Get ready to elevate your snack game with Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket! This easy twist on the classic appetizer wraps mini hotdogs in crescent roll dough with a slice of sharp cheddar, creating a “come back for more” treat perfect for any party. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have everyones next favorite appetizer!
Pigs in a blanket are one of the most memorable and easy-to-make appetizers for parties, game days, or just as a snack. They are basically heaven in the form of food: a mini hot dog (or, in this case, Little Smokie) wrapped in Crescent Roll dough or puff pastry and usually served with dip. The salty, smokie hot dog paired with a fluffy and buttery crescent roll is the perfect blend of textures and flavors, all wrapped up in a delicious handheld treat.
So, what would make this appetizer even better? CHEESE!! Before rolling the hot dogs in the crescent rolls, I added a piece of sharp cheddar cheese, so it becomes gooey, melty, and delicious while adding another dimension of flavor and texture. To top it all off, I melted some butter, mixed in parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and ranch seasoning, and spread it on top before baking for even more savory flavor. The result is an irresistible finger food you can serve for so many different occasions that takes less than 30 minutes to make!
Small ingredient list: You only need a few simple ingredients, all of which are easy to find at your local grocery store, or you may already have some on hand!
Ready in 30 minutes or less: This quick recipe lets you whip up a delicious appetizer right before your guests come or if you need it for a quick snack.
Kid-friendly: Both kids and adults love these cheesy pigs in a blanket!
Perfect for parties: They’re an ideal snack for parties, game days, or any get-together where finger food is served.
Easy to make and customize: Anyone can create these tasty bites without hassle, and you can easily switch up the cheese or add your favorite seasonings to make them your own.
Crescent Roll Dough: I typically use Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, but you can use the store brand too! The dough for these buttery rolls are wrapped around the Little Smokies and are a big part of what makes these cheesy pigs in a blanket so delicious.
Cocktail Weenies: These are mini smoked sausages perfect for this recipe! If you can’t find Little Smokies or want to try something different, mini hotdogs or any other kind of mini sausage could also work.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love the way sharp cheddar tastes with the smoky sausage and buttery crescent roll, but you can use any kind of cheese you enjoy!
Melted Butter: The butter in this recipe is going to help the parmesan ranch topping stick to the crescent rolls while helping the top get golden brown.
Ranch Dressing Seasoning: This is what makes these cheesy ranch pigs in a blanket. Pick up a packet of your favorite brand of Ranch seasoning and combine it with the melted butter and other seasonings for a big, zesty flavor boost.
Chopped or Dried Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness along with a green color that makes them look (and taste) delicious.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Cheesy pigs in a blanket can never be too cheesy. Sprinkle some grated parmesan on top of this treat before serving for an extra salty and nutty taste.
Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with Silpat, parchment paper, or a light layer of nonstick cooking spray.
Assemble and roll: Roll the crescent roll dough out and tear it into the pre-cut triangles. Cut each triangle in half the long way. Cut the slices of cheese into smaller pieces and place them on top of the dough triangles. Place the mini sausage or hot dog on top of the dough and cheese at the widest end of the triangle. Roll it up in the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet at least one inch apart in a single layer.
Baste with buttery ranch seasoning: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, add the ranch seasoning, parmesan cheese, and parsley, and stir until combined. Brush this mixture over each of the rolls evenly.
Bake and serve: Bake for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees until golden brown on top. Remove and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Pat the Little Smokies dry with paper towels before wrapping to help the dough adhere better.
Use a pizza cutter to quickly and evenly slice the crescent roll dough into smaller triangles.
Apply the butter mixture with a pastry brush for a more even and thorough coating.
Arrange the pigs in a blanket with enough space between them on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and browning.
Let the pigs in a blanket cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly before serving.
Substitute smoked gouda or pepper jack for sharp cheddar to add different cheese flavors.
Wrap the hot dogs with bacon before adding the crescent dough for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Add a small dollop of Dijon mustard on the dough before placing the cheese and hot dog for a tangy kick and classic taste.
Use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls for a flakier, more buttery texture.
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top of the butter mixture for a flavorful crunch with a garlic onion flavor.
Add a slice of jalapeño under the cheese for a spicy twist.
Dips are a really fun way to add some creative flair to even traditional pigs in a blanket! Some of my favorite dips for this appetizer include:
Honey Mustard
Hot Honey
Ranch Dressing
Marinara Sauce
Spicy Mayo
Special Sauce (ketchup and mayo)
BBQ Sauce
Queso
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing: Freeze assembled, unbaked pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: To keep the pigs crispy, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Make ahead: You can assemble these without the butter ranch seasoning up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Brush with butter and bake just before serving for the best results.
What’s the difference between Little Smokies and Cocktail Weenies?
Little Smokies are mini smoked sausages with a rich, smoky flavor, while cocktail weenies are usually smaller, plainer hot dogs. Both work well in this recipe, but Little Smokies provide a better taste.
How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
To prevent cheese from leaking out, make sure the dough is tightly wrapped around the hot dog and cheese. You can also use smaller cheese slices or place the cheese directly on the hot dog before wrapping.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, you can use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls for a flakier, more buttery texture. Just cut the puff pastry into similar-sized triangles and follow the same assembly and baking instructions.
The classic Pigs in a Blanket but taken up a level with a cheesy layer and a buttery ranch topping. Super easy to make, always a huge hit.
1–2 tubes Crescent Rolls
1 package Little Smokies
Sharp Cheddar slices
4 Tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 packet Ranch dressing seasoning
1 Tablespoon chopped or dried parsley
1 Tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat, parchment paper or use nonstick spray.
1. Roll the crescent roll dough out and tear apart precut triangles. Then cut each of those triangles in half the long way. Rip the slices of cheese into smaller pieces and place on the crescent roll triangles.
2. Place the Little Smokie on top of the dough at the wider end of the triangle. Roll up the smokie in the dough. Continue until all are rolled.
3. Melt the butter and add the ranch seasoning, parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir together. Then brush the butter mixture over each of the rolls. Don’t be afraid to be generous.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven, let sit for a few minutes and serve. Enjoy the compliments coming your way!
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