Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Party Snack
A buttery honey-mustard glaze turns bite-size franks into the snack everyone reaches for.
Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect party appetizer, look no further than pull-apart pigs in a blanket. This playful, shareable version of the classic finger food takes cocktail franks, wraps them with crescent dough, bakes them until golden, and coats them in a glistening, honey mustard glaze—all baked together in a single pan. It’s festival fare that will disappear fast whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl bash, a holiday gathering, or a family movie night.
Why Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket Stand Out
Classic pigs in a blanket are a staple for good reason: they’re easy, nostalgic, and crave-worthy. The pull-apart version elevates the experience by baking all the wrapped franks together, letting the edges get crispy while the centers stay soft and delicious. With each bite brushed in buttery honey mustard, guests can grab, dip, and devour—the ultimate communal snack for any event. Plus, assembling them all in a springform pan means serving is a breeze and presentation is stunning.
Essential Ingredients
The ingredient list is straightforward, but each element brings big flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salted Butter: Provides rich, savory flavor for the glaze.
- Honey Mustard: A touch in the glaze and extra for dipping makes the flavor pop.
- Paprika & Garlic Powder: Adds gentle spice and warmth to the butter sauce.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Two 8-ounce tubes for easy wrapping. Substitute with pizza dough if preferred.
- Cocktail Franks: A 14-ounce package usually contains 32 mini sausages—the perfect bite size.
- Poppy Seeds: Sprinkle on top for crunch and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
This method keeps things simple, and the payoff is huge—gooey, golden bundles that pull apart easily.
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to the temperature on your crescent dough packaging (usually 375°F or 190°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan lightly to prevent sticking.
- Melt and Mix: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 6 tablespoons of salted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons honey mustard, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until combined.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll both tubes of crescent dough. Instead of separating into triangles, pinch the seams to form two large rectangles. Cut each rectangle lengthwise in half, then across into 8 strips, for a total of 32 strips.
- Wrap the Franks: Place a cocktail frank on one end of each dough strip and roll tightly. Place each wrapped frank seam-side down in a circle along the outer edge of the prepared pan. Repeat to fill the pan, forming concentric rings inward.
- Brush With Flavor: Generously brush the tops with half of the melted butter mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 28–32 minutes, until the dough is deeply golden and cooked through.
- Finish & Serve: Brush the baked bites with the remaining butter mixture. Immediately sprinkle poppy seeds over the top. Release the springform pan and let guests pull apart the pigs in a blanket to enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Separate the Dough: Keeping the crescent dough in sheets, rather than pre-scored triangles, allows for even, sturdy wrapping.
- Use a Springform Pan: This ensures uniform baking and easy removal. If unavailable, try a round cake or tube pan as a substitute.
- Keep the Dough Chilled: Crescent dough is easiest to work with when cold; chill briefly if it gets too soft during assembly.
- Arrange Neatly: Layer tightly in the pan—compact placement promotes even pull-apart pieces.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
One reason pigs in a blanket remain so beloved is their customizability. Here are a few ways to mix things up:
| Swap/Variation | How To Use |
|---|---|
| Pizza Dough | Substitute a 13.8-ounce tube for crescent dough. Roll, cut, and assemble as usual for slightly chewier texture. |
| Cheese Stuffed | Before wrapping, add a thin slice of cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack with the frank for oozy, cheesy centers. |
| Seasoned Butters | Swap honey mustard with barbecue sauce or add rosemary or thyme for a fresh twist. |
| Seed Toppings | Try sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning instead of poppy seeds for a fun crunch and flavor boost. |
What to Serve With Your Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
The beauty of baking these pull-apart style is the dipping opportunities. Serve with:
- Extra honey mustard for a balanced tangy-sweet finish.
- Classic yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or barbecue sauce for bold contrasts.
- Ranch dressing—crowd-pleasing and creamy.
- Marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired touch.
Round out your party menu with fresh veggies, chips, or a cheese platter alongside your pull-apart pigs in a blanket for a colorful and balanced snack spread.
Pigs in a Blanket: Fun Facts and History
- The earliest printed recipe for pigs in a blanket appeared in a 1950s children’s cookbook, but the concept of sausages wrapped in bread or dough dates back centuries in various cultures.
- Despite their simple ingredients, pigs in a blanket have been reimagined around the world—think British sausage rolls, Dutch worstenbroodje, and Czech klobasnek.
- Cocktail franks—the mini sausages traditionally used—are sometimes called “little smokies” or “lil’ smokies.”
- This dish remains one of the first to disappear at most parties and holiday gatherings—proof that guests of all ages crave them.
What others are reading
Expert Tips for Big Batches & Make-Ahead Prep
- Assembly Early, Bake Later: Assemble pigs in a blanket up to one day ahead, cover the pan, and refrigerate. Brush with butter just before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked pigs (wrapped tightly in plastic) for up to one month. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 5 minutes to the bake time.
- Keep Warm: After baking, keep the pull-apart warm in a low oven (about 200°F/93°C) covered loosely with foil until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pizza dough instead of crescent dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a great substitute if you prefer a slightly chewier, more breadlike texture. Roll it thin, cut, and wrap as you would crescent dough—a 13.8-ounce tube is just right for this recipe.
Can I bake these in a Bundt pan?
It’s possible, but not ideal—Bundt pans have a rounded bottom so the results may be less uniform and harder to remove cleanly. A springform or round cake pan produces better results.
How many pigs in a blanket does this make?
This pull-apart recipe yields 32 pigs in a blanket, perfect for a crowd or a hungry family.
Can I freeze pigs in a blanket?
Absolutely. Wrap unbaked pigs tightly in plastic and freeze for up to one month. Bake straight from the freezer, adding five minutes to the normal bake time.
What else can I add inside?
Try layering in thinly sliced cheese, sautéed onions, or even a dab of spicy mustard before rolling for extra flavor twists.
Pro Party Planning: Making It a Meal
Pull-apart pigs in a blanket are the MVP of game day, but they shine in any setting. Make them the centerpiece of a snack table with these sides:
- Crudité Platters: Carrots, celery, and peppers give a fresh, crisp contrast.
- Mixed Nuts & Pretzels: Crunchy bar snacks to nibble between bites.
- Mini Sliders or Chicken Wings: Offer extra hearty mains for a fuller spread.
- Sparkling Lemonade, Beer, or Punch: Pair with crowd-friendly drinks for a festive vibe.
Full FAQ: Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute a gluten-free crescent or pizza dough. Check cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
Q: What’s the best way to keep the leftovers fresh?
A: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispness.
Q: Do they need to be served hot?
A: They are best enjoyed warm, but the honey mustard coating keeps them flavorful even at room temperature.
Q: Can kids help make these?
A: Yes! Kids love rolling the dough and arranging the franks. Just supervise closely with the butter and oven.
Final Thoughts
Pull-apart pigs in a blanket combine nostalgic fun with modern flavor and easy entertaining. With simple ingredients, customizable fillings, and a show-stopping presentation, they’re bound to please at any get-together. Bake a batch and watch them vanish—no party is complete without them!
References
- https://diyjoy.com/pioneer-womans-pigs-in-a-blanket-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a41545714/pull-apart-pigs-in-a-blanket-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubpdCr1mze0
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a38642465/pigs-in-a-blanket-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZOPO7rJBG8
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