Everything Spice Pigs in a Blanket: A Grown-Up Twist on a Classic Appetizer
There are some foods that instantly transport you back to childhood, and for many, pigs in a blanket hold a special place in those nostalgic memories. The simple joy of a savory sausage wrapped in a fluffy, warm blanket of bread is undeniably comforting. But what if we told you this beloved classic could be elevated with a sophisticated, grown-up twist that makes it even more irresistible? Prepare to meet your new favorite party appetizer: Everything Spice Pigs in a Blanket.
This recipe takes the familiar comfort food and infuses it with the aromatic, craveable flavors of “everything spice”—that magical blend typically found on bagels. The combination of tender, pillowy dough, juicy mini sausages, and a generous coating of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt creates an explosion of flavor and texture that will impress guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, gearing up for game day, or simply looking for a fun and delicious snack, these upgraded pigs in a blanket are guaranteed to be a hit.
The Ultimate Game Day Experience: Food First!
Those closest to me know that I am not a football fan (this sums up my feelings nicely). I know, I know, how un-American of me, but gridiron battles just aren’t my primary interest. However, regardless of my personal views on the sport, I always look forward to the Super Bowl. My enthusiasm isn’t exactly for the touchdowns or the strategic plays on the field, but rather for the vibrant atmosphere, the much-talked-about commercials, and, most importantly, the incredible spread of food that accompanies the big game. It’s a national holiday dedicated to snacking, and that’s a tradition I can wholeheartedly get behind!
While I may not always be glued to the screen following every down, I can certainly commit to four hours of delectable snack food. Bring on the crunchy chips, the hearty chili, the fresh and vibrant guacamole, and of course, a dazzling array of savory appetizers. Super Bowl Sunday is the perfect excuse to indulge in comforting, shareable dishes that bring people together, creating lasting memories around the snack table. This year, my game day craving led me down a nostalgic path, back to a childhood favorite that I knew deserved a grown-up elevation: pigs in a blanket. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing snack that disappears quickly, making it a staple for any gathering.
The Classic Reimagined: Introducing “Everything Spice”
This year’s big game day craving took me back to my childhood—those delightful little sausage piggies wrapped snugly in a blanket of bread. It’s a simple concept that has stood the test of time, loved by kids and adults alike. For this recipe, you have the flexibility to use either full-size hot dogs or smaller cocktail sausages, often called “little smokies.” Personally, I prefer to make mine mini. Not only do they look incredibly cute and bite-sized, but their smaller stature makes them an ideal party appetizer, perfect for grabbing and munching while mingling.
But true to my nature, I couldn’t just leave well enough alone. A classic is wonderful, but a classic with an inspired twist? That’s even better! These little piggies are topped with “everything spice,” a seasoning blend that has taken the culinary world by storm, largely thanks to its popularity on “everything” bagels. For those unfamiliar, this magical mix is a harmonious combination of sesame seeds (both white and black), poppy seeds, pungent dried minced onion, aromatic dried minced garlic, and a touch of coarse salt. It provides a savory, garlicky, and slightly nutty crunch that transforms these simple snacks into something truly special.
The addition of everything spice provides a complex layer of flavor and a delightful textural contrast to the soft, golden-brown bread and the juicy sausage within. It adds a gourmet touch without making the dish overly complicated, making it a perfect example of how small changes can lead to big flavor impacts. The savory, slightly salty, and garlicky notes of the seasoning perfectly complement the rich sausage and the subtle sweetness of the honey-infused yeast dough. Even with this sophisticated upgrade, I still find myself reaching for both ketchup and mustard for dipping, just like when I was a kid. Some traditions are simply too good to abandon!
Crafting the Perfect Yeast Dough for Your Pigs in a Blanket
The secret to truly outstanding pigs in a blanket lies in the dough. While pre-made crescent rolls are an option for a quick fix, investing a little time in a homemade yeast dough makes an enormous difference. Our recipe uses a soft, slightly sweet yeast dough that bakes up light and fluffy, providing the perfect “blanket” for your sausages. Working with yeast might seem intimidating to some, but it’s a rewarding process that yields superior results in terms of flavor and texture. This dough is specifically designed to be easy to handle and create that ideal golden crust. The honey in the recipe not only adds a delicate sweetness but also helps to activate the yeast and keep the dough tender.
When preparing any yeast-based recipe, proper rising is crucial. Yeast is a living organism, and its activity is highly dependent on temperature. This means that environmental factors, especially during colder months, can significantly impact how quickly and effectively your dough rises. To ensure your Everything Spice Pigs in a Blanket turn out perfectly, with a light and airy texture, it’s helpful to understand how to create an optimal environment for your dough to proof. Don’t let cool kitchen temperatures slow down your baking progress!
Mastering Yeast Dough: Essential Baking Tips
baking tip:How to help your dough rise faster
If you’re making a recipe with yeast during the cold fall and winter months, your kitchen may be colder and the cool temps will slow down the rise of your dough. To help your dough rise faster, here’s a few warmer suggestions:
- Oven: Heat your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place the covered dough on the center rack and close the door. The residual warmth creates a perfect proofing box.
- Microwave: Heat 1 cup of water in your microwave for 2 minutes. This steams up the microwave, creating a warm and humid environment. Remove water and place the covered dough in the microwave and close the door.
- Other: I’ve also risen bread on top of a warm oven, running dryer machine, and even on a chair set over a heater vent. The key is consistent, gentle warmth.
Everything Spice Pigs in a Blanket
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Ingredients
- ⅓ cup honey (85 grams)
- ½ cup water (120 ml)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56 ml)
- 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour (300-360 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet Red Star Active-Dry Yeast (7 grams, 2 ¼ teaspoon)
- 2 large eggs
- 8 full size or 24 mini hot dogs/sausages
- 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water , for egg wash
- Everything spice , for sprinkling (below)
Everything spice:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
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In a small saucepan set over medium low heat, warm the honey, water and butter just until butter is melted. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes, or until 120-130° F. This temperature is crucial for activating the yeast properly.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a wooden spoon and a large bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, the salt and yeast. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution. Add the honey mixture and mix until just combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated.
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With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the remaining flour ¼ cup at a time. Continue adding flour until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl and no longer sticks to your fingers when touched. You may not need all 3 cups of the flour; the exact amount can vary. Once the dough reaches this consistency, switch to the dough hook attachment (or continue kneading by hand) until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, a process that typically takes about 6-8 minutes. This develops the gluten, resulting in a tender final product.
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Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough in the greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This usually takes about 1 hour, but can vary depending on your kitchen’s temperature (refer to the baking tips above if your kitchen is cool).
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Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the accumulated gases. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times by hand to redistribute the yeast. Now, it’s time to shape your pigs in a blanket! Gently pinch off portions of the dough. Use small pieces for mini sausages (like cocktail smokies) and larger pieces for regular-sized hot dogs. Roll each portion into a thin rope, then wrap the rope neatly around each sausage, starting from one end and working your way to the other, creating a snug ‘blanket.’ Place the wrapped sausages seam-side down on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each for expansion.
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After all the sausages are wrapped and placed on the baking sheet, cover them again with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let them rise for a second time until doubled, which typically takes about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, while the dough is undergoing its final rise, preheat your oven to 375° F (190° C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
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To prepare the “everything spice” topping, simply combine all the specified ingredients (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and coarse salt) in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the additional large egg with 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Gently brush the risen dough with this egg wash; this will give the bread a beautiful golden shine and help the spice adhere. Then, generously sprinkle the everything spice mixture over each pig in a blanket. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is golden brown and cooked through—this will be approximately 12 minutes for mini pigs in a blanket and about 15 minutes for regular-sized ones. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
A Partnership in Delicious Baking: Red Star Yeast
Disclosure: This recipe was developed in partnership with Red Star Yeast. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I love and believe in, which make Completely Delicious possible. All opinions are 100% my own, as always. Working with quality ingredients is essential for successful baking, and Red Star Yeast consistently delivers reliable results, which is why they are a trusted partner in my kitchen.
Keep in touch with Red Star Yeast on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterestand Google+. Be sure to also visit their website where you can find an abundance of inspiring recipes, excellent bread baking tips, and a wealth of information to help you master the art of baking with yeast. Their resources are invaluable for both novice and experienced bakers alike, ensuring your next baking project is a resounding success!