Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket

Everyone needs a go-to snack for parties or movie nights. Cheesy pigs in a blanket are my favorite thing to make when I want something fast and tasty. They are tiny hot dogs wrapped in flaky dough with gooey cheese inside. Kids love them and adults usually eat them even faster than the kids do.

I will show you how to make these step-by-step so they come out perfect every time. You only need a few things from the grocery store. This recipe is simple enough that you can even have your children help you roll the dough. It is a great way to spend time together in the kitchen while making something delicious.

Want to see how easy it is to make these golden-brown treats? Let’s get started with the basics!

Getting Ready for the Best Snack Ever

Before we start cooking, it helps to have everything on the table. I used to try and open the cans of dough while the oven was already hot, and it always made me feel rushed. Now, I lay out my baking sheet and my knife first. It makes the whole process much more relaxing. You want to make sure your workspace is clean and dry so the dough does not stick to the counter.

One thing I learned is that the type of cheese matters a lot. If you use a cheese that is too soft, it will all leak out onto the pan. I prefer using sharp cheddar because it stays put a little better and has a strong flavor that stands up to the salty hot dog. If you are feeling fancy, you can try different flavors, but the classic version is hard to beat.

The Short List of Ingredients

To make these snacks, you only need four main things. First, get a pack of mini smoked sausages. Some people call these lil’ smokies. You also need one can of refrigerated crescent roll dough. This is the kind that comes in a tube and pops open when you press a spoon against the seam. It is very satisfying to open!

Next, you need cheese. I like to buy a block of cheddar and cut it into small pieces myself. You can also use pre-cut cheese sticks if you want to save time. Finally, you will need a little bit of butter to brush on top. This helps the dough turn a beautiful golden color in the oven. FYI, you can also add some sesame seeds on top if you want them to look like they came from a fancy bakery.

• 1 pack of mini cocktail sausages (about 24-28 sausages)
• 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 count)
• 4 ounces of cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• Optional: Garlic powder or dried parsley for extra flavor

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

You do not need any fancy machines for this recipe. A simple baking sheet is the most important tool. I always line mine with parchment paper. This is a special kind of paper that keeps food from sticking. It also makes cleaning up very easy because you just throw the paper away when you are done. Trust me, scrubbing melted cheese off a metal pan is not fun.

You will also need a sharp knife to cut the dough and the cheese. A small brush is helpful for putting the butter on at the end. If you do not have a brush, you can use a clean spoon to drizzle the butter, but a brush works best. I also keep a wire rack nearby to let the snacks cool down for a minute before people start grabbing them.

Cutting the Dough and Cheese

First, turn your oven on to 375 degrees. While it gets hot, pop open the can of dough. Unroll it flat on your cutting board. You will see that the dough is already cut into triangles. Since our sausages are tiny, those triangles are too big. Use your knife or a pizza cutter to cut each triangle into three long, skinny strips. This way, the dough wraps around the sausage perfectly without being too thick.

Now, cut your cheese into small rectangles. They should be about one inch long and very thin. If the cheese is too thick, you won’t be able to roll the dough around it. I once tried to put a giant cube of cheese inside, and the whole thing fell apart in the oven! Keep the cheese pieces small and thin so they tuck right next to the sausage. This is the secret to a neat and tidy snack.

How to Roll Them Up

1. Take one strip of dough and lay it flat.
2. Place one mini sausage at the wide end of the dough strip.
3. Put one piece of cheese right on top of the sausage.
4. Roll the sausage and cheese forward toward the skinny point of the dough.
5. Press the tip of the dough down slightly so it stays closed.

Make sure the cheese is tucked in tight. If it sticks out the sides too much, it will run all over the pan. I like to give the dough a little squeeze at the ends to trap the cheese inside. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect. Once they bake and the dough puffs up, they will look great no matter what. It takes a few tries to get the hang of it, but you will be a pro by the time you reach the end of the batch.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Once all your sausages are rolled, place them on the baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one because the dough will grow as it cooks. Use your brush to put a little bit of melted butter on the top of each roll. This is my favorite part because it makes the house smell like a bakery. You can also sprinkle a tiny bit of salt or garlic powder on top right now.

Put the pan in the oven and set a timer for 12 minutes. You want the dough to be a light golden brown. If they look pale, give them another minute or two. Keep a close eye on them! Dough can go from perfect to burnt very quickly. IMO, a slightly darker crust tastes better because it stays crunchy even when the cheese is soft. When they are done, take them out and let them sit for two minutes. The cheese is very hot right now!

Making Your Snacks Even Better

Even though these are great on their own, you can change them up to make them special. Sometimes I get bored of the same flavors, so I try new things. You can use different types of meat or different spices. This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can add whatever you like to make it your own. I have tried many versions, and almost all of them were hits at my house.

The best part about this recipe is how much you can do with very little money. A can of dough and a pack of sausages are very cheap. You can feed a whole crowd for less than the price of a large pizza. This makes it a smart choice for big family gatherings or when your kids have friends over. Everyone gets a few pieces, and no one goes home hungry.

Fun Dipping Sauce Ideas

What is a snack without a good dip? Most people go straight for ketchup or yellow mustard. Those are classic for a reason! But I like to try other things too. Honey mustard is a great choice because the sweetness goes well with the salty sausage. If you like a little bit of heat, you can mix some hot sauce into your ranch dressing. It gives the snacks a nice kick that wakes up your taste buds.

Another fun idea is to use BBQ sauce. It makes the pigs in a blanket taste like a tiny cookout. If you are serving these at a party, I suggest putting out three or four different sauces in small bowls. It looks nice and gives everyone a choice. Just make sure you have enough napkins! Dipping can get a little messy, especially with kids around.

Alternative Ingredients to Try

You do not have to use mini hot dogs if you don’t want to. I have made these with slices of spicy sausage before, and they were delicious. You can also use vegetarian sausages if you do not eat meat. They work exactly the same way! Just cut them into bite-sized pieces before you roll them in the dough. This is a good trick if you have friends visiting who have different diets.

For the cheese, you can try pepper jack if you want it spicy. Or use mozzarella for a very stretchy, mild flavor. Sometimes I use those little thin slices of ham instead of cheese. You wrap the ham around the sausage first, then the dough. It adds another layer of salty flavor. This recipe might not work as well if you use very crumbly cheese like feta, because it won’t melt into a smooth goo. Stick to cheeses that melt well like cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers, do not throw them away! These stay good in the fridge for about three days. Put them in a container with a tight lid so they do not get dry. I have found that they are a great lunch for the next day. However, do not use a microwave to heat them up if you can help it. The microwave makes the dough soft and soggy. It just isn’t the same.

The best way to reheat them is in a toaster oven or the regular oven. Put them on a tray at 350 degrees for about five minutes. This makes the dough crispy again and gets the cheese melting once more. It tastes almost as good as when they first came out of the oven. If you are in a big rush, the microwave is okay for 20 seconds, but the oven is always worth the wait for that crunch.

Serving for a Crowd

When I serve these at a party, I like to use a big wooden board. I pile the snacks in a circle and put the dipping sauce right in the middle. It looks very professional! You can also sprinkle some fresh green herbs like parsley over the top to add some color. It makes a simple snack look like something from a restaurant. People will think you spent hours on it, but you’ll know it only took a few minutes.

One mistake I made once was serving them the second they came out of the oven. The cheese inside is like liquid lava! Always wait at least two or three minutes before letting people eat them. This also gives the dough a chance to firm up so it doesn’t fall apart when someone dips it. If you are taking these to a potluck, wrap the whole tray in foil to keep them warm during the car ride. They hold heat pretty well because the dough acts like a little blanket.

Common Questions People Ask

Can I use homemade dough instead?

Yes! You can use pizza dough or biscuit dough. Just roll it very thin so it cooks at the same speed as the sausage. Canned dough is just faster for busy days.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can roll them up and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Don’t do it too far in advance or the dough might get sticky from the sausage moisture.

My cheese all leaked out. What happened?

You might have used too much cheese or cut the pieces too thick. Try smaller slivers next time and wrap the dough tightly around the edges to seal it in.

Are these okay for toddlers?

Mini sausages can be a choking hazard. For small children, always cut the finished snacks into even smaller, bite-sized pieces before serving them.

Can I freeze these before baking?

Yes. Freeze them on a tray first, then move to a bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, but add about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Enjoy Your Cheesy Snacks

Cheesy pigs in a blanket are a classic for a reason. They are simple, cheap, and taste amazing. Whether you are watching a big game or just want a fun lunch, these will always make people smile. I hope you have fun making these in your kitchen. Remember to keep an eye on the oven and have your favorite dipping sauce ready. Happy snacking!