If you are searching for a fun and irresistible party snack, this Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Picture smoky little sausages wrapped snugly in golden, flaky crescent rolls, topped with a hearty spoonful of chili and a blanket of melty cheddar cheese. This combination bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, making it perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your friends to something truly special. Get ready to experience a snack that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet packed with purpose. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the buttery flakiness of the crescent dough or the rich, spicy depth from the chili, coming together to create the perfect balance of taste and texture in this recipe.
- 1 (8-count) tube refrigerated crescent rolls: The flaky and buttery base that wraps around each sausage, providing a golden crust.
- 1 (4-count) tube refrigerated crescent rolls: Adds extra dough for extra rolls or smaller pieces, ensuring plenty to go around.
- 1 (14-oz) package Lit’l Smokies: These smoky little sausages are bite-sized and packed with flavor, perfect for wrapping.
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy zing that complements the richness of the meat and crescents beautifully.
- 1 (15-oz) can chili: Adds a hearty, spicy topping that transforms this snack into a savory delight.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to a creamy, gooey finish that ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
How to Make Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures the crescent rolls get that golden, flaky texture. Lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan helps keep things from sticking, making clean-up easier and the finished rolls come out perfect every time.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Crescent Dough
Open both cans of refrigerated crescent rolls and carefully separate the dough into 12 triangles. Spread a generous teaspoon of tangy Dijon mustard across each triangle, which adds a lively kick beneath the savory party that’s about to unfold. Then, cut each triangle lengthwise into three slender triangles, giving the perfect size for a pig in a blanket that’s a satisfying bite.
Step 3: Wrap the Littl’ Smokies
Place one little sausage on the wide end of each dough triangle and roll it up snugly, creating that classic pigs in a blanket look. Nestle each one into the prepared pan, lined up and ready to bake their way to golden deliciousness.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the pan in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This stage crisps up the crescent rolls to a beautiful, golden brown while heating the sausages through, creating a crunchy, warm exterior with a juicy center.
Step 5: Add the Chili and Cheese Topping
Once baked, carefully spoon the savory chili over each pig in a blanket, giving you a rich, hearty layer that will soon meld with the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar generously on top, adding that gooey, melty factor that takes this snack to a whole new level.
Step 6: Final Bake for a Melty Finish
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step warms the chili thoroughly while melting the cheddar cheese to a luscious, irresistible blanket that complements every bite, sealing the deal on this fantastic Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a little bit of sour cream on top for a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich cheese and chili. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat if you love a bit of spice with your snack.
Side Dishes
These pigs in a blanket pair wonderfully with crisp veggie sticks or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness. A side of tangy coleslaw or baked potato wedges can also help create a fuller meal experience around this comforting recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these charming bites in mini muffin tins for portion control and a fun presentation. You can also offer different dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy ketchup on the side to let guests customize their flavor adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They maintain their flavor well and can be enjoyed cold or reheated for a quick snack later.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want a snack, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for the Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispness and melty cheese goodness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Lit’l Smokies are traditional and ideal for this Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe, you can substitute with mini hot dogs, breakfast sausages, or even vegetarian sausages to suit your preference.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
For a milder flavor, choose a mild or no-bean chili and reduce or skip the Dijon mustard. You can also swap cheddar for a milder cheese like mozzarella to tone down the spice level.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pigs in a blanket a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated, then bake right before serving. This is perfect for parties when you want to save time.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
If crescent dough isn’t available, puff pastry can be a fantastic alternative, offering a similar flaky texture that complements the smoky sausages and chili beautifully.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe, use gluten-free crescent roll dough and confirm that the chili and sausages are gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well here.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply satisfying about biting into these warm, cheese-laden, chili-topped pigs in a blanket. They bring a level of cozy comfort that’s hard to beat and are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give this Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe a try and watch it disappear from the plate faster than you can say “more please.” You’re going to love sharing this one with friends and family!
Print
Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3.3 dozen (approximately 40 pieces)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chili Cheese Pigs in a Blanket are a delicious twist on the classic appetizer, featuring mini sausages wrapped in crescent roll dough, topped with zesty Dijon mustard, hearty chili, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for parties or a comforting snack, this recipe combines savory flavors with an easy baking method.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls
- 1 (8-count) tube refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 (4-count) tube refrigerated crescent rolls
Sausage and Toppings
- 1 (14-oz) package Lit’l Smokies
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 (15-oz) can chili
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Unroll both cans of crescent rolls and separate into 12 triangles. Spread a heaping teaspoon of Dijon mustard evenly on each triangle. Then cut each triangle lengthwise into 3 narrow triangles to create smaller pieces.
- Wrap Sausages: Place one Lit’l Smokies sausage on the wide side of each narrow triangle. Carefully roll up the dough around the sausage and place each wrapped piece seam-side down in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake Initial Layer: Bake the rolls uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add Chili and Cheese: Remove the pan from the oven and spoon the warm chili evenly over the baked crescent rolls. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chili is heated through and the cheese has melted nicely.
Notes
- Use refrigerated crescent rolls for convenience and the best texture.
- Cutting the crescent rolls into smaller triangles ensures perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Warm the chili before spooning it over the baked crescent rolls to help it heat evenly in the oven.
- Feel free to substitute Lit’l Smokies with other small sausages if preferred.
- This dish is best served warm right out of the oven.
