Why You’ll Love these Cheesy Pigs Blankets
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Cheesy Pigs Blankets will absolutely win over your guests. They combine three irresistible elements: flaky puff pastry, savory mini hot dogs, and gooey melted cheese. What’s not to love?
I’m particularly fond of how versatile they are. You can customize them with caramelized onions for a sweet-savory kick, or stick with classic cheese.
The golden, seed-topped exterior gives way to that perfect cheese pull when bitten into. Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or just because it’s Tuesday. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Pigs Blankets?
Making these cheesy pigs blankets couldn’t be simpler, and that’s part of their charm. With just a handful of ingredients that you might already have on hand, you can create a party-worthy appetizer that’s both impressive and comforting.
The combination of flaky pastry with savory hot dogs and melty cheese creates that perfect bite that everyone reaches for.
- 2 pounds mini hot dogs (approximately 60)
- Cheddar cheese, cut into small pieces
- Caramelized onion (optional)
- 1 large egg
- All-purpose flour (for work surface)
- 17½ ounces frozen puff pastry, thawed
- Poppy, sesame, or mustard seeds (optional, for topping)
- Mustard and ketchup (for serving)
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters even in simple recipes like this one.
Look for all-butter puff pastry if you can find it, as it creates an even flakier texture. For the cheese, sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but you could substitute another meltable cheese if you prefer.
And while the seeds are technically optional, they add both visual appeal and a subtle texture contrast that really elevates these little bites from good to memorable.
Who knew such humble ingredients could create something so irresistible?
How to Make these Cheesy Pigs Blankets
Making these adorable cheesy pigs blankets is surprisingly simple, and the results are always a hit. Start by preparing your 2 pounds of mini hot dogs (about 60) – cut them lengthwise three-quarters of the way through, creating a little pocket without splitting them completely. This is where the magic happens! Tuck small pieces of cheddar cheese or about 1/2 teaspoon of caramelized onion into each hot dog pocket. If you’re keeping it simple without fillings, just poke the hot dogs several times with a knife tip to prevent them from bursting while baking.
Next, roll out your thawed 17 1/2 ounces of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until you have a 14-by-11-inch rectangle. The key to perfect pigs in blankets is cutting the pastry uniformly – slice each sheet lengthwise into seven 1 1/2-inch strips, then cut crosswise to make 3 1/2-inch rectangles.
Roll each hot dog in a pastry rectangle, using a bit of egg wash (1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) to seal the edges. Place your wrapped treasures seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheets, brush the tops with more egg wash, and sprinkle with poppy, sesame, or mustard seeds if you’re feeling fancy.
Don’t skip the 15-minute chill time in the refrigerator – this helps the pastry hold its shape during baking. When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 450 degrees and bake these little bundles of joy for about 20 minutes, until they’re gloriously puffed and golden brown. For the best soup and appetizer pairings, consider investing in premium kitchen equipment to enhance your cooking experience. The cheese inside will be melty, the pastry flaky, and the hot dogs perfectly warmed through.
Let them cool just briefly (who can wait too long, really?) before serving with mustard and ketchup for dipping. When entertaining guests outdoors, consider serving these delicious treats on a premium serving set to elevate your gathering. Perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or honestly, just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something delicious.
Cheesy Pigs Blankets Substitutions and Variations
While those classic cheesy pigs blankets are always a crowd-pleaser, you’ve got plenty of room to play with the recipe and make it your own.
Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack to add some kick, or go gourmet with smoked gouda or brie. Not feeling the puff pastry? Crescent roll dough works beautifully in a pinch.
Vegetarians can enjoy this treat too—just substitute veggie dogs for the mini hot dogs.
I’m particularly fond of adding herbs like fresh chives or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top.
Want a sweet-savory combo? Brush with maple syrup before baking.
What to Serve with Cheesy Pigs Blankets
Although cheesy pigs blankets are delicious on their own, they truly shine when paired with complementary sides and dips.
I recommend serving them with classic condiments like spicy brown mustard and ketchup—the tangy-sweet contrast is simply perfect. Want something more adventurous? Try honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or even a smoky barbecue sauce.
For sides, consider a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, some crunchy potato chips, or a simple fruit platter.
If you’re hosting a party, why not create a dipping station with small bowls of various sauces? Your guests will love the options!
Final Thoughts
These cheesy pigs in a blanket have become my go-to recipe whenever I need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The combination of flaky puff pastry, savory hot dogs, and melty cheese creates something truly magical that disappears within minutes at any gathering.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap cheddar for pepper jack or experiment with different fillings like caramelized onions. For a refreshing side dish, pair these appetizers with a cucumber cream salad that provides a cool contrast to the warm, savory bites.
Can’t decide? Why not make half with cheese, half with onions?
For another quick family favorite that uses simple ingredients, try making Easy Chicken Parmesan using Italian-flavored Shake-n-Bake for a crispy coating without the mess of traditional frying.
