There’s something irresistibly charming about pigs in a blanket. Maybe it’s the way the buttery, flaky pastry wraps around juicy sausages like a cozy little hug. Or perhaps it’s the nostalgia of childhood parties and holiday gatherings. Whatever the reason, these bite-sized beauties have earned their spot as the ultimate crowd-pleaser—and making them from scratch is easier than you think.
Forget the frozen aisle. When you make pigs in a blanket from scratch, you’re elevating a classic snack into something truly special. The homemade dough is tender and golden, the sausages are perfectly seasoned, and the result? Pure, delicious magic.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you dive in, let’s gather your ingredients. The beauty of homemade pigs in a blanket is that the ingredient list is refreshingly simple:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- ¾ cup whole milk
For the Filling:
- 12-16 cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for topping
Making the Perfect Flaky Dough
This is where the magic happens. Homemade dough transforms ordinary pigs in a blanket into something extraordinary.
Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial—those little butter pockets create the flaky layers everyone loves.
Pour in the milk and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix! You want the dough to just come together. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it 3-4 times until smooth.
Pro tip: Keep everything cold. Cold butter = flaky pastry. If your kitchen is warm, pop the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes before rolling.
Rolling and Wrapping Like a Pro
Roll your dough into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips—each strip should be wide enough to wrap around your sausage with a slight overlap.
Now for the fun part: wrapping! Take each sausage and wrap a dough strip around it in a spiral motion, leaving the ends of the sausage peeking out. Place each wrapped sausage seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Here’s a game-changing tip: Don’t wrap too tightly. The dough will puff up as it bakes, and you want to give it room to expand into those beautiful, golden layers.
The Golden Finish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, beat your egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over each pig in a blanket. This egg wash is your secret weapon for that gorgeous, Instagram-worthy golden color.
Feeling fancy? Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning on top before baking. It adds visual appeal and a subtle flavor boost.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
Serving Your Masterpiece
Let your pigs in a blanket cool for just a few minutes before serving—they’ll be piping hot inside! Arrange them on a serving platter with your favorite dipping sauces. Classic choices include:
- Honey mustard
- Spicy brown mustard
- Ketchup
- Ranch dressing
- Sweet chili sauce
Your New Go-To Party Recipe
Making pigs in a blanket from scratch isn’t just about the food—it’s about creating something with your own hands that brings people together. The homemade dough makes all the difference, delivering a flakiness and flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
Whether you’re prepping for game day, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these little bundles of joy never disappoint. Plus, you can customize them endlessly: try different sausages, add cheese, or experiment with seasonings.
Save this recipe for your next gathering—your guests will be asking for it again and again! Once you’ve experienced the homemade difference, there’s no going back to the frozen food aisle.