These homemade pigs in a blanket is the perfect appetizer to serve at parties. What makes this recipe different from the rest is that the cocktail hot dogs are wrapped using phyllo dough. This type of dough adds a delicious extra layer of crisp to the usual mini pigs in a blanket appetizer. When baked, the crunchy texture pairs well with the wonderful meaty flavor of the cocktail hot dogs. It’s the perfect combination that makes this appetizer so addicting to eat! Serve these tasty pigs in a blanket alongside some delicious deviled eggs with bacon bits.
Types of Dough for Homemade Pigs in a Blanket
Classic homemade pigs in a blanket are usually made using puff pastry dough. This type of dough is made from only three ingredients: butter, flour, and salt. It doesn’t have any leavening agents yet it rises and puffs up. The key to making this pastry dough is to repeatedly roll and fold the dough so that the heat and steam from the oven lifts through the thin dough. As a result, you’ll get a light, buttery, and slightly flaky texture.
For its substitutes, other people would use crescent dough (or crescent rolls) which contains yeast, and has a flakier texture than a puff pastry. Biscuit dough is also a good substitute since it’s also buttery and flaky, and requires less time to prepare. It means that you don’t need to let it chill or rest before baking it. If you’re planning to use these doughs, then you would need a bit of egg wash or coconut oil to brush on top so it browns perfectly.
Lastly, another dough variation that is also used is phyllo dough. This dough is comparatively low in fat since it doesn’t use butter as its main ingredients. It’s mostly made with flour and water with a bit of oil. Nevertheless, phyllo dough makes for a great recipe variation when making homemade pigs in a blanket. When baked, phyllo dough becomes crispy and doesn’t become airy or puffy. We suggested phyllo dough since the added crunch makes it tastier and unique.
Tips on Making Your Own Homemade Pigs in a Blanket
Now that you have phyllo dough as your choice of dough, it’s time to think about the inside of the wrap! You can try adding in or changing some of the ingredients so it’s tastier. Or, try switching up your dipping sauces for more fun and appetizing variety. Learn how to make pigs in a blanket taste even more delicious and crispy with our helpful tips below:
- Use different types of hot dogs. You can also use regular hot dogs for this recipe, if you don’t have any cocktail sausage. Simply slice into quarters, and you’re good. Or, you can also switch it up by using spicy andouille, cheese-filled hot dogs, or an herb chicken sausage. These flavored cocktail sausages will definitely enhance the taste of the dish.
- Try adding a bit of seasoning. If you prefer a bit more flavor, then sprinkle a bit of coarse salt or everything bagel seasoning on top. You can even add a bit of sesame seeds as well. These are especially important if you’re going to substitute phyllo dough with another type of dough to make it extra flavorful.
- Add in cheese. You can also wrap the hot dogs with cheese like cheddar cheese, provolone, or pepper jack cheese before wrapping them in phyllo. This is perfect for cheese lovers who want each mini pig in a blanket to be extra cheesy!
- Serve with a dipping sauce. Aside from the classic mustard and ketchup combo dip, you can also try other flavorful dips. Try out this simple aioli recipe if you like a fiery and intense garlic flavor mixed with lemon juice for your homemade pigs in a blanket. Or, go with the classic homemade bbq sauce or a ranch dressing dip.