If there’s one dish that absolutely defines game day snacking, it’s pigs in a blanket. These little golden bundles of joy are the kind of super bowl party food that disappears from the table before halftime even starts. Whether you’re hosting a massive watch party or just hanging out with a few friends, pigs in a blanket are the effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer that checks every box. They’re simple to make, incredibly satisfying to eat, and they might just steal the show from the actual game.
We’ll walk you through everything — from the ingredients you need, to step-by-step instructions, pro tips, fun variations, and even the nutrition breakdown. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe that’s going to become your go-to super bowl party food for years to come.
What Makes Pigs in a Blanket the Ultimate Super Bowl Party Food?
Let’s be real — Super Bowl Sunday is practically a national holiday centered around food. Pigs in a blanket reign supreme because they’re bite-sized, which means guests can grab one (or five) without ever putting down their drink. They come together in almost no time, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen missing the big plays. And they pair beautifully with dips, so you can set up a little station and let everyone customize their experience. Kids love them, adults can’t resist them, and they look impressive on a platter even though they took you barely any effort to make.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients to make these perfectly crispy pigs in a blanket. Here’s what you’ll need.
For the Pigs in a Blanket
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 package (about 24 count) cocktail smokies or mini smokies
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, but highly recommended)
For the Dipping Sauces
- Yellow mustard
- Ketchup
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How to Make Pigs in a Blanket: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This keeps the pigs in a blanket from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 2: Prep the Crescent Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Separate the dough into individual triangles along the pre-scored perforations. Each triangle is going to become one delicious little blanket. If your triangles are on the larger side, cut them in half lengthwise to make them more proportional to your mini smokies.
Step 3: Wrap the Smokies
Take one mini smokie and place it near the wider end of a dough triangle. Starting from the wide end, gently roll the dough around the smokie, tucking it underneath as you go. You want a snug wrap — tight enough that it stays in place during baking, but not so tight the dough tears. Repeat with all remaining smokies and dough.
Step 4: Make the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. This egg wash is the secret to getting that gorgeous golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior that makes pigs in a blanket so irresistible.
Step 5: Brush and Season
Place all your wrapped pigs in a blanket on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Brush each one generously with egg wash. If you’re using sesame seeds, sprinkle them on top now — they add a lovely crunch and make the finished product look extra polished.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown. Every oven is a little different, so start checking around the 12-minute mark. You want them cooked through and crispy — not pale and doughy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Pull them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. They’ll be piping hot straight out, so a short rest makes them much more enjoyable to eat. Arrange on your favorite serving platter, set out your dipping sauces, and watch them vanish.
Tips for the Best Pigs in a Blanket Every Single Time
Making pigs in a blanket is simple, but a few small tricks can take yours from good to truly great. Don’t skip the egg wash — it’s what transforms the outside from soft and pale to perfectly golden and slightly crispy. For an even richer flavor, try brushing melted butter on top right after they come out of the oven.
Make sure your smokies are patted dry before wrapping. If there’s moisture on the outside, the dough won’t seal properly and could come unwrapped during baking. Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet either — give each one a little space so the air circulates and everything cooks evenly.
If you’re prepping ahead for your Super Bowl party, assemble them, place on a tray, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the bake time if they go straight from the fridge into the oven.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about pigs in a blanket is how versatile they are. Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, get creative and make them your own.
Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket
Before wrapping, lay a thin strip of cheddar or pepper jack cheese alongside each smokie. As it bakes, the cheese melts into gooey, savory perfection.
Spicy Pigs in a Blanket
Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce before wrapping for a version that brings some serious heat.
Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket
Instead of sesame seeds, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top after the egg wash. The combination of salt, garlic, onion, and seeds adds an incredible layer of flavor and crunch.
Veggie Swap
Swap the smokies for small pieces of roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, or plant-based mini sausages. They work beautifully in this recipe and keep your party inclusive.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition below is an estimate based on one pigs in a blanket made with a crescent roll triangle and one mini smokie, egg wash included. Values vary depending on the brands you use.
Per Serving (1 pig in a blanket): Calories: 120 | Total Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 310mg | Total Carbohydrates: 9g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Sugars: 2g | Protein: 4g
If you’re adding cheese or other toppings, account for those in your overall count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pigs in a blanket ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble them and store on a lined tray in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Don’t brush them with egg wash until you’re ready to bake. This makes them an incredible make-ahead super bowl party food option.
Can I freeze pigs in a blanket? Yes! Assemble them, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid — about one hour. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw — just add 3 to 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
What’s the best way to reheat pigs in a blanket? The oven is your best friend here. Preheat to 350°F and reheat on a baking sheet for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave — it tends to make the dough soggy.
What dipping sauces go best with pigs in a blanket? Classic yellow mustard is the traditional pairing, but you can’t go wrong. Honey mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and a warm cheese sauce are all fantastic options. Set out a few and let your guests pick their favorite.
How many pigs in a blanket does one batch make? Using one package of crescent roll dough and one package of 24 mini smokies, you’ll get around 24 pigs in a blanket. For a large Super Bowl party, plan on making two to three batches.
Can I use hot dogs instead of mini smokies? Totally! Cut regular-sized hot dogs into smaller pieces, about two to three inches long, to keep the size consistent. The recipe and baking instructions stay exactly the same.
Now get out there, stock up on ingredients, and get ready to wow your Super Bowl crew with the easiest, tastiest pigs in a blanket they’ve ever had. Game day just got a whole lot more delicious.
Pigs in a Blanket
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper or silicone mat
- small bowl for egg wash
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 24 cocktail smokies or mini smokies
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Cut triangles in half lengthwise if large.
- Place one mini smokie at the wide end of each dough piece and roll snugly, tucking the dough underneath.
- Whisk egg with water to make an egg wash.
- Place wrapped pigs seam-side down on baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Cool 2–3 minutes before serving.