprinkle your unrolled dough with everything bagel seasoning before cutting and wrapping the sausages. This adds sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and onion flakes, giving a fantastic texture and flavor boost.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Having the right tools on hand will make preparing your Pigs in a Blanket Casserole a smooth and enjoyable process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for preparing your dough and sausages.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: For efficiently cutting the dough into strips. A pizza cutter is especially handy for clean, straight lines.
- Medium Saucepan: Perfect for preparing the creamy mustard cheese dipping sauce.
- Spatula: Essential for stirring the sauce ingredients and ensuring a smooth consistency.
- 2 – Round Pie Pans (8″ to 10″ in diameter): These will be used to bake your pigs in a blanket, helping them form a beautiful wreath shape. You could also use a large casserole dish.
- Aluminum Foil: For covering the pans during part of the baking process and for creating the space for the dip bowl.
- Small Bowl for the Serving the Dip: To hold your delicious dipping sauce in the center of the casserole.
- Rolling Pin: Crucial for rolling out the pizza dough to the desired thickness.
🎯 Pro Tip: Achieve the Creamiest Cheese Sauce
Store-bought pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch. While these additives prevent clumping in the bag, they can hinder the cheese from melting smoothly and result in a grainy or clumpy sauce.
For the creamiest, perfectly velvety cheese sauce in your pigs in a blanket dip or any casserole, take a few extra minutes to shred a block of cheese yourself. Trust us—the luxurious, smooth difference is absolutely worth the effort when you’re dipping those delicious lil smokies in a blanket into the rich cheese sauce!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pigs in a Blanket Lil Smokies
Follow these detailed instructions to create your magnificent Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket Casserole, complete with our signature mustard cheese dipping sauce.
Preparing and Baking the Wrapped Sausages
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your pie pans or casserole dish by lightly spraying them with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set them aside.
- On a clean, lightly floured surface, such as a wooden cutting board or a silicone mat, use a rolling pin to roll out the pizza dough to an even thickness of approximately ⅛ inch. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips, each about 1 to 1 ½ inches wide and long enough to wrap around a mini sausage.
- Carefully wrap each mini sausage with a dough strip, gently pressing the end to ensure a secure seal. Arrange the rolled sausages vertically in your prepared pie pan, with the seam side facing inward, to create an appealing wreath shape. Leave a circular space in the very middle of the baking dish, large enough to comfortably fit your small bowl of dipping sauce. You can use a folded or rolled piece of aluminum foil in a circular shape to hold this space while baking. Cover the pan of wrapped sausages with aluminum foil.
- If you are preparing two baking dishes, repeat the wrapping and arrangement process for the second pan.
- Bake the covered pans in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. After this initial baking period, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This two-stage baking ensures the dough cooks through and then becomes delightfully golden.
- If, after the full baking time, the tops of your pigs in a blanket are not as golden brown as you desire, you can briefly broil them. Turn your oven to broil on high (or 500°F/260°C). Broil for only 2-3 minutes, or until they reach your desired golden-brown color. It is crucial to watch them continuously during broiling, checking every minute, as they can burn very quickly.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the pigs in a blanket casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the pastry set and makes them easier to handle. While they are cooling, proceed to make the delicious cheese sauce.
Crafting the Creamy Mustard Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly with a spatula for about 2 minutes to create a smooth paste, or roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form, and continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add the grated cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, coarse kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the mixture. Stir continuously until all ingredients are well combined and the cheese sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or cayenne pepper to suit your preference for spice.
- Carefully remove the aluminum foil placeholder from the center of your pigs in a blanket wreath. Place the small bowl filled with the warm and creamy mustard cheese sauce dip into the empty space. Serve immediately and watch your guests enjoy this delicious, interactive appetizer!
Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas
To further enhance the presentation and flavor of your Pigs in a Blanket Casserole, consider these elegant serving suggestions. Garnish the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few fragrant rosemary sprigs to add a touch of color and aromatic freshness. Beyond dipping, the versatile mustard cheese sauce can be repurposed as a tangy cheese topping for steamed broccoli, a rich addition to baked potatoes, or a decadent drizzle over nachos.
For an even more diverse dipping experience, offer a selection of three complementary sauces alongside your pigs in a blanket. Our homemade 3-ingredient BBQ sauce offers a sweet and smoky contrast, while a spicy honey mustard dipping sauce provides a delightful kick. For a super easy and universally loved option, consider an easy Velveeta cheese sauce. And for the younger guests, classic ketchup or creamy ranch dressing are always huge hits.
Planning a larger spread? Explore our curated list of 40 delightful brunch finger foods to find more savory bites and sweet treats that will perfectly complement your pigs in a blanket and round out any party menu!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pigs in a Blanket
Here are some common questions to help you master this delicious appetizer.
Yes, it’s common for cheese sauces to thicken upon cooling. When reheating your mustard cheese sauce, add about ⅛ cup of milk at a time, stirring well, until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. You might need a little more or less depending on how thick it has become.
It’s a fantastic variation! Instead of pizza dough, you’ll need two similar-sized rolls of crescent roll dough (typically 13.8 ounces each). Simply unroll the crescent dough, but do not separate into triangles or roll it thinner. Cut the entire sheet into strips of the desired width (usually 1 to 1 ½ inches) and proceed with wrapping the mini sausages as directed.
While you certainly can, keep in mind that the sides of a baking dish provide excellent support for the pull-apart pigs in a blanket, helping them maintain their shape and creating that beautiful wreath presentation. If using a baking sheet, arrange the wrapped sausages lying on their side. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes without covering them with foil. They might spread a bit more, but will still be delicious!
Absolutely! Our recipe features a delicious, tangy mustard cheese sauce that perfectly complements the savory pigs in a blanket. However, feel free to get creative! You can also serve them with other favorite dipping sauces like our vibrant feta red pepper dip, a sweet and savory Asian mango dipping sauce, or even classic ketchup or ranch for the kids.
These pigs in a blanket are undeniably best served fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Remember, the sauce may thicken when reheating, so add a splash of milk (up to ⅛ cup at a time) and stir until it returns to a smooth, dippable consistency.
Other Delicious Snack Recipes to Consider…
- Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels: Another simple, elegant appetizer perfect for any occasion.
- Homemade Pretzel Bites: Soft, chewy, and perfect for dipping in cheese sauce or mustard.
- Blueberry Pop Tarts (Hand Pies): A sweet treat that’s easy to make and transport.
- Easy Charcuterie Appetizer: For a sophisticated spread with minimal effort.
If you tried this fabulous Pigs in a Blanket Casserole recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks for visiting!
The Ultimate Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Knife or Pizza Cutter
- Medium Saucepan
- Spatula
- 2 Round Pie Pans (8-10 inches)
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (or non-stick cooking spray)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cans (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (e.g., Pillsbury, or 2 lbs homemade pizza dough)
- 28 ounces little smokies or cocktail sausages (approx. 50-55 sausages)
Mustard Cheese Dipping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (2% milk can be substituted)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for best results – see Pro Tip)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for desired heat)
Instructions
Preparing and Baking the Wrapped Sausages
- Preheat the oven to 350° F (175°C). Lightly spray your pie pans or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Flour a clean work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the pizza dough to approximately ⅛ inch thick. Then, cut the dough into strips about 1” to 1 ½” wide.
- Wrap each mini sausage with a dough strip, gently pressing the end to seal. Place the rolled sausages vertically in the prepared pan, with the seam side facing inwards, creating a wreath shape. Leave a circular space in the middle for your dip bowl, using a folded or rolled piece of aluminum foil to hold this space during baking.
- Cover the pan of wrapped sausages with aluminum foil.
- If using a second baking dish, repeat steps 2-4 for that pan.
- Bake at 350ºF (175°C) covered with aluminum foil for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- If the tops are not golden brown after baking, turn the oven to broil on high (or 500° F/260°C). Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching constantly, until golden brown. Check every minute to prevent burning.
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. While cooling, prepare the cheese sauce.
Preparing the Pigs in a Blanket Dipping Sauce
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir for 2 minutes to create a paste (roux). Slowly add the milk, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add the grated cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until combined and the cheese sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Place the small bowl of mustard cheese sauce dip in the center of the pigs in a blanket wreath, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Pro Tip for Creamy Cheese Sauce: Store-bought shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best, creamiest cheese sauce, we highly recommend shredding your own cheddar cheese from a block.
Recipe Variations:
- Crescent Roll Dough: To make pigs in a blanket with crescent rolls, use 2 similar-sized rolls of crescent roll dough (approx. 13.8 ounces each) instead of pizza dough. Unroll the crescent dough and cut it into strips without rolling it thinner.
- Baking Sheet Alternative: If using a baking sheet instead of a casserole dish, spray the sheet with non-stick baking spray or line it with parchment paper. Lay the wrapped sausages on their side and bake at 350ºF (175°C) for 15-20 minutes without covering with foil.
- Breakfast Blanket Casserole: For a hearty breakfast dish, crack a few eggs and whisk them with a splash of milk. Pour this egg mixture over the pigs in a blanket before baking.
- Southwest Style: Add diced onion, tomatoes, and shredded Tex-Mex cheese inside the dough before rolling for a flavorful twist.
Storing and Reheating Instructions:
- These are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 300° F (150°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warm.
- The cheese sauce may thicken upon reheating. Gradually add up to ⅛ cup of milk at a time while stirring until it reaches the desired smooth consistency.
Nutrition
