If you’re looking for the ultimate game-day snack or a fun appetizer to wow your friends, you’ve got to try this Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites take the classic pigs in a blanket to a whole new level by adding melty cheese and tangy pickles—it’s like a mini cheeseburger party wrapped up in golden, flaky dough. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavor combo: The cheeseburger elements—cheese, pickles, and sausages—make each bite irresistibly familiar and comforting.
- Easy prep and quick bake: You’ll have these ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or cravings.
- Kid and adult-approved: I discovered that both my kids and grown-ups go crazy for these little bundles every time.
- Customizable and fun: You can swap pickles or cheese types to match your taste, making it a versatile recipe for different occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe really comes from the balance of creamy cheese, tangy pickles, and the tender sausages all wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough. When shopping, I always aim for good-quality cocktail sausages because they really make a difference in flavor and texture.
- Crescent roll dough: This acts as the perfect golden blanket—it bakes up flaky and slightly buttery every time.
- American cheese: Its meltability is key, creating that gooey, cheeseburger feeling. You can swap for cheddar or your favorite cheese if you prefer.
- Hamburger dill pickle chips: Adds essential tang and crunch, just like the pickle on a burger. Make sure to drain them well to avoid soggy dough.
- Cocktail sausages: Bite-sized and flavorful, they’re the star protein here—pat them dry for better texture.
- Egg: Used for brushing the dough and helping it brown beautifully with a glossy finish.
- Water: Mixed with the egg for the perfect egg wash consistency.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for that classic burger bun vibe and a slight nutty crunch.
Variations
I love personalizing this Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe depending on who I’m serving. It’s so easy to tailor these snacks to your taste buds or dietary needs—feel free to get creative!
- Spicy kick: Add a bit of chopped jalapeño or swap regular cocktail sausages for spicy ones—I once surprised my friends at a party with this version, and they devoured them!
- Cheese swap: Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda for different cheesy notes. It changes the vibe entirely and keeps things exciting.
- Pickle alternatives: If you’re not a pickle fan, thin slices of roasted red pepper or even caramelized onions work surprisingly well, giving a sweet twist.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetarian sausages and vegan cheese to keep all that cheeseburger goodness in a plant-based version.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Prep your ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze. I always pat the cocktail sausages dry with a paper towel because extra moisture can make the dough soggy, which you definitely want to avoid. Do the same with the pickle slices by draining them on paper towels; trust me, this little step makes a big difference!
Step 2: Cut the dough and cheese
Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into the 8 triangles along the perforations. Then, using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut each large triangle lengthwise into three smaller triangles. This makes just the right size for wrapping the cocktail sausages. Next, slice the American cheese into 9 squares from the 3 slices—one square per pig in a blanket.
Step 3: Assemble your cheeseburger bites
This is my favorite part! On the wide end of each tiny dough triangle, layer a square of cheese, then a pickle slice, and finally a cocktail sausage on top. Roll the dough tightly around the sausage, making sure the edges are sealed. I find rolling snugly but gently helps keep everything inside while baking—no one wants cheese oozing out all over the oven!
Step 4: Egg wash and sesame seed topping
Whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of water for your egg wash. Brush this over each rolled-up pig in a blanket—it helps the dough turn golden and glossy. Before popping them in the oven, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds on top, which adds that bakery-style charm that makes these bites look extra special.
Step 5: Bake and enjoy!
Bake your cheeseburger pigs in a blanket at 375°F for 14-17 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on them around the 14-minute mark, especially if your oven runs hot. These little bundles are best served warm with your favorite dipping sauces—ketchup, mustard, or even a tangy burger sauce work perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Dry ingredients thoroughly: I learned early on that making sure the sausages and pickles are dry prevents the dough from getting soggy and helps it bake up crisp.
- Cut dough evenly: Using a pizza cutter really speeds up cutting the dough into perfect small triangles, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Don’t overfill: I used to pack too much cheese and pickles, and the dough wouldn’t seal well—less is more for a tidy roll-up.
- Bake on parchment: It stops sticking and makes cleanup so much easier, plus the bottoms stay nice and crisp.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
I love to keep it classic with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds on top before baking. When serving, a little side bowl of ketchup, yellow mustard, or even a creamy burger sauce really makes these pop. Sometimes, I scatter chopped fresh parsley or chives on the serving platter for a fresh, colorful touch.
Side Dishes
Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe shines as a standalone snack, but for a fuller spread, I often pair them with crispy fries, a simple green salad, or classic coleslaw. At backyard parties, veggies and ranch dip alongside these bites balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, I once arranged the pigs in a blanket in a spiral shape on a large platter with different dipping sauces in the middle—guests loved dipping and passing plates around. You can also skewer two or three on cocktail sticks as easy-to-eat party bites. For themed occasions, lining the platter with burger-themed napkins ups the fun factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pigs in a blanket store best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When I reheat, I avoid the microwave to keep the dough flaky—I usually pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or use the air fryer, which crisps them right back up beautifully.
Freezing
Freezing cheeseburger pigs in a blanket can be tricky because the pickles tend to get mushy when thawed. I recommend freezing without pickles if you want to prep ahead. When ready to bake, add the pickle slices before rolling or serve with fresh pickles on the side after baking.
Reheating
When reheating, I pop leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or so. The air fryer is my favorite method because it revives that crispiness quickly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the dough from turning soggy and losing its flaky texture.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cocktail sausages work perfectly in this Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe due to their size and flavor, you can use mini hot dogs or even sliced regular sausages cut to size. Just make sure to adjust the dough wrapping accordingly to keep everything snug.
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Can this recipe be made dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan sausages to create a plant-based version. The crescent dough would need to be dairy-free as well—many brands offer vegan crescent dough or you can try making your own. Pickles are naturally vegan and add that classic tang.
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How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
The key is to make sure your sausages and pickles are well-drained and patted dry before assembly. Also, avoid adding too many pickle slices to reduce excess moisture. Baking on parchment paper helps maintain a crisp bottom crust.
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Can I prepare these in advance and bake later?
I don’t recommend assembling ahead of time due to the pickles releasing moisture and softening the dough. It’s best to assemble and bake immediately for the best texture, or assemble without pickles if prepping early and add them fresh after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is one of those simple delights that never fails to bring smiles around my kitchen table. It’s a playful, nostalgic treat, yet with a little gourmet twist thanks to the cheese and pickles. I highly recommend giving it a try next time you want a snack everyone will love—you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover this sooner!
Print
Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheeseburger Pigs in a Blanket combine the classic comfort of cocktail sausages wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough with melty American cheese and tangy dill pickle slices for a fun and delicious appetizer or snack. Perfectly golden-baked and topped with sesame seeds, they make a crowd-pleasing party treat that’s easy to prepare and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) tube of crescent rolls (8 count)
- 3 slices American cheese
- 6-8 hamburger dill pickle chips
- 24 cocktail sausages (12 ounce packet)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Sausages and Pickles: Pat the cocktail sausages dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, and place the pickle chips on a paper towel to drain any brine, keeping the dough from becoming soggy.
- Divide Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangular sections along the perforations. Then, cut each large triangle lengthwise into three smaller triangles using a pizza cutter or sharp knife to create enough portions for the sausages.
- Slice Cheese: Cut each slice of American cheese into 9 small squares, so each dough piece can be topped with cheese.
- Slice Pickles: Thinly slice the pickle chips into 1/4 inch slices to layer on the dough with the cheese and sausage.
- Assemble Pigs in a Blanket: Place a cheese square on the wide end of a dough triangle, top with a slice of pickle and then a cocktail sausage. Carefully roll the dough around the filling, sealing the edges to encase the ingredients. Repeat this for all sausages.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least one inch of space between each for even baking.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over each wrapped sausage to promote a golden and glossy finish.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the top of the egg-washed dough pieces to add flavor and a slight crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14-17 minutes or until the crescent roll dough is puffed and consistently golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve these delicious cheeseburger pigs in a blanket warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or cheese dip.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer until warmed through; avoid microwaving as it makes the dough soggy.
- It’s best not to prepare these in advance because the pickles may cause the dough to become soggy.
- Freezing is not recommended due to the pickle becoming mushy when thawed. To freeze, omit the pickles before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
