Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST! Recipe
If you thought the classic party snack couldn’t be improved, get ready for Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST! This irresistible recipe takes everything you love about the traditional favorite—savory franks, golden pastry, melty cheese—and wraps it up in crisp, buttery puff pastry with a dapple of crunchy seeds and a fancy sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The secret is in the details: jumbo beef franks, bold cheddar, a touch of smoke from Maldon salt, and the rich, bakery-level flavor that only puff pastry can deliver. Prepare to watch these disappear from the plate before you even set out the dipping sauces!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST! is wonderfully short, but each one is a star. From tangy cheddar to delicate puff pastry, these components work hard to create that wow-factor in every bite.
- Jumbo beef franks: Bold and meaty, these are meatier than your average cocktail sausage, making each bite satisfyingly substantial.
- Puff pastry: The flaky, buttery exterior sets this version far apart from the canned dough variety and bakes up beautifully every time.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp, creamy cheddar melts around the franks, creating a gooey layer of flavor that perfectly balances the rich pastry.
- Egg wash (egg + water): Gives the pastry a glossy sheen and helps the seeds stick, turning a simple snack into something show-stopping.
- Mixed seeds (sesame, poppy, caraway): Adds crunch, color, and an inviting aroma—don’t be shy about trying your own favorite blend!
- Sea salt flakes: Maldon smoked sea salt is especially delightful here, delivering a little pop of smoky flavor and reinforcing the overall savory profile.
How to Make Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST!
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Lay out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured board. Gently roll it out to about 10 by 12 inches; you don’t need to be exact, but try to get a rectangle so your strips are even. This helps every single pig in a blanket bake up with just the right amount of crispy, flaky edge.
Step 2: Slice the Pastry
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry lengthwise into eight long, 1-inch strips. This makes them the perfect width for winding around your beef franks without overwhelming the filling, and helps every bite maintain that magical balance of bread, cheese, and hot dog.
Step 3: Cheese & Wrap the Franks
Brush two of your pastry strips lightly with the egg wash (egg beaten with a tablespoon of water). Take one frank and wrap it snugly in 1 1/2 slices of cheddar. Next, wind one pastry strip around half of the frank, then spiral the other strip around the remainder, making sure to overlap just slightly for a good seal. Repeat this process with the rest of your franks and pastry strips—it’s fun and a little bit messy in the best possible way!
Step 4: Top & Sprinkle
Place your wrapped franks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with a generous layer of egg wash to help the seeds adhere and ensure ultimate browning. Now for the signature flair: sprinkle the tops and sides liberally with your seed mix and finish with a shower of those fabulous sea salt flakes. The combination of crunch, color, and that little lick of smoke from the salt makes all the difference.
Step 5: Chill before Baking
Pop the whole tray in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before baking. This step ensures the pastry puffs up rather than melts down, capturing all those buttery layers and holding in the gooey cheese. Don’t skip this chill—it transforms the texture from good to bakery-level fantastic!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your chilled, prepped franks straight into the hot oven. Bake for about 20 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden, puffed, and crisp. Keep an eye out: you want them a rich color for full flavor, but don’t let them scorch. Cool slightly, then slice each franken-pastry into five bite-sized pieces—watch the cheese ooze and try to resist stealing one right off the tray!
How to Serve Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST!
Garnishes
Garnishes take these from simple snack to party centerpiece. Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a touch of color, or add extra flaky salt just before serving for a dramatic finish. If you’re feeling playful, a drizzle of honey or hot honey can add a surprise streak of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST! shine on their own, but pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, or a crisp salad for balance. Don’t forget the dips—zesty mustard, creamy ranch, or even a wild Sriracha-mayo for guests who like a kick.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the sliced pieces on a wooden board and dotting the tray with tiny bowls of sauces. For dramatic flair, arrange them upright in a mason jar or line up in shot glasses with dipping sauces at the base—it’s the kind of interactive snack that gets everyone mingling and munching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them an easy grab-and-go treat for busy afternoons or impromptu picnics.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? Prepare Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST! up to the chilling step, then freeze the unbaked, wrapped franks on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and stash for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes for perfect results.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked crispness, reheat your pigs in a blanket in a 350 degrees F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the pastry soggy. A toaster oven is your next-best bet for a quick, snack-time revival.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dogs instead of jumbo beef franks?
Absolutely! While jumbo beef franks give you heartier bites, regular hot dogs or even chicken sausages work great—just adjust the amount of cheese and pastry to fit the new size.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Of course! There are some stellar plant-based puff pastries and dairy-free cheeses available nowadays. Just be sure to check labels for butter or egg in the pastry if you’re catering to all dietary needs.
What if I don’t have all the seeds?
Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST! are customizable: use just sesame, only poppy, or get creative with everything bagel seasoning. The seeds add crunch and flavor, but the dish is still delicious with just one or two types—or none at all!
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Chilling the wrapped franks before baking is key, as it firms up the pastry and helps it puff without melting. Also, avoid over-stuffing with cheese to keep everything crisp and flaky inside and out.
Can I serve these at room temperature?
Definitely! Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST! are best hot and fresh, but they’re still delicious at room temp, making them ideal for parties and picnics where oven-warm snacks just aren’t practical.
Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST!: Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried this playful, upscale spin on a classic, you’ll see why Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST! have become my absolute go-to for gatherings, movie nights, and anytime snacking. They’re crunchy, cheesy, salty, and full of fun. Don’t wait for an excuse—gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and watch the whole platter disappear. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Print
Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST! Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pigs in a Blanket with a TWIST are a delightful and flavorful take on a classic favorite. Jumbo beef franks are wrapped in puff pastry with cheddar cheese, then topped with a mix of seeds and sea salt before baking to golden perfection. Perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer!
Ingredients
Pigs in a Blanket:
- 12 oz jumbo beef franks ((1 pkg of 4 franks))
Puff Pastry:
- 8 oz puff pastry ((1 sheet))
Cheddar Cheese:
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg (beaten with a Tbsp of water)
Seed Topping:
- 2 Tbsp seeds (such as sesame, poppy, and caraway seeds)
Sea Salt Flakes:
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes (Maldon smoked sea salt flakes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured board to 10 x 12 inches and cut into 1-inch strips.
- Wrap the franks: Wrap each frank in cheddar cheese slices, then wrap with pastry strips.
- Top and chill: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with seeds and salt. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Bake: Bake the wrapped franks until puffed and golden, about 20 minutes.
- Serve: Slice each frank into 5 pieces and serve with mustard if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider serving with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pigs in a Blanket, Appetizer, Party Food, Easy Recipe, Snack, Puff Pastry
