Pigs in a Blanket Breakfast: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious Morning

Pigs in a blanket breakfast – the ultimate nostalgic comfort food, reimagined for your morning! Forget the tiny cocktail sausages; we’re talking about a hearty, satisfying breakfast that will have everyone jumping out of bed. Imagine flaky, golden-brown crescent roll dough embracing a juicy breakfast sausage, maybe even with a sliver of cheddar cheese snuggled inside. Sounds divine, right?

While the exact origins of pigs in a blanket are debated, the concept of wrapping meat in dough has been around for centuries in various cultures. Think of the British sausage roll or the Czech klobasnek. This particular American iteration gained popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple at parties and a beloved snack for kids. But why limit this deliciousness to appetizers or snacks? We’re elevating it to a complete and utterly irresistible breakfast experience.

People adore pigs in a blanket breakfast because it’s simply fun! The combination of the savory sausage and the slightly sweet, buttery dough is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a weekend brunch or need a quick and easy weekday meal, these are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The soft, pillowy texture combined with the flavorful sausage makes every bite a delightful experience. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with this easy and delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated seamless crescent dough sheet
• 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Everything bagel seasoning, for topping (optional)

Preparing the Sausage and Egg Mixture:

1. First things first, let’s get that sausage cooked! If you haven’t already, cook your breakfast sausage according to the package directions. I like to crumble it as it cooks so it’s nice and evenly distributed throughout the pigs in a blanket. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess grease and set it aside to cool slightly. This is important; you don’t want to cook the eggs prematurely.
2. Now, let’s move on to the eggs. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. The milk helps to make the eggs nice and fluffy, so don’t skip it!
3. Next, gently fold in the cooked and crumbled sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions (if you’re using them) into the egg mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes, adding a delicious cheesy flavor to every bite.

Assembling the Pigs in a Blanket:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, let’s get the crescent dough ready.
2. Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Because we’re using a seamless sheet, there’s no need to pinch any seams together. If you’re using pre-cut crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form one large sheet.
3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into approximately 12 equal squares or rectangles. The size doesn’t have to be exact, but try to keep them relatively uniform so they bake evenly.
4. Now comes the fun part: filling the pigs in a blanket! Spoon a generous amount of the sausage and egg mixture onto the center of each dough square. Don’t overfill them, or they might be difficult to roll up. About 2-3 tablespoons per square should be perfect.
5. Carefully fold two opposite corners of the dough square over the filling, overlapping them slightly in the center. Then, gently pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside. You want to make sure they’re sealed well so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking. If you have extra dough, you can trim it off.
6. Place the assembled pigs in a blanket seam-side down onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your best friend here; it prevents the pigs in a blanket from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.

Baking and Finishing Touches:

1. In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Brush the tops of the pigs in a blanket with the melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture.
2. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle the tops of the pigs in a blanket with everything bagel seasoning. This adds a delicious savory flavor and a nice visual appeal.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pigs in a blanket are golden brown and the filling is set. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
4. Once they’re done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pigs in a blanket cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth!
5. Serve warm and enjoy! These pigs in a blanket are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick and easy dinner. They’re also great for parties and gatherings.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese would add a little kick, while mozzarella cheese would give them a classic pizza-like flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little extra heat.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, or ranch dressing.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: These pigs in a blanket freeze well. Let them cool completely after baking, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Different Dough: While crescent dough is classic, you can also use puff pastry for a flakier, richer result. Cut the puff pastry into squares and proceed as directed.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the egg mixture for added nutrients.
• Sweet and Savory: For a sweet and savory twist, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the cooked sausage.

Serving Suggestions:

These pigs in a blanket are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them as part of a larger breakfast or brunch spread, alongside other favorites like pancakes, waffles, and fruit salad.
• Appetizer: Cut them into smaller pieces and serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• Lunchbox Treat: Pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes for a fun and satisfying treat.
• Quick Dinner: Serve them with a side salad or soup for a quick and easy dinner.
• Game Day Snack: These are always a hit at game day parties!

Storage Instructions:

Leftover pigs in a blanket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them for a quick and easy reheat.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving (2 pigs in a blanket)
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 100-120 milligrams
• Sodium: 500-600 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
• Protein: 10-15 grams

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These aren’t just any pigs in a blanket; these are Pigs in a Blanket Breakfast perfection, ready to brighten up your morning (or any time of day, really!). I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for so many reasons. First, the sheer simplicity is a winner. We’re talking minimal ingredients and effort for maximum flavor and satisfaction. Who doesn’t love that, especially when you’re half-asleep and craving something comforting? Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And third, let’s be honest, they’re just plain fun to eat!

But beyond the ease and adaptability, these breakfast pigs in a blanket offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The flaky, buttery pastry gives way to the savory sausage and the melty, gooey cheese, creating a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, crispy and soft, making it a truly irresistible treat.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how you can take these little piggies to the next level! For serving, I highly recommend dipping them in your favorite condiments. Mustard (especially a honey mustard) is a classic pairing, but don’t be afraid to experiment with ketchup, sriracha mayo, or even a sweet chili sauce. A side of fresh fruit, like berries or melon, can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pigs in a blanket.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to try:

* Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Use a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, for an extra cheesy experience.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg wash or use a spicy sausage for a fiery twist.
* Veggie Boost: Sneak in some finely chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, into the sausage mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
* Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the baked pigs in a blanket for a delightful sweet and savory combination.
* Everything Bagel Seasoning: Before baking, brush the egg wash and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version of these breakfast pigs in a blanket.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect way to start your day, impress your friends and family, or simply treat yourself to a delicious and satisfying snack. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure.

I truly hope you give this Pigs in a Blanket Breakfast recipe a try. Once you do, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, comments, and variations in the comments section below. Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what changes you made, and how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating delicious and easy-to-follow recipes for you to enjoy. Happy cooking!