If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with cheesy goodness, then you’ve just found your new favorite: this Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. I absolutely love how these golden, flaky bites come together with melty cheddar tucked inside every roll—trust me, your whole family will go crazy for them. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a casual weeknight treat, these pigs in a blanket hit all the right notes of comfort and delight. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Goodness: The cheddar melting inside the dough adds a rich, gooey surprise in every bite.
- Super Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this a quick, no-fuss snack.
- Versatile Snack: Great for kids’ lunches, parties, or an easy appetizer you can whip up anytime.
- Crispy & Flaky: The golden pastry dough bakes up perfectly crisp with a tender inside every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully, balancing cheesy, savory, and flaky textures. When grabbing the pastry dough, I usually pick a good-quality store-bought sheet—it saves time and works wonderfully. And don’t skimp on the cheddar here; it’s what makes this version truly special.
- Pastry dough sheet: Either homemade or store-bought works—just make sure it’s thawed for easy rolling.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts perfectly; pre-shredded can sometimes have anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Hot dogs: Classic all-beef or your favorite variety—keep them cold until wrapping.
- Egg: Beaten egg for the egg wash helps your pigs in a blanket turn that irresistible golden brown.
Variations
I love customizing this Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I sneak in some herbs or swap out cheddar for pepper jack to spice things up. You’ll find that tweaking it to your tastes is easy and fun!
- Herbed Cheese: Add chopped chives or parsley to the shredded cheddar for a fresh twist—I did this once, and it elevated the flavor nicely.
- Spicy Kick: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or add a smear of spicy mustard inside before rolling for a little heat.
- Mini Pigs in a Blanket: Use cocktail sausages and smaller dough pieces to make bite-sized snacks perfect for parties.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry to make this treat safe for friends with allergies.
How to Make Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—this ensures it’s hot enough to give you that beautiful flaky crust. Next, take your pastry dough and cut it into six equal rectangles, roughly 3×6 inches. I like to keep my dough chilled until just before cutting; it makes handling so much easier and stops it from sticking.
Step 2: Add the Cheese and Hot Dogs
Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of shredded cheddar evenly over each dough rectangle. Place one hot dog on top of the cheddar, then roll the dough tightly around it. Pinch the edges so your cheese and dogs won’t escape while baking—this sealing step makes all the difference, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Slice and Arrange
Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, slice each roll into three even pieces, around 2 inches long each. These bite-sized treats bake more evenly and are perfect for snacking! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of each pig in a blanket with the beaten egg—this step gives the dough that gorgeous golden-brown shine you want. Pop them into your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re puffed up and beautifully flaky.
Tip: Keep an eye on them in the last five minutes to avoid burning—the oven temps can vary, so trust your nose and eyes here.
Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Keep Dough Chilled: Cold dough is easier to roll and keeps that flaky texture; warm dough can become sticky and tough.
- Use Sharp Knife for Slicing: A clean cut prevents tearing the dough and keeps the pieces neat and uniform.
- Seal Edges Firmly: Proper sealing prevents cheese from oozing out and keeps each roll intact during baking.
- Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary, so check early to avoid over-browning or burning the pastry.
How to Serve Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
I love serving these with classic ketchup and spicy brown mustard right on the side for dipping. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheddar hot dog delights with crunchy carrot sticks, sweet pickle spears, or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. For parties, a creamy coleslaw or baked beans make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
One time I arranged these pigs in a blanket around a cheese dip bowl, making a festive wreath perfect for holiday gatherings. You can also thread a few onto skewers for easy grab-and-go finger food that looks cute and gets your guests talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, let your Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket cool completely at room temperature. Then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually get great results keeping them fresh this way for up to 3-4 days without losing much in texture or flavor.
Freezing
I freeze both pre-baked and baked pigs in a blanket wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, then stored in freezer bags. This way, they’re ready whenever you want—a total lifesaver for busy nights. They keep well for up to two months when frozen if wrapped properly.
Reheating
For reheating, I pop them back in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, which revives the crisp pastry and warms everything through beautifully. Alternatively, the air fryer works fantastic and takes just 5 to 10 minutes—super quick when you’re hungry!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese for this Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic tangy, melty flavor, you can swap it with pepper jack for some spice, mozzarella for gooeyness, or even a sharp gouda for a more intense taste. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well to keep that perfect texture inside your pigs in a blanket.
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Is it better to use homemade or store-bought pastry dough?
Both work well, but store-bought dough is super convenient and consistent, especially when you’re short on time. Homemade pastry can add that extra touch of freshness and control over ingredients, but it does take more effort. Either way, the key is to keep the dough chilled before rolling.
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Can I make Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare and roll them up, then store them in the fridge and bake right before serving. You can also freeze them before or after baking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake or reheat as needed.
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How do I keep the pigs in a blanket from getting soggy?
Using an egg wash and baking at a high temperature helps create a crisp, golden crust that resists sogginess. Be sure to cool them completely before storing, and reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave to keep that flakiness.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those easy comfort foods that’s both nostalgic and exciting to eat. Every time I make these, I’m reminded how simple ingredients can create something so satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see just how irresistible these cheesy, flaky bites really are. Seriously, once you make them, they’ll become a go-to snack for your family and friends just like they are for mine!
Print
Cheddar Hot Dog Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 18 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Pigs in a Blanket recipe features hot dogs wrapped in flaky pastry dough with melted cheddar cheese, baked to a golden brown perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party platter, these savory bites combine the comfort of juicy hot dogs with cheesy, buttery dough, and can be easily reheated or frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Pastry and Filling
- 1 (250 gram) sheet pastry dough (homemade or store-bought), thawed
- 1 + ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 hot dogs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pigs in a blanket.
- Prepare Pastry Dough: Divide the pastry dough sheet into 6 equal rectangles approximately 3×6 inches each. If using homemade dough, roll it out to a 10×12-inch rectangle and cut into 6 pieces.
- Assemble the Rolls: Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese on each piece of dough, then place one hot dog on top. Roll the dough tightly around the hot dog, forming a log, and pinch the edges to seal well.
- Cut into Portions: Using a knife or bench scraper, slice each rolled log into 3 equal pieces, each about 2 inches long, creating a total of 18 pieces.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the cut rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg wash to promote a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These are delicious served warm with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Let leftover pigs in a blanket cool to room temperature before placing in an airtight container. Store refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F preheated oven for 15 minutes or use an air fryer for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze up to 2 months.
- Cooking from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating. If baking directly from frozen, increase cook time by 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
