If you are craving a fun and crowd-pleasing appetizer, the Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delicious twist on the classic pigs in a blanket brings together soft, golden pretzel dough wrapped snugly around smoky sausages with a tangy kick of Dijon mustard. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of salty, tangy, and slightly chewy textures that will keep your guests coming back for more. Whether it’s game day, a party, or a cozy night in, this recipe makes snacking exciting and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing a special element to this Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. From the smoky depth of the sausages to the soft yet chewy pretzel coating, every item plays a role in crafting that authentic taste and texture.
- Lit’l Smokies Smoked Sausages: These mini sausages provide that signature smoky flavor and perfect bite-sized size.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls: An easy dough base that transforms into soft, fluffy pretzel wrappers.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy layer of flavor on the dough, enhancing the taste complexity.
- Water: Used both in the baking soda bath and the egg wash, crucial for pretzel texture and shine.
- Baking soda: Key to that classic pretzel crust, it creates the distinctive chewy exterior.
- Egg: Mixed with water for a glossy, golden finish on your baked pretzel pigs.
- Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top to deliver that irresistible salty crunch.
How to Make Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Boiling Bath
First, preheat your oven to 375ºF so it’s ready to bake your treats to golden perfection later. Then, bring a large pot of water mixed with baking soda to a roaring boil. This baking soda bath is the secret to achieving that soft, chewy pretzel texture that makes this recipe so special.
Step 2: Shaping the Dough with Mustard
Unroll your crescent roll dough and separate it into 16 triangles. Spread a generous teaspoon of Dijon mustard over each triangle to add tangy zest that balances the smokiness of the sausages. Cutting each triangle into three narrow strips ensures the perfect size for wrapping around each little sausage.
Step 3: Wrapping the Sausages
Place a Lit’l Smokies sausage on the wide edge of each triangle strip and roll tightly all the way to the tip. This snug wrap helps keep the sausage encased during cooking and creates those adorable pretzel pigs in a blanket that everyone loves.
Step 4: The Baking Soda Bath
Using tongs or a strainer, gently dip each wrapped sausage into the boiling baking soda water for about 7 to 10 seconds. This step transforms the dough, giving it that truly authentic pretzel flavor and chewy consistency.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Salt Finish
Transfer your dipped sausages to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk together your egg and water, then brush this mixture over each pretzel pig. Finally, sprinkle the tops generously with coarse sea salt, which will toast to crispy perfection and add a delightful crunch.
Step 6: Baking to Golden Glory
Bake your pretzel pigs in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown and irresistibly aromatic. The oven’s heat works magic, turning dough into pillows of pretzel-y goodness that make this Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket Recipe shine.
How to Serve Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor. Think fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Offering small bowls of mustard or cheese sauce on the side invites dipping and adds an extra layer of indulgence to every bite.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs perfectly with crisp veggie sticks or a hearty, tangy coleslaw. These sides provide contrast in texture and flavor, helping to round out your snack or party platter for a full, satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket Recipe arranged on a rustic wooden board or stacked in a festive basket lined with colorful napkins. For parties, setting out themed toothpicks or mini flags can add a playful touch that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should stay delicious and fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying a quick snack later on.
Freezing
You can freeze these pretzel pigs either before or after baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pretzel pigs keep well for up to one month and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
To recapture that freshly baked taste, reheat your Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket in a 350ºF oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This reheating method restores their crunchy exterior and warm, melty insides without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dogs instead of Lit’l Smokies?
Absolutely! While Lit’l Smokies add a perfect smoky bite, mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages work wonderfully too. Just be sure they’re about the same size for even cooking.
Is it necessary to boil the dough in baking soda water?
Yes, this step is what transforms ordinary dough into authentic pretzel dough by creating that classic chewy crust and enhancing flavor. Skipping it will give you more of a crescent roll texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
While this recipe traditionally uses crescent dough containing gluten, you can experiment with gluten-free dough alternatives. Just keep in mind the texture and pretzel quality might vary.
What’s the best mustard to use for spreading?
Dijon mustard is recommended because of its sharp, tangy profile that cuts through the richness of the sausage perfectly. However, feel free to try spicy brown or whole grain mustard to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble and boil the pig-in-a-blanket pieces ahead of time, then refrigerate them. When guests arrive, just brush with egg wash, sprinkle salt, and bake fresh for that just-made appeal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyous about biting into a warm, salty Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket Recipe snack. It’s fun, flavorful, and so easy to make that it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give this recipe a try, and watch everyone gather around, eager for just one more.
Print
Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 dozen (48 pieces)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket is a fun and delicious appetizer featuring smoky little sausages wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, dipped in a baking soda bath to create a pretzel-like texture, then baked to golden perfection. Enhanced with a touch of Dijon mustard and topped with coarse sea salt, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Sausage and Dough
- 1 (14-oz) package Lit’l Smokies Smoked Sausages
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Mustard Filling
- â…“ cup dijon mustard
Boiling Solution
- 10 cups water
- â…” cup baking soda
Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp water
- coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF to prepare for baking the pretzel pigs in a blanket.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, combine 10 cups of water and â…” cup baking soda. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil; this bath will help create the pretzel crust on the dough.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and separate into 16 triangles. Spread about a heaping teaspoon of Dijon mustard evenly on each triangle. Then cut each triangle lengthwise into 3 narrow triangles for smaller wraps.
- Wrap Sausages: Place one Lit’l Smokies sausage on the wide end of each narrow triangle and roll it up tightly, forming a mini wrapped sausage.
- Boil Wrapped Sausages: Using tongs or a strainer, dip each wrapped sausage into the boiling baking soda bath for 7-10 seconds. This step will give the dough a pretzel-like texture and rich flavor. Remove and place each dipped sausage on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of each dipped wrapped sausage to help them brown nicely. Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the tops.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the baking soda water is at a rolling boil before dipping the wrapped sausages.
- If preferred, you can substitute the Dijon mustard for spicy brown mustard or skip the mustard for a milder flavor.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- These pretzel pigs in a blanket can be served with extra mustard or your favorite dipping sauces.
- Make sure not to boil the wrapped sausages for too long to avoid soggy dough—7 to 10 seconds is ideal.
