Nothing screams “party” like a golden, festive wreath of pigs in a blanket sitting right at the center of your appetizer spread. I can’t tell you how many times this simple little trick has saved me when I needed something quick, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast. The first time I made this for my sister’s holiday party, people thought I’d spent hours rolling each little sausage—joke’s on them! It took me 15 minutes of prep while chatting over coffee. Now it’s my go-to when I want that “wow” factor without the stress. Plus, who can resist bite-sized sausages wrapped in buttery dough? Nobody at my gatherings, that’s for sure!
Why You’ll Love This Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Listen, I know what you’re thinking – “How special can pigs in blankets really be?” But trust me, arranging them in this festive wreath shape is absolute magic. Here’s why it’s become my secret weapon:
- 30 minutes start to finish – That’s less time than it takes some guests to park their cars at your party!
- Only 4 main ingredients – Probably already in your fridge right now (we’ve all got that rogue can of crescent dough lurking somewhere).
- Endlessly customizable – I love playing around with different mustards or cheese fillings depending on my mood.
- Holiday showstopper – People go nuts for food shaped like wreaths. It’s science.
Don’t just take my word for it – check out more great holiday appetizer ideas if you need extra inspiration!
Ingredients for Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
You’re going to laugh at how few things you need for this crowd-pleaser. I always keep these basics on hand for last-minute entertaining emergencies. Here’s everything that goes into my famous wreath:
For the Wreath
- 1 can refrigerated crescent dough (you know the kind – those magical triangles that make life easier)
- 24 mini sausages or hot dogs (the cocktail-sized ones are perfect here)
- 1 egg, beaten (just a quick whisk for that golden shine)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, but they make it look so fancy!)
See? I told you it was simple. The beauty is in the arrangement! Now grab those ingredients and let’s make some magic.
How to Make Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Okay, let’s get rolling – literally! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous wreath that’ll make your guests think you’re some kind of kitchen wizard.
- Preheat and prep: Crank that oven to 375°F (190°C) – no guessing here, we want it nice and hot. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, this saves so much cleanup later).
- Dough surgery: Unroll that crescent dough and separate the triangles. Now here’s my trick – use a pizza cutter to slice each triangle into 3 smaller triangles. They’ll be the perfect size for wrapping those little sausages!
- Wrap it up: Place a mini sausage at the wide end of each dough triangle and roll it up like a tiny burrito. Don’t stress about perfection – rustic is charming!
- Wreath magic: Arrange your wrapped sausages in a circle on the baking sheet, leaving about a 4-inch gap in the center. This is crucial for that beautiful wreath shape. They should just barely touch each other.
- Golden touch: Give them a quick brush with that beaten egg (a pastry brush works great, but your fingers in a pinch!) and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy.
- Bake to perfection: Pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown and smelling irresistible. The dough will puff up beautifully!
Want to see it in action? Check out this video tutorial if you’re a visual learner like me. And if you’re craving more quick recipes, don’t miss these easy breakfast ideas for your next brunch gathering!
Pro Tip: Cheese Variation
Here’s my secret upgrade: tuck a small slice of cheese (cheddar works great) under each sausage before rolling. It melts into gooey perfection and takes these from “yum” to “oh my goodness, give me the recipe!”
Serving Suggestions for Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Now for the best part – dressing up your gorgeous wreath for its big debut! I always set out little bowls of spicy mustard, tangy ketchup, and a warm cheese sauce right in that empty center space. It turns the whole thing into an edible dipping station that guests go crazy for. Try pairing it with a fresh veggie platter for color contrast – those crisp carrots and cucumbers balance the rich, buttery bites perfectly. And don’t forget: serve them warm right out of the oven when the dough is at its flakiest! For more ideas on what to serve alongside, check out this delicious sausage and corn salad that might just steal the show.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Okay, here’s the deal about leftovers (if you somehow have any!). These little piggies keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just pop them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled. But heed my warning: microwaving turns them into sad, soggy victims of convenience. To bring back that magic crispness, revive them in a 350°F toaster oven for 5-7 minutes. That’s my secret weapon for day-after appetizers that still taste fresh-baked!
Pigs in a Blanket Wreath FAQs
I get asked the same questions every time I make my famous wreath, so let me save you some trouble with all the answers I’ve learned through trial and error (and maybe a few burnt batches!). Here’s everything you need to know:
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry gives you those gorgeous, flaky layers—just keep an eye on the bake time (it might need an extra 3-5 minutes). I love the fancy look it creates, though crescent dough will always be my nostalgic favorite for that classic pigs in blanket taste.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You bet! Assemble the whole wreath up to a day before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When party time comes, just pop it in the oven. The cold might add 2-3 minutes to your bake time—trust the golden color, not the clock!
What’s the best type of sausage to use?
Here’s where you can have fun! Those little smoked cocktail sausages are my go-to, but mini hot dogs work great too. For holidays, I’ll sometimes use those cute little cheddar-filled ones—when you bite in and get that melty cheese surprise? Pure joy.
Still have questions? Trust your gut—this recipe is forgiving! The worst that can happen is you’ll have to “test” a few imperfect ones before serving. Not that I’d know anything about that…
Nutritional Information
Let’s be real – nobody’s counting calories when there’s a golden, buttery wreath of pigs in blankets staring them down at a party. But I know some folks like to know what they’re biting into, so here’s the scoop per serving (that’s about 3 little piggies, if you can stop at just three!).
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 6g
A little friendly reminder: these numbers can wiggle around depending on your exact ingredients. That store-brand dough versus name-brand? Different sausages? A heavy hand with the egg wash? It all makes a difference. This is just my best estimate to give you an idea – not official diet advice! If you’re keeping close track, you’ll want to calculate based on your specific products. Now go enjoy your delicious wreath guilt-free – life’s too short not to eat cute appetizers!
More Festive Appetizer Ideas
If you loved how easy and fun this pigs in a blanket wreath is, wait until you see what else you can whip up! My monster deviled eggs always steal the show at Halloween, and the spooky charcuterie board makes any gathering feel extra special. Need more inspiration? I’m currently obsessed with all the creative variations you can find on Pinterest – so many clever ways to dress up simple appetizers!
Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles.
- Place a mini sausage at the wide end of each dough triangle and roll it up.
- Arrange the wrapped sausages in a circle on the baking sheet to form a wreath shape, leaving a small gap in the center.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.