There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, cheesy bites wrapped in golden pastry, and that’s exactly what makes the Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe a total crowd-pleaser. Each little roll is packed with melty cheese and juicy hot dog, bringing a simple snack right up to party-star status.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to admit, I’m a sucker for snacks that feel nostalgic but step up the flavor just enough to keep things interesting. This Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe nails that balance—classic, cozy, yet totally irresistible with that gooey cheese surprise inside.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a dozen fancy items; this recipe uses everyday staples you probably have already.
- Quick to Prepare: In less than 20 minutes, you'll have a feast-ready batch of delicious pigs in a blanket.
- Perfect Party Food: Bite-sized and shareable, these are always the first to disappear at any gathering.
- Customizable Flavors: Whether you sneak in Dijon mustard or sprinkle with special seasonings, it’s easy to make them your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe is all about harmony between simple ingredients. The buttery crescent roll dough crisps up while wrapping the juicy hot dogs and melty American cheese, then a touch of Dijon mustard adds just enough punch to keep every bite lively.
- Hot dogs: Choose your favorite brand, but I love beef or all-beef for that classic, savory flavor that holds up well to baking.
- American cheese: This melts beautifully, giving you that perfect oozy texture without overpowering flavors.
- Crescent roll dough: The store-bought triangles make this recipe fast and foolproof while delivering buttery, flaky texture.
- Dijon mustard: Brushing just a little on the dough adds a subtle tang that balances the richness perfectly.
- Salted butter: Used to create a flavorful glaze that gives a golden finish and a touch of garlic and onion powder for extra depth.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: These pantry staples add savory complexity without needing fresh ingredients.
- Maldon salt (or flaked sea salt): Sprinkled on top for a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite.
- Ketchup and mustard: Classic dipping sauces that complement the savory rolls wonderfully.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it exactly to your liking. Whether you love a little spicy kick or prefer dairy-free options, these snacks are a blank canvas for your taste buds.
- Spicy Twist: Try swapping regular hot dogs for spicy or jalapeño-flavored ones—adds an exciting heat that’s a personal favorite for game day.
- Cheese Variations: I’ve used pepper jack for an extra zing or even shredded mozzarella when I want a milder melt.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry alternatives to keep it allergy-friendly without missing out on texture.
- Vegan Version: Plant-based hot dogs and vegan cheese work well here if you want a cruelty-free snack that everyone can enjoy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dough Like a Pro
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. When working with the crescent roll dough, I find it easiest to gently pull the dough into four rectangular sections by pinching the triangles together—this keeps the dough intact for easy cutting. Using a pizza cutter, slice each rectangle into three long strips, roughly ¾-inch by 4-inches. This step helps avoid the classic crescent roll triangles falling apart once rolled.
Step 2: Layer Your Cheese and Hot Dog
Cut your hot dogs into thirds and prep the cheese by slicing it into small pieces that fit your dough strips. Brush each strip lightly with Dijon mustard before placing a cheese piece, then a hot dog slice on top. Rolling at this point is crucial—make sure to roll tightly enough to hold the ingredients, but don’t crush the dough.
Step 3: Bake and Prepare the Butter Glaze
Bake your rolled pigs in a blanket for about 12 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. While they bake, melt the butter and stir in your garlic and onion powders. This glaze is what makes these little snacks shine once brushed on hot from the oven.
Step 4: Finish with a Salty Crunch
As soon as they come out of the oven, brush generously with the butter mixture and finish with a sprinkle of Maldon or flaked sea salt. That little salty crunch paired with the buttery, cheesy filling is what keeps me coming back for more every time.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe from good to absolutely crave-worthy. These tips are my secret sauce (well, not so secret!) for ensuring success every time.
- Don’t Rush the Dough Prep: Taking a moment to gently pinch the triangles together makes rolling so much easier and keeps everything tidy during baking.
- Use a Pizza Cutter: It’s so much cleaner and quicker to cut even strips; I can’t imagine slicing by hand anymore.
- Brush Immediately After Baking: The warm butter glaze soaks in best right when the rolls come out of the oven, locking in flavor and moisture.
- Don’t Skip the Maldon Salt: Flaked sea salt adds a texture and burst of savory flavor that turns a simple snack into something special.
How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra flaked sea salt on top, but if you want to get fancy, a light dusting of smoked paprika or freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a hint of smoky flavor. I’ve also dabbed on a touch of coarse ground black pepper sometimes for a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
These pigs in a blanket practically pair themselves! I usually serve them alongside classic condiments like ketchup, yellow mustard, and sometimes spicy mustard for variety. For a fuller spread, crispy oven fries, a crisp green salad, or even some tangy coleslaw make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try arranging the Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket on a wooden board surrounded by colorful bowls of assorted dips—think ranch, spicy honey mustard, or smoky BBQ sauce. I’ve also made a fun “piggy tower” by stacking them with toothpicks for a festive centerpiece that’s both cute and totally functional!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh batch, any leftovers I have usually get stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 2-3 days, though honestly, I haven’t had them around for that long—they vanish fast!
Freezing
I’ve frozen these before by placing unbaked rolled pigs in a single layer on a sheet pan, freezing until firm, and then transferring them to a sealed bag. When ready to enjoy, just bake straight from frozen—add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time, and they turn out just as delightful.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers in a toaster oven or a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to revive their crispiness. Microwaving can get soggy, so I try to avoid that.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Frozen crescent roll dough works perfectly. Just thaw it according to package instructions before shaping and rolling your pigs in a blanket. This saves time and still gives you that deliciously flaky texture.
American cheese is my go-to because it melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that hugs the hot dog without overpowering it. However, feel free to experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack if you like a different twist.
Yes! You can swap the American cheese for your favorite vegan cheese and use a dairy-free crescent roll dough if available. Just check the ingredient labels to make sure everything fits your dietary needs.
To prevent unrolling, pinch the seams firmly after placing the fillings inside the dough strips. Also sticking to rectangular strips (instead of triangles) helps maintain their shape. Brushing with mustard before rolling also helps the dough stick better in my experience.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is one of those trusty snacks I keep coming back to whenever I want a quick, nostalgic bite that never disappoints. It’s simple but so satisfying, and once you try it, I bet you’ll have your own fun twists to add. So grab that crescent dough, let the cheese melt, and treat yourself—you deserve it!
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Cheesy Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 pigs in a blanket
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Pigs in a Blanket made with hot dogs, American cheese, and crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection and brushed with a flavorful garlic and onion butter. Perfect as a savory snack or party appetizer served with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs
- 2 slices American cheese
- 1 package crescent roll triangle dough
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Maldon salt (or any flaked sea salt)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough Rectangles: Remove the crescent roll dough from its package and keep it intact. Gently form it into four rectangles by pinching the middle of the triangles together so they stay connected when cutting and rolling.
- Cut Dough Strips: Using a pizza cutter, slice each rectangle into three long strips approximately ¾-inch by 4-inches, yielding a total of twelve strips.
- Prepare Hot Dogs and Cheese: Cut each hot dog into thirds, resulting in twelve pieces. Cut each slice of American cheese in half and then into thirds, making six small pieces total.
- Assemble Pigs in a Blanket: Optional: Brush each dough strip lightly with Dijon mustard. Place a small piece of cheese at the bottom of each strip, top with a piece of hot dog, then carefully roll up the dough around the hot dog and cheese. Place the rolled pieces seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
- Prepare Butter Topping: While baking, melt the salted butter in a small saucepan. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder until combined.
- Brush and Season: When baking is complete, remove the pigs in a blanket from the oven and brush each one generously with the seasoned melted butter. Sprinkle with Maldon or flaked sea salt for added flavor.
- Serve: Serve warm with ketchup, mustard, or your preferred dipping sauces for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use shredded cheese if you prefer a more even melt inside the blanket.
- If you like a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- For a healthier option, try using low-fat cheese and turkey hot dogs.
- Ensure you pinch the crescent roll triangles well to prevent the dough from separating while baking.
- This recipe works great with mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages for bite-size treats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pig in a blanket
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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