How to Make Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket: A Quick Family Favorite (Step-by-Step)

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When you think of pigs in a blanket breakfast, you’re probably imagining something completely different from the traditional appetizer with little smokies wrapped
in crescent rolls. But this breakfast version takes the familiar concept and transforms it into the ultimate comfort breakfast food!
I love how quick these are to make – simply 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. Whether you’re feeding your immediate family or a large
group at a brunch function, these breakfast pigs in a blanket are sure to impress. In fact, this recipe makes 16 servings, perfect for those busy mornings when you
need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
From choosing the right sausage to deciding between sweet or savory flavor profiles, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know
about creating these delightful breakfast treats. So let’s get started with our breakfast pigs in a blanket recipe that’s easy enough for kids to help with and can be
doubled or tripled to feed a crowd!
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
The beauty of breakfast pigs in a blanket lies in their simplicity and versatility. Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather everything we need to create
this family-favorite breakfast treat.
Choose your sausage: pork, turkey, or plant-based
The foundation of any good breakfast pigs in a blanket starts with selecting the right sausage. Traditional pork breakfast sausage links offer rich flavor and are
widely available. I typically use pork breakfast sausages, although chicken or turkey breakfast sausages work equally well if you’re looking for a leaner option.
For those following plant-based diets, several excellent alternatives exist. Brands like Impossible and other manufacturers offer plant-based sausages that work
perfectly in this recipe. These options are typically made from vital wheat gluten (seitan) or other plant proteins, providing complete protein while maintaining a
satisfying texture.
You can use either pre-cooked or uncooked sausage links depending on your preference and time constraints. Pre-cooked options save time, whereas uncooked
varieties might offer more flavor development during baking.
Pick your dough: crescent rolls, cinnamon rolls, or pancake batter
Your dough selection dramatically affects the final character of your breakfast pigs in a blanket:
Crescent rolls provide the most traditional approach – refrigerated tubes make this option quick and convenient. Many brands, including Pillsbury, offer crescent
dough sheets that work perfectly.
Cinnamon rolls create a delightful sweet-savory combination. Brands like Pillsbury offer 8-count tubes that can be unraveled and wrapped around sausages for
a unique twist.
Pancake batter transforms this dish into a completely different experience. Make your own with flour, baking powder, eggs, and buttermilk, or use a prepared mix
for convenience.
Optional toppings: maple syrup, icing, or everything bagel seasoning
Additionally, the right topping elevates your breakfast pigs in a blanket:
For sweet versions, drizzle with maple syrup (both pure or pancake varieties work well) or use the icing packet that comes with cinnamon rolls.
Alternatively, savory versions shine with an egg wash topped with everything bagel seasoning – a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried
onion, and salt. Poppy seeds alone also make an excellent topping.
Furthermore, you’ll need basic kitchen tools: a baking sheet, knife (or pizza cutter for easier dough cutting), and an oven preheated to the appropriate
temperature.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
Let’s get cooking! Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, I’ll walk you through the simple process of making these delicious breakfast pigs in a blanket.
This hands-on part is certainly my favorite – especially since the whole recipe comes together quickly.
Preheat the oven and prep your baking sheet
Initially, arrange a rack in the middle position of your oven and preheat to 375°F [1]. This temperature ensures perfect golden-brown results while thoroughly
cooking the dough. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking [2]. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray on
aluminum foil [3].
Cut and shape the dough
Unroll your refrigerated crescent roll dough on a clean work surface. Separate along the perforated seams into triangles. For standard breakfast sausages, cut
each triangle lengthwise into 2 narrow triangles [1]. However, if using smaller cocktail-sized sausages, cut each triangle into 3 smaller pieces [4]. Should you
choose cinnamon rolls instead, cut them in half and flatten each half with your hand or the back of a knife [5].
Wrap the sausage links tightly
Next, pat your breakfast sausage links dry with paper towels [1]. Place one sausage at the wide end of a dough triangle. Roll toward the pointed end, wrapping the
dough around the sausage and allowing it to overlap slightly [1]. For cinnamon roll versions, roll up tightly around each sausage link [5]. The key is ensuring the
dough completely encases the sausage with a slight overlap.
Place seam-side down and bake until golden
Subsequently, arrange your wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet with the seam facing downward [4]. This positioning prevents them from unraveling
during baking. Space them evenly apart for proper air circulation [2]. Bake until the dough becomes puffed and golden brown, approximately 13-15 minutes [1]. For
extra crispiness, you might leave them in slightly longer [6]. Once baked, allow them to cool briefly – the inside will be extremely hot!
Sweet or Savory? Choose Your Flavor Style
One of the most exciting aspects of breakfast pigs in a blanket is the ability to customize flavors. You can create entirely different breakfast experiences just by
switching up a few ingredients!
Sweet version: cinnamon rolls or maple glaze
For those with a sweet tooth, cinnamon roll pigs in a blanket offer an irresistible combination. Simply wrap breakfast sausage links in ready-to-bake cinnamon roll
dough, allowing the savory sausage to complement the sweet dough perfectly. Once baked, drizzle with the included icing for a dessert-like breakfast treat [7].
Alternatively, try a maple glaze approach. After wrapping sausages in crescent roll dough, brush generously with pure maple syrup before baking [8]. For an even
more decadent finish, combine maple syrup with the icing from cinnamon roll packages to create a maple icing that adds just the right amount of sweetness [5].
Dust with powdered sugar for an extra special touch [9].
Savory version: egg wash and bagel seasoning
For those preferring savory flavors, the everything bagel seasoning version adds incredible dimension. Begin by brushing your assembled pigs in a blanket with
beaten egg wash – this creates a crispy, golden brown exterior [10].
Next, generously sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning – a flavorful blend of dried onion, dried garlic, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and kosher salt [11]. This
seasoning adds a delightful savory crunch that perfectly complements the breakfast sausage.
Alternatively, try brushing the dough with dijon mustard before rolling up the sausages for an extra tangy flavor profile [12].
French toast twist: custard-brushed crescent rolls
Perhaps the most unique variation is the French toast twist. Create a simple custard mixture using eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon [13]. After wrapping
your sausages in crescent roll dough, brush this mixture both inside and outside the rolls [3].
Upon baking, the custard transforms the dough into a French toast-like blanket around your breakfast sausage. Afterward, rub a piece of butter over each freshly
baked pig in a blanket and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for the full French toast experience [3].
This savory-sweet combination creates what many consider “the best of both worlds” – a breakfast treat that satisfies multiple cravings simultaneously [13].
Tips for Serving, Storing, and Reheating
These delicious breakfast treats deserve proper serving and storage techniques to maintain their flavor and texture. With a few simple tips, you can enjoy your
breakfast pigs in a blanket at their best, even days after making them.
Best ways to serve for breakfast or brunch
Breakfast pigs in a blanket make an ideal grab-and-go morning meal for busy days [1]. For entertaining, arrange them on a serving tray with dipping options like
ketchup, mustard, or maple syrup [14]. Moreover, they pair perfectly with eggs and hash browns for a complete breakfast spread [15].
For larger gatherings, keep them warm throughout your event by placing them in a crockpot set to low heat [16]. To prevent sticking, simply layer them with
parchment paper between each layer. Alternatively, drizzle with maple syrup or serve with icing on the side for a sweeter presentation [17].
How to store leftovers in the fridge or freezer
Refrigerate any leftover breakfast pigs in a blanket in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days [15][18]. Placing a paper towel on the bottom and top of the container
helps absorb excess moisture and prevents sogginess [15].
To freeze uncooked pigs in a blanket, assemble them, flash-freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag [19]. These will keep for up to 3
months [20]. For cooked leftovers, cool them completely before placing in freezer bags—they’ll maintain quality for about 2 months [15].
Reheating methods for crispy results
The oven method yields the crispiest results. Preheat to 350°F, place refrigerated pigs in a blanket on a lined baking sheet, and heat for 10-12 minutes [18]. For
frozen pigs, cover loosely with foil and bake at 325°F for 14-16 minutes [18].
An air fryer offers quick reheating—set to 350°F for about 5 minutes until hot and crispy [15]. The microwave works for fast reheating; heat in 30-second intervals
until warmed through [21]. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make them rubbery [21].
Conclusion
Breakfast pigs in a blanket certainly transform ordinary mornings into special occasions without demanding hours in the kitchen. This versatile breakfast option
accommodates both sweet and savory preferences, making it perfect for pleasing everyone at your table. After all, the ability to customize with different sausages,
doughs, and toppings means you’ll never grow tired of this family favorite.
Most importantly, these delightful breakfast treats strike the perfect balance between convenience and homemade goodness. The minimal prep time allows you to
serve something special even on busy weekday mornings. Additionally, their make-ahead potential means you can prepare them when convenient and enjoy
stress-free mornings later.
We love how these breakfast pigs in a blanket bring families together in the kitchen. Children especially enjoy helping with the rolling process, therefore creating
opportunities for quality time while teaching basic cooking skills. Undoubtedly, the smiles on everyone’s faces when they bite into these warm, flavorful bundles
make any effort worthwhile.
Therefore, next time you need a breakfast that satisfies hunger while bringing joy to the table, remember this simple yet impressive recipe. Whether served at
holiday brunches, weekend family breakfasts, or as a grab-and-go option for hectic mornings, these breakfast pigs in a blanket will become a requested favorite in
your household. The combination of simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness makes this recipe one you’ll return to again and again!
FAQs
Q1. How do you make breakfast pigs in a blanket? Preheat the oven to 375°F. Unroll crescent roll dough and cut into triangles. Wrap each triangle around a
breakfast sausage link, placing the seam side down on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden brown.
Q2. Can I make sweet versions of breakfast pigs in a blanket? Yes, you can make sweet versions by using cinnamon roll dough instead of crescent rolls.
After baking, drizzle with icing or maple syrup for added sweetness. You can also brush the dough with maple syrup before baking for a maple-glazed version.
Q3. What are some savory options for breakfast pigs in a blanket? For a savory twist, brush the wrapped sausages with an egg wash and sprinkle with
everything bagel seasoning before baking. You can also try brushing the dough with Dijon mustard before wrapping the sausages for an extra tangy flavor.
Q4. How long can I store leftover breakfast pigs in a blanket? Leftover breakfast pigs in a blanket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for
3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months if they’re already cooked, or up to 3 months if they’re uncooked.
Q5. What’s the best way to reheat breakfast pigs in a blanket? For the crispiest results, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. You can also
use an air fryer set to 350°F for about 5 minutes. If you’re short on time, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook as
this can make them rubbery.