Festive Pigs in a Blanket
Don’t reinvent the wheel this holiday season. Take a classic appetizer everyone already loves, like pigs in a blanket, and let the plating do the festive work.
These Festive Pigs in a Blanket are Little Smokies wrapped in thin strips of crescent dough, brushed with butter, baked until deeply golden, and arranged on a platter with fresh rosemary sprigs so they look like a holiday wreath or tree. Easy, cute, and gone in minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Festive Pigs in a Blanket
- Only a few ingredients: smokies, crescent dough, butter, and rosemary.
- 25 minutes start to finish: perfect for last-minute parties.
- Crowd favorite: kids and adults both go for them.
- Plating makes it festive: shape a wreath, tree, or candy cane.
Festive Pigs in a Blanket Ingredients
Little Smokies
Bite-size cocktail sausages that bake up juicy inside the dough.
Crescent Roll Dough
Cut each triangle into thin strips so every smokie gets a snug little blanket.
Melted Butter and Sesame Seeds
Butter gives a golden, glossy finish. Sesame seeds are optional but add crunch.
Fresh Rosemary
The secret to the festive look. The sprigs look like evergreen branches around the platter.
Swap It: Use turkey or chicken cocktail sausages for a lighter option, or plant-based mini sausages for a vegetarian platter.
How to Make Festive Pigs in a Blanket
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the crescent dough and cut each triangle into thin strips.
Step 2: Wrap
Wrap each Little Smokie tightly with a strip of dough and place it seam side down on the baking sheet.
Step 3: Butter and Bake
Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like, and bake for 13 to 15 minutes until deeply golden.
Step 4: Plate It Festive
Transfer to a holiday platter and line the edges with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Pat the smokies dry. Dry sausages help the dough stick and stay crisp.
- Seam side down. This keeps the dough from unrolling as it bakes.
- Go thin on the strips. Thin strips bake through and look neater.
- Plate while warm. Arrange them quickly so they’re served hot.
Make It Your Own
- Shapes: Arrange in a tree, wreath, candy cane, or snowman.
- Everything bagel: Swap the sesame for everything bagel seasoning.
- Cheesy: Tuck a thin strip of cheddar under the dough.
- Savory butter: Add garlic powder or grated Parmesan to the butter.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Wrap the smokies, cover the tray tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with butter and bake right before guests arrive.
What to Serve With Festive Pigs in a Blanket
Set out dipping sauces like honey mustard, ketchup, spicy brown mustard, or cheese sauce. They fit right in with a holiday appetizer spread of dips, a cheese board, and a festive salad.
Storing and Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5 minutes to re-crisp.
Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled for up to 2 months.
What People Ask About Festive Pigs in a Blanket
Can I make Festive Pigs in a Blanket ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I use puff pastry?
Yes. Puff pastry makes them extra flaky. Bake until puffed and golden.
Can I make them in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F for about 6 to 8 minutes in a single layer.
How many does one pack make?
Usually enough for a party platter for about 8 people.
Festive Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the crescent dough and cut each triangle into thin strips.
- Wrap each Little Smokie tightly with a strip of dough and place it seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush the wrapped smokies with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the dough is deeply golden.
- Transfer the baked pigs in a blanket to a holiday platter and line the edges with fresh rosemary for a festive touch.
Nutrition
Notes
- Experiment with different festive shapes like a tree, wreath, candy cane, or snowman to make your platter more creative.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle the dough with garlic powder or grated Parmesan before baking.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy ketchup for extra flair.
