If you’re looking for a showstopping appetizer that’s fun, festive, and absolutely delicious, you’re going to love this Pigs in a Blanket Wreath Recipe. I remember the first time I made this at a holiday party—it was such a crowd-pleaser, and everyone kept asking for the recipe! The combination of buttery crescent dough wrapped around juicy cocktail sausages, all shaped into a wreath and topped with flavorful seasoning, is nothing short of perfection. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything so you can make this fan-freaking-tastic recipe for your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to make this tasty wreath come to life.
- Festive Presentation: Its unique wreath shape makes it perfect for holiday tables or special occasions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, this appetizer disappears fast!
- Easy to Customize: From seasoning swaps to dipping sauces, you can tailor it to anyone’s taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of flaky, buttery dough and savory sausage with a punch of garlicky, salty seasoning on top. Plus, the Everything Bagel Seasoning adds a fun twist that I just can’t get enough of!
- Crescent rolls: Use refrigerated crescent dough for easy shaping with flaky texture.
- Cocktail sausages: The smaller size is perfect for wrapping and creating that classic bite.
- Minced garlic: Adds a fresh kick that pairs beautifully with the buttery crust.
- Salted butter: Melted to brush over the dough, helping it brown nicely and stay moist.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: The secret weapon that adds savory crunch and a delightful aroma.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Pigs in a Blanket Wreath Recipe to suit different tastes or occasions. You can make it your own by swapping out some ingredients or adding your favorite seasonings. Don’t hesitate to experiment—this recipe is really flexible and forgiving!
- Swap the sausages: Try spicy chorizo or smoky kielbasa for an extra flavor punch—I once made this with apple chicken sausages and my family went crazy!
- Cheese lovers unite: Add a small strip of cheddar or pepper jack cheese inside the dough wrap for gooey, melty bites.
- Seasoning switch-up: Use ranch seasoning, Italian herbs, or even taco seasoning instead of everything bagel seasoning for a fun twist.
- Make it vegetarian: Use meatless sausages or even cheese sticks to keep the festive feel without meat.
How to Make Pigs in a Blanket Wreath Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Butter Mix
Preheat your oven to 375°F—that perfect temperature helps the dough bake evenly and crisp up just right. While it heats, melt the salted butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt in the microwave. I like microwaving in 15-second bursts, stirring in between so the garlic flavors infuse into the butter nicely without burning.
Step 2: Prepare and Slice the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough carefully so it doesn’t tear. Using a pastry brush, spread your garlicky butter mixture all over the dough—this adds moisture and flavor right from the start. Then, take a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut each triangle into three long strips. This part is crucial because making the strips long and narrow helps wrap the sausages perfectly without wasting dough.
Step 3: Wrap the Sausages and Shape the Wreath
Now, grab a cocktail sausage and wrap a strip of dough all the way around it, making sure to slightly overlap the edges so it stays sealed. Place each wrapped sausage seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. To shape the wreath, I place a small bowl in the middle of the tray as a guide, then arrange the sausages side-by-side around it in a circle. Once that’s done, create a second inner circle, pushing the sausages close so they bake together like a cohesive wreath.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Bake!
Brush the entire wreath once more with your garlic butter mixture—this double coating keeps everything moist and golden. Sprinkle generously with Everything Bagel Seasoning to add that irresistible crunch and flavor. Bake the wreath for around 18-20 minutes, keeping an eye on it near the end; you want the dough to be beautifully golden brown without burning. When ready, pull it out and let it cool just a bit before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Pigs in a Blanket Wreath Recipe
- Use Parchment Paper: This saves you from dough sticking to the tray and makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
- Don’t Overlap Too Much: Wrapping the dough snugly but not overly thick keeps the bites perfectly balanced between dough and sausage.
- Let It Rest Briefly: After baking, let the wreath cool for 5 minutes so it sets and slices better without the dough getting gummy.
- Watch Your Oven: Every oven bakes a bit differently—if the edges brown too fast, tent lightly with foil halfway through baking.
How to Serve Pigs in a Blanket Wreath Recipe
Garnishes
I like to slide fresh rosemary sprigs around the baked wreath for a pop of color and subtle piney aroma that feels just right for holiday gatherings. Plus, the fresh herbs add a beautiful, rustic look that guests compliment every time.
Side Dishes
Serve this wreath alongside a simple green salad or a bowl of tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. And don’t forget those dipping sauces—classic ketchup works great, but spicy mustard, honey mustard, or even a creamy ranch dip are all excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions like Christmas or game day, I sometimes place the wreath on a festive platter with mini bowls of assorted dips in the center—classic ketchup, a smoky BBQ sauce, and a zesty sriracha mayo. It turns into an interactive appetizer station everyone loves to gather around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the dough soft and sausages juicy. I recommend reheating just what you need to keep the texture fresh.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover wrapped sausages (before baking) by placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver for prepping ahead of time!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to restore that flaky crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the dough from getting soggy—that little extra oven time makes a huge difference.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls in this Pigs in a Blanket Wreath Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry or crescent dough works wonderfully here. Just make sure your dough is rolled out thinly enough to wrap the cocktail sausages without being too bulky. The store-bought crescent rolls are great for saving time, but homemade dough adds a personal touch and extra flakiness if you prefer.
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What dipping sauces go best with the Pigs in a Blanket Wreath?
Ketchup is classic and always a hit, but don’t be afraid to mix it up! Spicy mustard, honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a tangy sriracha mayo all pair beautifully. I often set out a variety of options so guests can customize each bite.
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How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
Brushing the dough with melted butter both before and after wrapping helps keep it moist but crisp. Also, baking the wreath at 375°F ensures it cooks through while developing a golden crust. Avoid covering it tightly while warm, as trapped steam can make the dough soggy.
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Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free crescent roll dough if you can find it, or a gluten-free puff pastry alternative. Just be mindful that baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on your wreath as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
This Pigs in a Blanket Wreath Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns a classic comfort food into a festive centerpiece that brings people together. Whenever I make it, whether for a big family party or a cozy night in, it never fails to impress and delight. If you’ve been hesitating to try it, I encourage you to dive in—you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is to pull off. Trust me, your guests will be asking you for this one over and over!
Print
Pigs in a Blanket Wreath Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pigs in a Blanket Wreath is a festive and creative appetizer perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings. It features savory cocktail sausages wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, brushed with garlic butter, seasoned with Everything Bagel Seasoning, and baked to golden perfection. The wreath shape adds a charming touch to your table, making it both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce package crescent rolls
- 14 ounces cocktail sausages
Butter Mixture
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the wreath.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and salt. Microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals until the butter is fully melted and stir to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Unroll and brush the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a flat surface and use a pastry brush to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
- Cut the dough: With a pizza cutter, slice each crescent roll triangle into three long strips, creating manageable pieces for wrapping.
- Wrap the sausages: Take each cocktail sausage and wrap a strip of the crescent dough around it securely. Place the wrapped sausages on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a small bowl as a guide, arrange the wrapped sausages side-by-side in a large circle to form the outer wreath.
- Create the inner wreath circle: Once the outer ring is complete, form a second, smaller inner circle with the remaining wrapped sausages, making sure the pieces touch to create a continuous wreath shape.
- Add final touches: Brush the wreath generously with the remaining butter mixture and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top for extra flavor and a crunchy texture.
- Bake the wreath: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Optional—tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the wreath for a festive aroma and presentation. Place a bowl of ketchup or preferred dipping sauce in the center of the wreath for serving.
Notes
- This appetizer is a fun and visually appealing take on the classic pigs in a blanket, perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
- Using a bowl as a guide helps maintain the wreath shape and keeps the sausage rolls evenly spaced.
- Fresh rosemary not only adds decoration but also a subtle fragrant touch to the wreath.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like mustard, cheese dip, or barbecue sauce for different flavor options.
- You can prepare the wreath assembly ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking to save time before your event.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 202 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 823 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.02 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg
