Introduction
Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets are the ultimate bite-sized appetizers that combine the savory goodness of cocktail sausages wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry. This crowd-pleasing treat is easy to make and perfect for any party, holiday, or casual gathering. The crispy, golden pastry and flavorful sausages inside create a delicious contrast, making each bite irresistible.
I first made these for a family gathering, and they were gone in minutes! The combination of the rich, flaky pastry and the savory, tender sausages is simply unbeatable. What’s great about these pigs in blankets is how versatile they are. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, from classic mustard to tangy barbecue or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Whether you’re hosting a large event or enjoying a cozy get-together, these pigs in blankets are sure to disappear quickly. They’re a simple yet delicious appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more!
Perfect for:
- Parties and gatherings
- Holiday celebrations
- Game day snacks
- Finger foods
- Comfort food lovers
Why You’ll Love This Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets
Here’s why Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets will become your go-to appetizer:
- Flaky and Buttery Pastry: The puff pastry creates a delicate, flaky crust that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
- Savory Sausages: The cocktail sausages are juicy and flavorful, providing the perfect balance to the rich pastry.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to make and comes together in no time, making it ideal for last-minute entertaining.
- Customizable: You can choose from different types of sausages (pork, beef, or chicken) or even make them with vegetarian sausages for a variety of options.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or just as a snack, these pigs in blankets are sure to be a hit.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 pigs in blankets
- Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 8g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets:
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- 24 cocktail sausages (about 12 oz, such as mini hot dogs or little smokies)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Ingredient Highlights
- Puff Pastry: Puff pastry provides a light, flaky, and buttery outer layer that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- Cocktail Sausages: Cocktail sausages (mini hot dogs or little smokies) are the classic choice for pigs in blankets, offering a savory, juicy bite inside the pastry.
- Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the pastry a golden, shiny finish that makes these pigs in blankets look as good as they taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets:
Prepare the Pigs in Blankets:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to about 1/8-inch thickness. If necessary, cut each sheet into 12 even rectangles (about 3 inches by 2 inches).
- Wrap the Sausages: Place one cocktail sausage at the edge of each pastry rectangle and roll it up tightly. Ensure the sausage is fully enclosed in the pastry.
- Seal the Pastry: Press the seam of the pastry to seal it closed. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they stay sealed.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Brush the egg wash over the tops of the wrapped sausages to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Sprinkle with Salt (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt over the tops of the pigs in blankets for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the pigs in blankets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool: Let the pigs in blankets cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets
Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets are versatile and perfect for serving at any event:
- As a Party Snack: Serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings for guests to enjoy as they mingle.
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for extra flavor.
- For Holiday Celebrations: These pigs in blankets make a great addition to any holiday party or festive spread.
- Game Day Treat: Perfect for serving during sports events, these pigs in blankets are sure to be a hit with your guests.
- As a Snack: These pigs in blankets can be enjoyed as an easy, satisfying snack on a casual day.
Additional Tips for Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets
Here are some tips to ensure your Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Thawed Puff Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using it, or it might be too difficult to work with.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the pigs in blankets on the baking sheet, make sure they have enough space between them so that they puff up properly.
- Experiment with Sausage Varieties: While cocktail sausages are traditional, you can experiment with different flavors like smoked sausage, spicy sausage, or even vegetarian sausage for a new twist.
- Brush with Extra Egg Wash: For an even shinier, more golden finish, you can brush the pigs in blankets with an extra coat of egg wash halfway through baking.
- Serve Immediately: These are best served fresh and warm, as the puff pastry will lose its crispness over time.
Recipe Variations for Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets
Here are 10 variations you can try for Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets:
- Cheese-Stuffed Pigs in Blankets: Place a small piece of cheese inside the pastry along with the sausage for a melty, cheesy surprise.
- Spicy Pigs in Blankets: Use spicy sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the egg wash for a spicy kick.
- Bacon-Wrapped Pigs in Blankets: Wrap the cocktail sausages in a strip of bacon before wrapping them in puff pastry for extra flavor.
- Mini Veggie Pigs in Blankets: Use vegetarian cocktail sausages for a meat-free version that everyone can enjoy.
- Sweet and Savory Pigs in Blankets: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the egg wash for a sweet contrast to the savory sausages.
- Pigs in Blankets with Herbs: Add finely chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the puff pastry for extra flavor.
- Jalapeño Pigs in Blankets: Add a few thin slices of jalapeño to the sausage before wrapping it for a spicy, zesty bite.
- Mustard-Scented Pigs in Blankets: Brush the inside of the pastry with mustard before wrapping the sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan Pigs in Blankets: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and garlic powder on the pastry before baking for a savory twist.
- Gluten-Free Pigs in Blankets: Use gluten-free puff pastry for a gluten-free option, making sure the sausages are also gluten-free.
Freezing and Storage for Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets
- Freezing: You can freeze the prepared but unbaked pigs in blankets for up to 2 months. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Store leftover pigs in blankets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a warm oven for 5-10 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the pastry.
Special Equipment for Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets easier:
- Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is useful for rolling out the puff pastry to the right thickness.
- Pastry Brush: A pastry brush helps apply the egg wash evenly to the pastries for a golden finish.
- Baking Sheet: A baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat ensures easy cleanup and even baking.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the puff pastry into even rectangles for wrapping.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is ideal for allowing the pigs in blankets to cool and stay crispy after baking.
Frequently Asked Questions for Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets
- Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, you can use crescent roll dough, but the texture will be different. Puff pastry gives a flakier, crispier result, while crescent dough is softer and more bread-like. - Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time, freeze them before baking, and bake them fresh when ready to serve. - Can I make these without egg wash?
While the egg wash gives the pastry a golden finish, you can skip it if desired, although the pastries may not have the same shine. - Can I make these with larger sausages?
If using larger sausages, you may need to adjust the puff pastry size or baking time to ensure they cook through.
Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets are the ultimate bite-sized appetizers that combine the savory goodness of cocktail sausages wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry. This crowd-pleasing treat is easy to make and perfect for any party, holiday, or casual gathering. The crispy, golden pastry and flavorful sausages inside create a delicious contrast, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a large event or enjoying a cozy get-together, these pigs in blankets are sure to disappear quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- 24 cocktail sausages (about 12 oz, such as mini hot dogs or little smokies)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Ingredient Highlights
- Puff Pastry: Puff pastry provides a light, flaky, and buttery outer layer that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- Cocktail Sausages: Cocktail sausages (mini hot dogs or little smokies) are the classic choice for pigs in blankets, offering a savory, juicy bite inside the pastry.
- Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the pastry a golden, shiny finish that makes these pigs in blankets look as good as they taste.
Instructions
Prepare the Pigs in Blankets:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to about 1/8-inch thickness. If necessary, cut each sheet into 12 even rectangles (about 3 inches by 2 inches).
- Wrap the Sausages: Place one cocktail sausage at the edge of each pastry rectangle and roll it up tightly. Ensure the sausage is fully enclosed in the pastry.
- Seal the Pastry: Press the seam of the pastry to seal it closed. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they stay sealed.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Brush the egg wash over the tops of the wrapped sausages to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Sprinkle with Salt (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt over the tops of the pigs in blankets for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the pigs in blankets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool: Let the pigs in blankets cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 5g
Conclusion
Martha Stewart’s Pigs in Blankets are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that everyone will love. With a buttery, flaky puff pastry and savory cocktail sausages, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them for game day, or making them for a holiday spread, these pigs in blankets are sure to impress. Simple yet indulgent, they’re a classic comfort food that will be gone in no time.
This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it the perfect addition to any gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them all to yourself, these pigs in blankets are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
I’d love to see how your Pigs in Blankets turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!