Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket Recipe

Start your morning with a smile and these irresistible Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket! This delightful twist on the classic appetizer transforms your ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary. Combining savory breakfast sausages wrapped in fluffy, golden pastry, this recipe is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or whenever you want to treat your family to something special.
These bite-sized bundles of joy are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. Watch as they disappear from the plate faster than you can say “good morning!” Follow along for the complete recipe that will make your breakfast table the most popular spot in the house.
What are “Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket”?
Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket are a morning adaptation of the beloved party appetizer. Instead of cocktail sausages, we use breakfast sausage links wrapped in tender, flaky pastry dough. The result is a portable, handheld breakfast that combines protein and carbs in one delicious bite.
These golden-brown parcels offer the perfect balance of savory sausage and buttery pastry. They’re versatile enough to serve as a quick breakfast on-the-go, a brunch centerpiece, or even a fun dinner option for breakfast-for-dinner nights.
Ingredients List for Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 12 breakfast sausage links (pre-cooked or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
How to Cook Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating perfect Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket is simpler than you might think. Here’s my foolproof method that ensures crispy, golden results every time:
1. Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- If using fresh sausages, cook them according to package directions and let them cool slightly before wrapping.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- Remove the crescent roll dough from the package and unroll it on a clean surface.
- Separate the dough into individual triangles along the perforated lines.
- If the triangles seem too large, you can cut each one in half to make smaller wraps.
3. Create the Flavor Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, maple syrup, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- This mixture will add extra flavor and help achieve that beautiful golden color.
4. Wrap the Sausages:
- Place one sausage link at the wide end of each dough triangle.
- Brush the dough lightly with your butter mixture.
- Starting from the wide end, roll the dough around the sausage, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Make sure the seam is on the bottom to prevent unrolling during baking.
5. Final Preparation:
- Place the wrapped sausages seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
- Leave about 1 inch of space between each piece for even cooking.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning if desired for extra flavor and texture.
6. Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) if using fresh sausages.
- Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your tongue on the hot filling.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket lies in their versatility. Here are some delicious variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Dough Options: Try puff pastry for an extra flaky texture, or use biscuit dough for a heartier wrap. Phyllo dough creates a lighter, crispier result.
- Sausage Alternatives: Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausages work wonderfully for different dietary preferences.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a thin slice of apple or a small piece of cheddar cheese before wrapping for extra flavor complexity.
- Spicy Version: Use spicy breakfast sausages and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your butter mixture.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage into your butter mixture for an aromatic twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overstuffing: Don’t try to wrap sausages that are too large for the dough pieces. This can cause the dough to tear or not seal properly.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown color. Don’t skip this step.
- Not Sealing Properly: Make sure the seam is well-sealed and placed on the bottom. Loose wrapping can cause the dough to unroll during baking.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Give each piece enough space to cook evenly. Crowded pans can result in uneven browning.
- Opening the Oven Too Often: Resist the urge to check too frequently, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and uneven cooking.
How to Serve Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket
These delightful breakfast treats are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast spread. They’re also fantastic with a selection of dipping sauces like maple syrup, honey mustard, or even a simple ketchup.
For a brunch gathering, arrange them on a platter with other breakfast favorites like mini pancakes, fresh berries, and coffee. The bite-sized nature makes them perfect for buffet-style serving where guests can easily grab and enjoy.
Presentation Ideas for Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket
Make your Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket look as appetizing as they taste with these presentation tips:
- Rustic Charm: Serve them on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of various dipping sauces for a casual, homey feel.
- Elegant Display: Arrange them on a white ceramic platter with garnishes of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Individual Servings: Place 2-3 pieces on individual plates with a small ramekin of warm maple syrup for dipping.
- Colorful Contrast: Add fresh fruit like orange slices or berries around the platter for a pop of color and freshness.
Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket Recipe Tips
Here are my top tips for ensuring your Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket turn out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Dough: Let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before working with it. This makes it easier to handle and less likely to tear.
- Pre-cook Fresh Sausages: If using raw sausages, partially cook them first. This ensures they’re fully cooked through without over-browning the pastry.
- Double-check Seal: After wrapping, gently press the seam to ensure it’s well-sealed. This prevents unwrapping during baking.
- Uniform Size: Try to make all pieces roughly the same size for even cooking times.
- Keep it Simple: Don’t overthink the seasonings. Sometimes the simplest combinations yield the best results.
How to Store Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket
Allow the Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket to cool completely before storing (within 2 hours of baking). Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, these freeze beautifully for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble them the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Q: Can I use frozen sausages?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before wrapping. Excess moisture can make the pastry soggy.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This helps maintain the crispy texture better than microwaving.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free crescent roll dough and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: Look for a golden-brown color on top and sides. The pastry should sound hollow when lightly tapped, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F if using fresh sausages.
Q: Can I make mini versions?
A: Definitely! Cut the sausages in half and use smaller pieces of dough. Reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes and watch carefully to prevent over-browning.
Conclusion
Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket are the perfect way to elevate your morning meal from ordinary to extraordinary. This simple yet satisfying recipe combines familiar flavors in a fun, portable format that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The combination of savory sausage wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry creates a breakfast experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, looking for a special holiday breakfast, or simply want to make a regular morning feel more festive, these delightful little packages deliver every time. The recipe is forgiving enough for beginners yet versatile enough to satisfy experienced cooks who want to experiment with different flavors and variations.
Remember, the key to perfect Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket lies in using quality ingredients, proper technique, and a little patience. Take your time with the wrapping process, don’t skip the egg wash, and trust your oven to work its magic. The result will be golden, crispy, and absolutely delicious bundles that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Happy cooking, and enjoy these wonderful breakfast treats with your loved ones!