Forget the nostalgic, kid-friendly snack of your past. We’re elevating a classic with these fancy pigs in a blanket, transforming them into a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any occasion. This recipe swaps basic crescent dough for buttery, flaky puff pastry and wraps it around savory cocktail sausages with a hint of Dijon and a sprinkle of gourmet toppings. They’re incredibly easy to make but look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Prepare for these to disappear from the serving platter in minutes!
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for the perfect game day snack, or need a go-to elegant appetizer, this recipe is your new secret weapon. They are the perfect combination of simple, savory, and sophisticated.
Why You’ll Love These Fancy Pigs in a Blanket
This isn’t just another appetizer recipe; it’s a significant upgrade to a beloved classic. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making these again and again.
Effortlessly Elegant: Using store-bought puff pastry gives you a bakery-quality, flaky, and buttery pastry without any of the hard work. They look stunning on any appetizer spread.
Incredibly Flavorful: A savory combination of high-quality sausages, sharp Dijon mustard, and rich melted cheese (optional but recommended!) creates a bite that’s packed with flavor.
Perfect for Parties: This recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd. You can assemble them ahead of time, making party day setup a breeze.
Completely Customizable: The topping and dipping sauce possibilities are endless! From everything bagel seasoning to Parmesan cheese, you can tailor them to your exact tastes.
The “Fancy” Ingredients: What You’ll Need
The key to making truly fancy pigs in a blanket lies in using high-quality, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what sets this recipe apart.
The Best Sausage for Pigs in a Blanket
While any cocktail-sized smoked sausage will work, I recommend using all-beef or a beef-and-pork blend Lit’l Smokies for the best flavor and texture. For a different twist, you could even try using small chicken or apple-gouda sausages.
Puff Pastry vs. Crescent Rolls
This is the most important swap! While crescent rolls are classic, puff pastry creates a much lighter, crispier, and more luxurious bite. The countless buttery layers puff up in the oven to create an irresistible, flaky crust that feels truly gourmet. Always thaw your puff pastry according to the package directions, typically in the refrigerator overnight.
The Secret Weapon: Flavorful Binders and Toppings
A simple brush of Dijon mustard on the pastry before rolling adds a tangy depth of flavor that complements the sausage perfectly. An egg wash is essential for achieving that deep, golden-brown, shiny finish. Finally, a sprinkle of toppings like everything bagel seasoning, flaky sea salt, or grated Parmesan cheese adds the final “fancy” touch and an extra layer of texture.
Fresh out of the oven and ready to be devoured!
How to Make Fancy Pigs in a Blanket Step-by-Step
Making this elegant appetizer is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Prepare the Sausages: Pat the cocktail sausages completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
Roll Out the Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and gently unfold one sheet of puff pastry. If it’s cracking, let it sit at room temperature for a few more minutes. Roll it slightly with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and create an even rectangle.
Cut the Pastry: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the pastry into long, thin strips, about 1 inch wide. The number of strips will depend on the size of your pastry sheet.
Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket: Brush a very thin layer of Dijon mustard along each strip of pastry. Place a dried sausage at one end of a strip and roll it up, leaving the ends of the sausage peeking out. Gently press the seam to seal it. Place the wrapped sausage seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sausages and pastry.
Egg Wash and Toppings: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash over the top of each wrapped sausage. This is the key to getting that beautiful golden color! Immediately sprinkle with your desired toppings, such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or flaky salt.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as they will be very hot.
Look at those flaky layers! This is what happens when you use puff pastry.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pigs in a Blanket
Keep it Cold: Puff pastry is easiest to work with when it’s cold. If your kitchen is warm, work in batches and keep the remaining pastry in the refrigerator.
Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: This step is non-negotiable for achieving that classic, shiny, golden-brown finish that makes them look so professional.
Seal the Seam: Make sure the pastry is sealed well and placed seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent them from unraveling while baking.
Give Them Space: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave at least an inch between each one to allow the pastry to puff up evenly on all sides. For more great party food ideas, check out these amazing Taco Cups (coming soon).
Creative Variations to Try
While the classic version is fantastic, it’s also a great base for creativity. Looking for more appetizer inspiration? This creamy buffalo chicken dip (coming soon) is always a winner.
Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket: Place a tiny sliver of cheese, like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or jalapeño jack, on the pastry strip before adding the sausage.
Spicy & Sweet: Brush the pastry with a thin layer of hot honey or pepper jelly instead of Dijon mustard for a sweet and spicy kick.
Herbaceous Twist: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme along with the toppings before baking.
What to Serve with Fancy Pigs in a Blanket (Dipping Sauces)
A great dipping sauce takes these over the top! You can serve them with more Dijon, or try one of these simple homemade sauces.
Spicy Honey Mustard: Mix equal parts Dijon mustard and honey with a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Garlic Aioli: Combine mayonnaise, a finely minced garlic clove, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. For a similar flavor profile, try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites (coming soon).
Queso Dip: A warm, cheesy queso dip is an indulgent and crowd-pleasing option that never fails.
Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply brush them with the egg wash, add toppings, and bake as directed. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
A spicy honey mustard is a fantastic choice. You can make it by mixing equal parts Dijon mustard and honey with a dash of hot sauce. Other great options include garlic aioli, queso dip, or even a good quality ranch dressing.
You can, but they won’t be as ‘fancy’ or flaky. Crescent roll dough will result in a softer, more bread-like texture, similar to the classic version. For the light, crispy, and buttery layers that make this recipe special, puff pastry is highly recommended.
Store leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore their crispiness, place them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the pastry soggy.
Cocktail-sized smoked sausages, often called ‘Lit’l Smokies,’ are the best choice. An all-beef or beef-and-pork blend provides a classic, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery pastry.
Get Ready to Impress!
These fancy pigs in a blanket are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. They prove that with just a few simple upgrades, you can turn a humble snack into a truly memorable appetizer. If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Share a photo and tag me on Pinterest. Your feedback and creations always make my day!
The ultimate party appetizer! These fancy pigs in a blanket are a crowd-pleaser.
Fancy Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
FL Recipes
Fancy Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Guide to an Elegant Appetizer
Elevate a classic appetizer with this easy recipe for fancy pigs in a blanket. Buttery puff pastry is wrapped around savory cocktail sausages with Dijon mustard and gourmet toppings for a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for any party.
1package (14 ounces)cocktail sausagessuch as Lit'l Smokies, patted very dry
1sheet (from a 17.3-ounce package)frozen puff pastrythawed according to package directions
2tablespoonsDijon mustard
1largeeggbeaten with 1 tbsp of water for egg wash
2tablespoonseverything bagel seasoningor other toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, flaky salt
Equipment
1 Baking Sheet
1 Parchment Paper
1 Pizza Cutter or Knife
1 Pastry Brush
Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the cocktail sausages completely dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it slightly to smooth out any creases.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the pastry into strips approximately 1 inch wide and long enough to wrap around a sausage.
Brush a thin layer of Dijon mustard onto each pastry strip.
Place a sausage at one end of a strip and roll it up snugly in the pastry. Press the seam to seal and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat the process with the remaining sausages and pastry strips, arranging them about an inch apart on the sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Brush the egg wash over the top of each puff pastry-wrapped sausage.
Sprinkle your desired toppings, like everything bagel seasoning, over the egg-washed pastry.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition
Calories: 85kcalProtein: 2gFat: 7g
Notes
Work with Cold Pastry: For the flakiest results, ensure your puff pastry stays cold. If it becomes soft or sticky, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up. Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the pigs in a blanket, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, apply the egg wash and toppings right before putting them in the oven.
Keyword fancy pigs in a blanket,gourmet pigs in a blanket,puff pastry pigs in a blanket
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
