Pigs in a Blanket

These Pigs in a Blanket are a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer with juicy hot dogs wrapped in flaky crescent dough and baked until golden. These crescent roll hot dogs are so easy to prepare and you can even customize them into pretzel dogs. This is such an easy party appetizer to whip up in less than 30 minutes.

I just had to sneak in one more appetizer before the big Super Bowl game starts today. These Pigs and a Blanket are one of the easiest appetizers and people love them. Sometimes the most simple appetizers are some of the best!

These crescent rolls wrapped hot dogs appeal to both kids and adults. My family loves hot dogs so it is an easy way to serve hot dogs and they taste even better wrapped in crispy, flaky, buttery crescent rolls. These are perfect for game days, potlucks, or for a simple snack.

I use the Pillsbury crescent rolls to make them. A fun fact about me is that I competed twice in the Pillsbury Bake-Off for $1,000,000 dollars way before I started Modern Honey. So, I have used these Pillsbury crescent rolls a time or two in my days.

Ingredients:

I love that these franks in blankets are super customizable and I will share all of those ideas down below. I have made them with x-large hot dogs, regular sized hot dogs, and cocktail wieners (aka lil smokies). You can also wrap them in pretzel dough if you want to make pretzel dogs, popular in the mall pretzel places.

• Hot Dogs: Use your favorite brand of hot dogs. In the photos, I used extra-large hot dogs (Costco) and cut them into thirds before wrapping them. You can use regular-size hot dogs or mini hot dogs as well.
• Crescent Roll Dough: I like to use Pillsbury crescent roll dough found in the refrigerated section. See below for more ideas of what you can use to wrap around the hot dogs.
• Egg: This is for an egg wash to brush on the pigs in a blanket before baking. What does an egg wash do? This helps to achieve a golden crust and helps the seasonings stick.
• Seasonings: Sprinkle the crescent roll dough with your favorite seasoning — flaky sea salt, everything but the bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, garlic powder, or parmesan cheese. You can even brush with melted garlic butter for more flavor.
• Dipping Sauces: I suggest putting out ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, and even warm cheese sauce or queso for dipping.

How to make Homemade Pigs in a Blanket:

Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 375 degrees F.

Prepare the Crescent Dough: Open the can and unroll the crescent rolls. Separate the dough along the perforated lines into 8 triangles.

Assemble the Hot Dogs:

Optional: Pat the hot dogs dry with a paper towel if they’re moist (this helps the dough adhere better).

If you are using small cocktail weiners (aka lil smokies), here’s what you need to do…

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each triangle of dough into 3 small triangles. Then, place the cocktail wiener on the thicker side of the triangle, and then roll the hot dog towards the tip of the triangle.

If you are using Extra-Large Hot Dogs that you find at places like Costco, here’s what you need to do…

• For a bite-sized portion, cut each extra-large hot dog into 3 equal segments (about 2 to 3 inches long each).
• If you want a typical hot dog size (just covered in dough), you can leave it whole—just be sure you have enough crescent dough to wrap around. For party-style appetizers, going with 2–3 segments per dog is most common.

Place a hot dog at the wide end of each crescent triangle. Roll the hot dog towards the tip of the triangle, tucking in any loose edges.

Egg Wash & Season:

• Lightly brush the top of each rolled hot dog with beaten egg.
• Sprinkle with desired seasonings (ex: sea salt flakes, sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning).

Bake:

• Arrange the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the hot dogs are heated through. If you are using extra-large hot dogs, you may need to bake them for 15-19 minutes.

Serve Hot:

• Let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them with dipping sauces.

Substitutions & Variations:

I love that you can make pigs in a blanket in so many different ways with different types and sizes of hot dogs and wrapping them in a choice of crescent rolls, pretzel dough, pizza dough, or biscuit dough.

1. Pretzel Dough: Use store-bought or homemade pretzel dough instead of crescent rolls. Boil the dough-wrapped hot dogs briefly in a baking soda solution (like typical pretzel prep), then bake until golden.
2. Pizza Dough: Roll out pizza dough into thin strips, wrap around the hot dogs, and bake. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes or everything but the bagel seasoning.
3. Buttery Biscuit Dough: Flatten each biscuit round from canned biscuit dough and wrap around half a hot dog. Bake as directed on the biscuit package (adjusting time as needed).
4. Mini Pigs in a Blanket: Use cocktail franks and cut the crescent dough into smaller strips. These bite-sized versions are great for party appetizers or potlucks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

1. Can I Use Different Hot Dogs? Absolutely! Use your favorite type of hot dogs, cocktail hot dogs, sausage, turkey dogs, spicy andouille or chicken sausage.
2. What If I Don’t Have Crescent Dough? You can use puff pastry, pizza dough, biscuit dough, or pretzel dough. Adjust your baking time based on dough thickness.
3. Can I Make Them Ahead? Yes! Assemble them (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Brush with egg wash just before baking.
4. How Do I Keep Them Warm for a Party? Place the pigs in a blanket on a warming tray or in a slow cooker set on low (use foil to keep them from getting soggy). They’re best eaten fresh out of the oven, so if possible, bake them close to serving time.
5. Can I Freeze Leftovers? Yes. Let them cool, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.

More Appetizer Recipes:

Best Super Bowl Recipes

Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip