Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful twist on a classic favorite, you’re going to adore this Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. I stumbled upon this idea when I wanted to create a plant-based appetizer that’s both nostalgic and totally delicious. These carrot “dogs” wrapped in crescent rolls soak up a savory marinade overnight, giving you that juicy, umami-packed bite you crave, without any actual meat. Trust me, once you try these, your family and friends will be asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients are simple but brilliantly balanced to bring out the best in your vegan carrot pigs in a blanket. The marinade combines umami from soy sauce with a hint of smokiness and a touch of sweetness—trust me, this combo makes your carrots taste amazing and juicy inside their golden crescent roll blanket.

• Soy Sauce: Provides salty richness and depth to the marinade.
• Vegetable Stock or Water: Helps create the perfect braising liquid for tender carrots.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to balance out the marinade.
• Liquid Smoke: Gives that classic smoky flavor you’d expect from a “pigs in a blanket” sausage.
• Garlic: Fresh minced or smashed garlic infuses bold aroma and flavor.
• Fresh Ginger (Optional): Adds a gentle zing that brightens the dish.
• White Pepper: A milder pepper note that complements without overpowering.
• Onion Powder: For a faint savory sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: Just a splash for nuttiness and richness.
• Brown Sugar (Optional): Balances flavors with a touch of caramel sweetness.
• Baby Carrots: The star of the dish, easy to handle and perfect size for rolling.
• Crescent Rolls: The golden, buttery blanket wrapping it all up.
• Everything but the Bagel Seasoning (Optional): For a pop of texture and extra flavor on top.

Variations

I love tweaking this Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or the mood we’re in. Don’t hesitate to play around—you might discover a new favorite version that suits your taste perfectly.

• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade gives a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Herb Infusion: Try mixing fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into your crescent roll dough before rolling the carrots for an earthy touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap crescent rolls for gluten-free dough or puff pastry if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities.
• Different Veggies: If carrots aren’t your thing, baby zucchinis or slender parsnips make great alternatives after adjusting marinade time.

How to Make Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate Your Carrots

This is where the magic begins! Whisk together your soy sauce, vegetable stock, rice vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic, ginger, white pepper, onion powder, sesame oil, and brown sugar until everything’s well combined. The key is to submerge your baby carrots completely in this tasty bath. I like covering the bowl tightly and popping it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, even a couple of hours works—but overnight truly gives them that deep, savory flavor.

Step 2: Simmer the Carrots to Tender Perfection

After your carrots have soaked up all that flavor, pour everything (carrots and marinade) into a large saucepan. Make sure the carrots are fully covered by the liquid—if not, add a little water. Bring it all to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer for 7 to 10 minutes until the carrots are tender but still have a slight bite (kind of like your favorite hot dog texture). Drain them and let cool until you can handle them without burning your fingers.

Step 3: Roll Your Carrots into Crescent Blankets

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this saves you a lot of cleanup later. Separate your crescent roll dough into pieces, then cut each piece into smaller triangles or strips that comfortably wrap around the carrots. I like to place one carrot on the wide end and roll it up snug so none of that savory carrot peeks out. Arrange each wrapped carrot seam-side down on your baking sheet. Before baking, sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel seasoning if you love that crunchy-on-top vibe like I do.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Gorgeous

Bake your Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket for about 12 to 15 minutes until the rolls are puffed and golden brown. The smell will fill your kitchen and I promise it’s pure happiness. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce—spicy mustard or vegan mayo are my go-tos!

How to Serve Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with Everything but the Bagel seasoning for that savory crunch, but you can also sprinkle sesame seeds, fresh minced parsley, or even a little smoked paprika for color and extra flavor. Little dabs of grainy mustard or a drizzle of vegan ranch dressing on the side take it over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a crisp green salad or some oven-roasted potatoes for a cozy meal. For a party, crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh veggie platter with hummus complement the savory carrot pigs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try arranging these on a platter with colorful dipping sauce bowls scattered across. You can even skewer a few in a row on cocktail sticks for easy grab-and-go finger food. Kids (and adults!) love that playful presentation, and it makes entertaining so much easier.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover carrot pigs wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last about 3 days. The rolls stay soft, but the carrots retain flavor and texture quite well.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen unbaked rolled carrots on the tray, then transferred them to a freezer bag once firm. When I want them, I bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a great way to have this recipe ready for surprise guests.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to crisp the outside again. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the rolls a little soggy, so I avoid it when possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe was a game-changer for me—and I’m so happy to share it with you. It’s one of those recipes that brings folks together, sparking smiles and conversations around the table. Give it a try, and you might just find a new plant-based party favorite or a fun way to get picky eaters loving their veggies. I absolutely love how these turn out—crispy, savory, and perfectly nostalgic in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make them and enjoy every delicious roll.

Print