How to Make Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket: Easy 20-Minute Recipe
Looking for a crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s ready in just 20 minutes? Breakfast pigs in a blanket are about to become your new go-to morning recipe!
With only 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, these delicious breakfast treats yield a generous batch of 15 servings. Not only are they perfect for busy weekday mornings, but they’re also ideal for feeding a crowd. In fact, these breakfast pigs in a blanket make an excellent choice for tailgates, bridal showers, or any brunch function with a big group of people. Whether you’re using breakfast sausage links wrapped in fluffy crescent rolls or experimenting with different fillings, this breakfast pigs in a blanket recipe is surprisingly simple to master.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make breakfast pigs in a blanket step by step, including ingredient tips, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions. Let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you start making breakfast pigs in a blanket, gather these simple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—you’ll need just a few basic items to create a delicious morning treat.
For the basic breakfast pigs in a blanket recipe, you’ll need:
- Breakfast sausage links (12-20 links depending on your serving size)
- 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough OR cinnamon roll dough
- Maple syrup (about 1-2 tablespoons)
Many recipes offer two distinct flavor paths. For a savory version, gather:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning
For a sweeter variation, you might want:
- Additional maple syrup for serving
- The icing that comes with cinnamon rolls
Some recipes suggest specific brands that work particularly well. Pillsbury crescent rolls or Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls are frequently recommended for their reliability and ease of use. When it comes to sausage, you have options. You can use uncooked breakfast sausage links that you’ll need to cook first, or save time with pre-cooked breakfast sausage links.
Furthermore, the type of sausage is flexible—traditional pork breakfast sausages are most common, though chicken or turkey breakfast sausages work equally well. Some home cooks prefer sausages with added flavors like maple, brown sugar, or honey for extra sweetness.
As for tools, you’ll need basic kitchen equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional but helpful)
- Knife for cutting dough
- Oven preheated to 400°F
Essentially, this recipe requires minimal preparation equipment, making it perfect for busy mornings. Additionally, having a small bowl for any egg wash or maple syrup for brushing will be useful. The entire prep process takes merely 10 minutes before these delicious breakfast treats go into the oven.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
Making these delicious breakfast treats is a simple process that takes just minutes. Following these steps carefully will ensure your breakfast pigs in a blanket turn out perfectly golden and delicious every time.
Initially, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This temperature works best for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior while thoroughly cooking the dough.
For traditional breakfast pigs in a blanket using crescent rolls:
- Unroll and prepare the dough: Unroll your refrigerated crescent roll dough on a clean work surface. Separate the dough along the perforated seams into triangles. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each triangle lengthwise into 2-3 smaller triangles depending on your preference for dough thickness.
- Prepare your sausages: If using uncooked sausages, cook them according to package directions until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow them to cool slightly on a paper towel to remove excess grease.
- Roll the sausages: Place one sausage at the wide end of each dough triangle. For extra flavor, you can brush maple syrup on the dough before rolling. Roll the dough toward the pointed end, wrapping it around the sausage and allowing the dough to overlap slightly.
- Position properly: Place each wrapped sausage on the prepared baking sheet with the seam-side down to prevent unraveling during baking.
- Optional egg wash: For a beautiful golden finish, whisk an egg with a splash of water and brush it over the tops of the rolls. You can also sprinkle with poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning if desired.
- Bake to perfection: Bake until the dough is puffed and golden brown, approximately 13-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent over-browning.
For sweet cinnamon roll version:
- Flatten each cinnamon roll with your hand or a rolling pin.
- Cut each roll in half if they’re large.
- Place sausage on the flattened dough and roll up tightly.
- Bake at 375°F for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.
- Once baked, drizzle with the included icing for a sweet-savory combination.
Rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking time for even browning. Once done, transfer immediately to a serving platter or cooling rack to prevent the bottoms from overcooking.
Serving and Storage Tips
Once your breakfast pigs in a blanket emerge golden and fragrant from the oven, they’re ready to shine at your breakfast table. These versatile treats can be served in several delicious ways depending on your preference.
For serving, warm maple syrup makes an exceptional dipping companion for breakfast pigs in a blanket. However, you aren’t limited to syrup alone. Some home cooks prefer using the included icing from cinnamon rolls, creating a sweet glaze that complements the savory sausage perfectly. To create a complete breakfast spread, consider pairing these with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or crispy hashbrowns.
Properly storing leftovers ensures you can enjoy these treats for days after making them. Place any remaining pigs in a blanket in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, allow them to cool completely, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen breakfast pigs in a blanket remain good for up to 2 months.
Reheating these breakfast treats is straightforward. For refrigerated leftovers, you can microwave them for approximately 30 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. For frozen ones, place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 325°F for 14-16 minutes.
Notably, you can prepare these ahead of time for busy mornings. Simply assemble everything as directed, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
The convenience of these breakfast pigs in a blanket makes them ideal not just for family breakfasts, yet perfect for serving large groups at brunches, tailgates, or morning gatherings[152].
Conclusion
Breakfast pigs in a blanket truly stand out as one of the most versatile and simple morning recipes you can add to your cooking repertoire. These delightful treats combine the savory goodness of breakfast sausages with either flaky crescent rolls or sweet cinnamon roll dough, creating a perfect balance of flavors that appeals to everyone at your table.
Throughout this guide, we’ve seen how just a few basic ingredients transform into an impressive breakfast option with minimal effort. Most importantly, the 20-minute cooking time makes this recipe practical for busy weekday mornings when time feels particularly precious.
Families especially appreciate the kid-friendly nature of these handheld breakfast bites. Additionally, their make-ahead potential solves the morning rush dilemma many households face. You can prepare them the night before and simply bake them fresh in the morning for a warm, delicious start to your day.
Beyond family breakfasts, these versatile treats shine at larger gatherings too. Brunch parties, holiday mornings, or weekend tailgates become much easier to host when you have a crowd-pleasing recipe that feeds many people without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.
Remember that experimentation adds even more value to this already fantastic recipe. Try different sausage varieties, add cheese, or experiment with various seasonings to create your signature breakfast specialty. The basic technique remains the same while allowing endless customization options.
Breakfast pigs in a blanket certainly deserve a regular spot in your morning meal rotation. Fast, flexible, and undeniably delicious, they represent everything a great breakfast recipe should be – satisfying without being complicated. Your family will thank you, and your guests will certainly ask for the recipe!
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take to make breakfast pigs in a blanket? These delicious breakfast treats can be prepared in just 20 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time.
Q2. Can I prepare breakfast pigs in a blanket ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble them the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Q3. What type of dough is best for breakfast pigs in a blanket? Both refrigerated crescent roll dough and cinnamon roll dough work well. Pillsbury brands are often recommended for their reliability and ease of use.
Q4. How should I store and reheat leftover breakfast pigs in a blanket? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds.
Q5. What are some serving suggestions for breakfast pigs in a blanket? Serve them with warm maple syrup for dipping, or drizzle with icing for a sweet-savory combination. They pair well with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or crispy hashbrowns for a complete breakfast spread.