National Pigs in a Blanket Day
April 24th is National Pigs in a Blanket Day!
This day is all about indulging in one of the most beloved comfort foods ever – the humble pig in a blanket. Maybe it’s a super simple dish, but there is just something about this finger food that keeps us coming back for more!
Pigs in a blanket can actually be traced back to the Middle Ages in England. Back then, meats were often preserved by wrapping them in dough and then baking them. These delicious meat-filled pastries were a massively popular food item in England and eventually made their way to America with early colonists. Thank you early colonists. You did something right with this!
In the US, pigs in a blanket became a incredibly popular snack food during the 1950s and 1960s. They were often served at swanky parties and hip social gatherings and were a favorite among both children and adults.
Now? They’re all over the place. From the freezer in the grocery store to sporting events and food trucks! Fancy versions with herbed bread to simple recipes made with store bought croissant dough.
What to eat on National Pigs in a Blanket Day
Pigs in a Blanket isn’t just one simple thing. Tehre are so many varieties and on this day, we can step out and maybe try a new version.
Let’s take a look at some popular variations of this classic appetizer:
- Mini Corn Dogs
- Instead of using a traditional sausage, mini corn dogs are made by wrapping a small hot dog in cornbread batter before frying.
- Pretzel Dogs
- Pretzel dogs are made by wrapping a hot dog in pretzel dough before baking. The result is a salty, savory treat that is perfect for dipping in mustard or cheese sauce.
- Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket
- For those who don’t eat meat, vegetarian pigs in a blanket can be made using plant-based sausages or even carrots or zucchini.
- Gourmet Pigs in a Blanket
- Some chefs have taken the concept of pigs in a blanket and elevated it to a gourmet level by using high-end sausages and artisanal doughs. For the home cook, puff pastry from the frozen food section is an awesome choice.
Ideas for Celebrating National Pigs in a Blanket Day
If you want to celebrate National Pigs in a Blanket Day, there are a few great way to go about it.
Make them at home
You can start by making your own pigs in a blanket at home using your favorite sausage and dough recipe. Alternatively, you can head to your local grocery store or bakery and pick up some pre-made pigs in a blanket to enjoy.
Host a Party
Why not throw a party? You can ask everyone to bring their own variation of pigs in a blanket to share and then vote on the best one. Who doesn’t love a good competition?
How to Make Pigs in a Blanket at Home
If you want to make pigs in a blanket at home, it’s a kinda not hard!
You’ll need some sausages or hot dogs, as well as some pastry dough. You can use pre-made dough from the store, holla holla, or make your own from scratch.
Here is a seriously simple recipe for making your very own Pigs in a Blanket!
Pigs in a Blanket
If you want to make pigs in a blanket at home, it's a relatively simple process. You'll need some sausages or hot dogs, as well as some pastry dough. You can use pre-made dough from the store or make your own from scratch. Here's a basic recipe for making pigs in a blanket:
Ingredients
- 1 package of cocktail sausages or hot dogs
- 1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls
- Kosher Salt or Sesame Seeds for sprinkling
- Optional: mustard or ketchup for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Open the can of crescent rolls and separate the triangles.
- Cut each triangle in half lengthwise so that you have two long, thin triangles.
- Roll each sausage or hot dog up in one of the triangles of dough, starting at the wide end and rolling towards the point.
- Place the pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Bake the pigs in a blanket for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle salt or sesame seeds on them while they're still warm.
- Serve the pigs in a blanket hot with mustard or ketchup for dipping.
Ideas for Hosting a Pigs in a Blanket Party
If you want to celebrate National Pigs in a Blanket Day with friends and family, hosting a pigs in a blanket party is a great way to do so. Here are some cool ideas for hosting a pigs in a blanket party:
- Pigs in a Blanket Potluck
- Invite your friends over and ask everyone to bring their own version of pigs in a blanket to share. You can set up a buffet table with all the different types of pigs in a blanket and let everyone sample each one.
- Build-Your-Own Pigs in a Blanket Bar
- Set up a bar with all the different types of sausages, doughs, and toppings so that everyone can create their own custom pigs in a blanket. Provide different dipping sauces and condiments to round out the experience.
- Pigs in a Blanket Tasting Party
- If you’re a true pigs in a blanket aficionado, host a tasting party where you sample different variations of pigs in a blanket and rate them on different criteria, such as taste, texture, and presentation.
- Pigs in a Blanket Game Night
- Combine your love of pigs in a blanket with some friendly competition by hosting a game night where everyone brings their favorite board game or card game. Set out some pigs in a blanket to snack on while you play.
No matter how you choose to celebrate National Pigs in a Blanket Day, remember to just savor the delicious taste of this classic comfort food. Whether you prefer traditional pigs in a blanket or like to experiment with different variations, there’s no denying the appeal of this simple and satisfying down home dish.
So grab some sausages and dough, invite your friends over, and let the pigs in a blanket party begin!
