
If there is one thing that can unite a room full of fans cheering for opposite teams, it is a tray of perfectly golden, crispy Pigs in a Blanket fresh out of the oven. This classic Super Bowl party food has been a game day staple for decades, and for good reason. They are simple to make, gone in minutes, and endlessly customizable. Whether you are hosting a massive watch party or just keeping things low-key with a few friends, this recipe is the kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears before halftime even starts.
In this post, we are breaking down everything you need to know to make the absolute best Pigs in a Blanket — from choosing the right ingredients to nailing that perfect golden crunch. We will also share some fun variations, pro tips, nutrition info, and answers to the most common questions people have about this beloved snack. So grab a seat, get comfortable, and let us get cooking.
Why Pigs in a Blanket Are the Perfect Super Bowl Party Food
Let us be honest — Super Bowl Sunday is basically an unofficial national holiday centered around food. And while wings, nachos, and dips all have their rightful place on the party table, Pigs in a Blanket hold a very special spot. They are finger food heaven. No plates required, no mess, no fuss. They cook fast, stay warm well, and every single bite delivers that satisfying combo of savory, salty, and buttery.
They are also incredibly budget-friendly, which matters when you are feeding a crowd. A single batch costs just a few dollars to make and yields enough bites to keep everyone happy through the fourth quarter.
Ingredients You Will Need
Making Pigs in a Blanket at home is shockingly simple. Here is exactly what you need to pull off this iconic Super Bowl snack:
For the Pigs in a Blanket:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 package (about 24 count) mini cocktail smokies or mini hot dogs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Egg Wash (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For Toppings and Garnish:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Flaky sea salt
- Dried parsley (optional)
What Makes a Great Pig in a Blanket? The Right Ingredients
Not all smokies and dough are created equal, so a little ingredient selection goes a long way. For the smokies, look for mini cocktail smokies in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Brands like Hillshire Farm or similar options work beautifully. They have the right size-to-dough ratio and hold up great during baking.
For the dough, standard refrigerated crescent rolls are the way to go. They are flaky, buttery, and cook up in under 15 minutes. If you want an extra-rich result, you can swap in puff pastry dough, but crescent rolls keep things classic and easy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This keeps the Pigs in a Blanket from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Prep the Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. You will see the pre-cut lines along the perforations. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each triangle into three smaller, thinner strips. You want each strip to be narrow enough to wrap snugly around a mini smokie without overlapping too much.
Wrap the Smokies
Place one mini smokie at the wider end of each dough strip. Gently roll the dough around the smokie, working your way toward the narrow end. Press the dough down lightly at the end so it seals and does not unravel during baking. Do not worry about making them perfect — rustic and slightly uneven is totally fine and honestly part of the charm.
Add the Egg Wash and Seasoning
Beat your egg with one tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush a thin layer of the egg wash over each wrapped smokie. This is the secret to getting that gorgeous, deep golden-brown finish. While the egg wash is still wet, sprinkle on your choice of seasoning — everything bagel seasoning is an absolute game changer here, but flaky sea salt alone works wonderfully too.
Bake Until Golden
Arrange the wrapped smokies on your prepared baking sheet, giving each one a little space so air can circulate. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is puffed up and golden brown all around. Every oven runs a little differently, so keep an eye on them starting around the 10-minute mark.
Let Them Cool Briefly
Pull the tray out and let the Pigs in a Blanket cool for about two minutes before serving. They will be lava-hot straight out of the oven, and nobody wants a burnt tongue before the big game kicks off.

Dipping Sauces to Serve Alongside
A great Pig in a Blanket deserves an equally great dipping sauce. Here are a few crowd favorites that pair perfectly:
Classic yellow mustard is always a hit and costs almost nothing. Honey mustard adds a touch of sweetness that plays beautifully off the savory smokie. A simple cheese sauce made from melted cheddar, a splash of milk, and a pinch of garlic powder elevates the whole experience. For something with a little kick, mix equal parts ketchup and sriracha for a sweet-and-spicy dip that disappears fast.
Tips for the Best Pigs in a Blanket Every Time
A few small tricks make a huge difference in the final result. First, do not skip the egg wash. It is what transforms the dough from pale and bland to beautifully golden and glossy. Second, make sure your dough strips are thin enough to wrap around the smokies without creating a thick, bready layer. You want a delicate, flaky shell — not a bread roll. Third, do not overcrowd your baking sheet. Give each one a little breathing room so they bake evenly. Finally, if you are making these ahead of time for a party, assemble them on the tray and refrigerate until about 20 minutes before you want to bake. This keeps them fresh and makes game day prep a snap.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you have mastered the classic version, the possibilities open up in a big way. For a spicy twist, wrap your smokies in dough that has been brushed with a thin layer of sriracha before rolling. For a cheesy version, tuck a small sliver of pepper jack cheese alongside each smokie before wrapping — the melted cheese that oozes out is incredible. If you want to go gourmet, swap the mini smokies for small bratwurst links and use puff pastry dough for an elevated, party-ready presentation. For a kid-friendly spin, try wrapping mini hot dogs with a smear of mustard already built in so every bite is fully loaded.
Nutrition Information (Per Pig in a Blanket)
Keep in mind that nutrition can vary slightly depending on the exact brands you use, but here is a general estimate based on a standard recipe yielding about 24 pieces:
- Calories: 95
- Total Fat: 5.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugars: 1.2g
- Protein: 3.8g
These are definitely a treat-style snack, but a few bites alongside some veggies and a lighter dip keeps the overall spread nicely balanced for a party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pigs in a Blanket ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble them fully, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the bake time if they are coming straight from the fridge. You can also bake them fully, let them cool, and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze Pigs in a Blanket?
Yes, and it is a great way to prep in advance. Assemble them, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you are ready to bake, go straight from frozen into a 375°F oven for about 18 to 22 minutes.
What kind of dough works best?
Crescent roll dough is the classic and most popular choice because it is flaky, buttery, and cooks quickly. Puff pastry is a great upgrade if you want something more delicate and layered. Biscuit dough works too, but it will give you a softer, less crispy result.
How do I keep them warm at a party?
A small slow cooker on the “warm” setting works perfectly for keeping a batch warm throughout the game. You can also use a chafing dish or simply reheat small batches in the oven every 30 minutes or so as needed.
How many does one batch make?
One standard package of crescent roll dough paired with one package of mini smokies typically yields around 24 Pigs in a Blanket. For a Super Bowl party, we recommend doubling or even tripling the recipe to make sure you have plenty to go around.
Are Pigs in a Blanket kid-friendly?
They are one of the most universally loved kid foods out there. They are easy to hold, not too spicy, and packed with flavor. You can always keep the seasoning mild and let kids add their own dipping sauces on the side.

Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Cut triangles in half lengthwise if large.
- Place one mini smokie at the wide end of each dough piece and roll snugly, tucking the dough underneath.
- Whisk egg with water to make an egg wash.
- Place wrapped pigs seam-side down on baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Cool 2–3 minutes before serving.