When the big game approaches, I often find myself rifling through the pantry with one mission: to whip up a snack that’s sure to please a crowd. Enter my latest culinary creation: Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket! Inspired by the classic flavors of a cheeseburger, these delightful little bites combine the creamy goodness of American cheese and the tang of dill pickles, all snugly wrapped in flaky crescent dough.
Picture this: the aroma of golden pastries wafting through the air as friends gather, ready to dive into a spread that effortlessly elevates the usual game day fare. Not only do these bites come together in a flash, but they also cater to everyone’s cravings—from the cheese-lover to the pickle enthusiast. So, grab your cocktail sausages and let’s transform a simple appetizer into the star of your next get-together!
Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket
Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger, thanks to the rich American cheese and zesty pickles.
Quick and Easy: These delightful bites are simple to prepare and can be on your table in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the game!
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, everyone will love the familiar tastes, making them a surefire hit with guests.
Versatile Twist: Don’t hesitate to experiment—flavor combinations like spicy pepper jack or crispy bacon can elevate your creation!
Fun Presentation: The golden-brown, flaky exterior makes for an appetizing display, ensuring your plate looks as good as it tastes.
Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Ingredients
For the Dough
• Crescent Rolls – A flaky base that holds everything together; consider swapping for puff pastry if you desire more flakiness.
For the Filling
• American Cheese – Provides a creamy and flavor-packed experience; cheddar or pepper jack make great substitutions for a zesty twist.
• Dill Pickles – Delivers a tangy crunch, and be sure to drain them well to avoid sogginess.
• Cocktail Sausages – The star protein that embodies the cheeseburger vibe; feel free to opt for pork or turkey sausages to suit your preference.
For the Wash
• Egg – This classic egg wash gives a beautiful golden finish to the bites; melted butter can be used for a richer flavor instead.
• Water – Helps create the perfect egg wash consistency for that appealing shine.
For the Topping
• Sesame Seeds – Adds a nutty touch as well as a lovely visual appeal; completely optional, but they elevate the texture beautifully.
Dive into these Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket and savor the delightful crunch wrapped around familiar flavors that your whole family is sure to enjoy!
How to Make Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your bites don’t stick during baking.
- Prepare Ingredients: Pat the cocktail sausages dry with paper towels and gently drain the pickle chips to eliminate excess moisture. This step is crucial for keeping the dough crispy!
- Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut each triangle into smaller triangles, creating the perfect little wraps for your filling.
- Assemble: Place a slice of cheese and a pickle chip onto the dough triangle, then add a cocktail sausage, and roll it up tightly, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each rolled-up bite on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for air circulation while baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Brush the egg wash over each bite for a beautiful golden finish, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
- Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 14-17 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and the cheese has melted beautifully. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauces.
Optional: For added flair, try serving these bites with a side of tangy barbecue or zesty ranch dipping sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket?
These delightful bites are perfect for creating a festive atmosphere at your next gathering.
- Crispy French Fries: Golden and crunchy, they provide a classic fast-food feel that complements the cheeseburger flavors beautifully.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw adds a fresh element, balancing the richness of the cheeseburger flavor perfectly. Imagine biting into a crispy pig in a blanket, followed by the refreshing crunch of creamy coleslaw—heaven!
- Buffalo Sauce: For those who love a kick, provide a side of spicy buffalo sauce to dip your bites in, adding a delightful contrast of flavor.
- Tangy BBQ Sauce: This sweet and smoky dipping sauce enhances the savory notes of the pigs, making each bite even more exhilarating.
- Baked Beans: Smoky, sweet, and hearty, baked beans offer a comforting side that rounds out the meal, making your gathering feel like a backyard barbecue.
- Cheesy Nachos: Crisp tortilla chips loaded with melted cheese and jalapeños offer a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the soft, cheesy bites.
- Garlic Breadsticks: The buttery, garlic-infused flavor complements the cheeseburger essence beautifully while also adding a delightful texture to the meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits lightens the palate, providing a sweet contrast that balances the richness of the bites.
- Craft Beer: A hoppy amber ale or light lager will quench your thirst and enhance the overall game day experience.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Round off the meal with a warm batch of classic cookies, providing a sweet ending that everyone will love!
Make Ahead Options
These Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the crescent dough wrapped bites up to 24 hours in advance, making them an ideal option for busy weeknights. To do this, simply assemble the bites without the pickles (to avoid sogginess); instead, store the wrapped sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pickles can be added just before baking to ensure they retain their crunch. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven and bake the assembled bites for 14-17 minutes until they’re golden brown. This way, you’ll have delicious, freshly baked snacks with very little effort!
Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this delicious recipe to suit your tastes.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent rolls or dough to cater to dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or spicy pepper jack cheese to the filling for a delightful kick that brings the heat!
- Bacon Lover: Wrap a slice of crispy bacon around each sausage before rolling for an extra savory depth that bacon enthusiasts will adore.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for veggie hot dogs or mushrooms to create a satisfying, meat-free version everyone can enjoy.
- Caramelized Onions: Enhance the flavor by adding some sweet caramelized onions inside the roll; their sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory filling.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs, like chopped chives or parsley, into the cheese for an aromatic touch that elevates each bite.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before baking for a unique twist that perfectly balances savory flavors with sweetness.
- Dipping Sauce Remix: Pair with tzatziki or buffalo sauce instead of the classic options for a fun spin on traditional dipping sauces.
How to Store and Freeze Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket
- Room Temperature: These bites are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket, let them cool and store at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigerating.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain that delightful crispiness.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to the pickles potentially losing texture. If you plan to freeze, omit the pickles and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for that freshly baked feel. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
Expert Tips for Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket
- Proper Drainage: Ensure cocktail sausages and dill pickle chips are well drained to prevent sogginess in the dough. Excess moisture can ruin your crispy bites.
- Rich Flavor: For an extra boost, brush your rolled dough with melted garlic butter instead of egg wash for a deliciously rich flavor.
- Avoid Pre-Making: Don’t make the rolls too far in advance; the pickles can make the dough soggy. If preparing ahead, leave out the pickles until you’re ready to bake.
- Freezing Caution: Not advised for freezing due to potential texture loss in pickles; if you plan to freeze, consider omitting the pickles prior to storage.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack to elevate the flavor profile of your Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket!
Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cocktail sausages?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality cocktail sausages with a meaty texture and good flavor. I often go for pork sausages, but turkey sausages are a wonderful alternative if you’re seeking a lighter option.
How can I properly store leftover Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket?
Once cooled, place your leftover bites in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll be good for 3-4 days. Just remember, when you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to restore their delightful crispiness.
Can I freeze these bites?
While freezing isn’t ideal due to the sogginess of pickles when thawed, you can still prepare the dough and omit the pickles. Here’s how: prepare the cheeseburger filling without adding pickles, roll them up, and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored like this for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just pop them into the preheated oven and bake as directed, adding an extra couple of minutes if necessary.
What should I do if the dough becomes soggy?
Very! If the dough feels soggy, it’s usually due to excess moisture from the sausages or pickles. Make sure to pat the sausages dry and drain pickles well before assembling. If you still face sogginess after baking, next time try leaving out the pickles until just before serving!
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
You bet! For those with allergies, be aware that crescent dough may contain gluten or dairy. If you have a dog, avoid sharing the cheeseburger bites, as the ingredients—especially the high salt content in pickles and cocktail sausages—aren’t suitable for pets. Always check ingredients based on individual dietary needs.
Can I customize the filling for a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! You can swap out the cocktail sausages for vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausages or even roasted vegetables. Just ensure to adjust the cheese accordingly if you’re making them entirely plant-based.
Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket: Your New Game Day Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the cocktail sausages dry with paper towels and drain the pickle chips.
- Unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface and cut each triangle into smaller triangles.
- Place a slice of cheese and a pickle chip onto the dough triangle, then add a cocktail sausage, and roll it up tightly.
- Arrange each rolled-up bite on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Whisk the egg and water together and brush over each bite. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
- Bake for 14-17 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve warm with dipping sauces.
