Pull-apart pigs in a blanket are such a fun appetizer, snack, or easy meal for kids, game day, movie night, family get-togethers, or any time you want something warm, cheesy, buttery, and simple. Instead of baking each little piggy separately, this version bakes them close together so everyone can pull off a piece and dip away. It is casual, cozy, and just a little bit nostalgic — which is exactly why pigs in a blanket never seem to go out of style.
Fun fact: wrapping meat in dough has been around in different forms for a very long time, but the American party version became especially popular when convenient refrigerated dough made appetizers faster and easier for home cooks. That is one reason this recipe feels both old-school and practical — you get the comfort food feeling without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.
This pull-apart style is especially nice when you are feeding a group because it looks a little more impressive than the classic tray of individual pieces, but it is still made with familiar ingredients. Serve it right from the pan with a few dipping sauces in the middle or on the side, and it becomes the kind of dish people keep coming back to “just one more time.”
Tips and tricks for the best pull-apart pigs in a blanket
- Keep the dough cold until you are ready to wrap. Cold dough is easier to cut, stretch, and roll.
- Pat the little smokies or hot dogs dry before wrapping so the dough bakes up golden instead of soggy.
- Place the wrapped pieces seam-side down so they stay tucked while baking.
- Brush the tops with melted butter or an egg wash for a prettier golden finish.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
- Leave a little room between pieces if you want crispier edges, or nestle them closer together for a softer pull-apart center.
If you want to make these a little more filling, tuck a small slice of cheese into the dough before rolling. Cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, and American cheese all work well. Just use a thin piece so it melts without leaking too much. You can also brush the baked tops with garlic butter right before serving for a pizza-night kind of flavor.
What goes with pigs in a blanket?
Pigs in a blanket are great because they can be served as an appetizer, a party snack, or the main part of a kid-friendly meal. For a party, I like to set them out with a few dips so everyone can choose their favorite. For dinner, add one or two easy sides and call it done.
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Baked beans
- Dips, such as mustard, ranch, ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, cheese sauce, or spicy mustard
- Fruit salad
- Coleslaw, potato salad, chips, tater tots, or a simple veggie tray
- Pickles or jalapeños if you want something tangy with the buttery dough
Can you pre-wrap pigs in a blanket?
Yes. You can make them ahead of time if you need to. After wrapping the little piggies, place them in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. For the best texture, bake them the same day you wrap them. If the dough has been chilling for a while, let the pan sit at room temperature for just a few minutes while the oven preheats.
Helpful make-ahead trick: If you are serving these for a party, get the dips ready first and keep the wrapped pigs in a blanket chilled until shortly before baking. That way they come out warm when everyone is ready to eat. These are always best fresh from the oven, but they still reheat nicely if you have extras.
How long do pigs in a blanket stay good?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool first, but do not leave them sitting out for hours. When you are ready to eat them again, reheat them in the oven or air fryer until warm so the dough has a chance to crisp back up. The microwave works in a pinch, but it can make the breading softer.
You may not have many leftovers anyway. I made these when my grandkids were here, and they disappeared fast. That is the nice thing about this recipe — it is easy enough for a regular day, but fun enough that everyone treats it like something special.
Fun variations to try
- Cheesy pull-apart: Add a small piece of cheddar or pepper jack before rolling.
- Everything bagel style: Brush with butter and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top.
- Pizza style: Add a tiny bit of mozzarella and serve with warm marinara.
- Spicy version: Use jalapeño cheddar sausages or add a pinch of cayenne to the butter.
- Breakfast version: Use breakfast sausage links and serve with maple syrup or honey mustard.
No matter which version you make, keep the pieces bite-sized and easy to pull apart. That is what makes this recipe so great for sharing. It is not fussy, it does not require plates and forks, and it works for kids and adults.
For more appetizers, check these out…
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~Bobbi
Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket
Equipment
- Springform Pan
Ingredients
- 1 Can Pizza dough, refrigerated
- 4 Tbsp Butter, melted
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder Can sub garlic powder
- 2 12 oz pkg Little Smokies, Beef
- 2 Tbsp All-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Grease inside of a 8” Springform pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together butter, and onion powder.
- Unroll pizza dough and cut into 1”-x-2” rectangles on a floured surface.
- Brush top of the dough with the butter mixture, then wrap each lil smokie in the pizza dough and pinch seam shut.
- Set the pigs in the blanket upright in the pan starting from the outside, working in. Don't pack too tightly.
- Brush the tops with any remaining butter mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve alone, or with sauces.
Pull Apart Pigs in Blankets are the perfect accompaniment to your Sunday roast or picnic.
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