The Best Lil Smokies Pig in a Blanket Recipe You’ll Ever Try
If you’ve ever been to a party, game night, or family get-together, you’ve probably seen pigs in a blanket sitting on the snack table.
But let me tell you something—when you make them with lil smokies, they go from good to absolutely amazing.
I still remember the first time I made these for my friends, and they disappeared faster than any other dish I put out. That’s when I knew I had to share this recipe with you.
These little bites are warm, soft, savory, and just so satisfying.
The buttery crescent roll wrapping around a juicy lil smokie is one of those things you don’t realize you need in your life until you take that first bite. And trust me, once you try them, you’ll keep making them over and over again.
Let’s get into everything you need to know about making the perfect lil smokies pig in a blanket.
What Exactly Are Lil Smokies Pigs in a Blanket?
If you’re new to this snack, let’s break it down. Pigs in a blanket are usually mini sausages wrapped in some kind of dough and baked until golden brown. When you use lil smokies instead of regular hot dogs, you get an even better version because they’re smokier, juicier, and perfectly sized for one-bite snacks.
Think of them as bite-sized comfort food that you can enjoy anytime—whether it’s for breakfast, a party appetizer, or even a quick family snack.
Why Lil Smokies Make the Best Pigs in a Blanket
There are many ways to make pigs in a blanket, but lil smokies really take it to the next level. Here’s why:
- Flavor: Lil smokies are smoky and juicy, which makes every bite more flavorful than a plain hot dog.
- Perfect Size: They’re already small, so you don’t need to cut anything. Just wrap and bake.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love them, adults love them—there’s no losing with these.
- Versatile: You can serve them with so many different dipping sauces and toppings.
Basically, if you want a snack that disappears quickly at any party, lil smokies are the way to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You only need a handful of ingredients:
- 1 package of lil smokies sausages (usually about 14 oz)
- 1 can of crescent roll dough (or puff pastry if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (optional topping)
- Dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce
That’s it. Just a few things, and you’re ready to make a crowd-pleasing snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make these lil smokies pigs in a blanket. It’s super easy, but I’ll break it down so you can follow along without a single worry.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Get the Dough Ready
Open your crescent roll can and separate the dough into triangles. Cut each triangle into three smaller strips. Each strip will be the perfect size to wrap one lil smokie.
Step 3: Wrap the Smokies
Take one lil smokie and place it at the wide end of a strip of dough. Roll it up so it’s completely covered. Repeat with the rest until all your smokies are wrapped.
Step 4: Add Toppings (Optional but Recommended)
Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning. This makes them look and taste even better.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and flaky.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Take them out, let them cool for just a couple of minutes, and serve with your favorite dips.
Dipping Sauces That Take Them Over the Top
Sure, you can serve these plain, but why stop there? Dipping sauces are what make lil smokies pigs in a blanket unforgettable. Here are some of my favorites:
- Classic Ketchup and Mustard – Simple and always a hit.
- BBQ Sauce – Sweet and smoky, perfect match for the sausages.
- Honey Mustard – A little sweet, a little tangy, super delicious.
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy and refreshing.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo – If you want to add a kick.
You can even set up a dipping station if you’re serving these at a party. Trust me, people love having choices.
Fun Variations to Try
One thing I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can get creative and make them your own. Here are some fun ideas:
- Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket: Add a little strip of cheddar cheese before wrapping the smokie.
- Bacon-Wrapped Pigs in a Blanket: Wrap the smokie in half a slice of bacon, then wrap with dough.
- Garlic Butter Pigs in a Blanket: Brush garlic butter on top before baking.
- Spicy Version: Add a slice of jalapeño inside the dough for a kick.
- Breakfast Style: Use pancake or biscuit dough instead of crescent rolls.
These little changes make a huge difference and keep things exciting.
When to Serve Lil Smokies Pig in a Blanket
Honestly, there’s no wrong time to serve these. But here are some of the best occasions:
- Game Day Parties – The ultimate finger food for watching sports.
- Birthday Parties – Kids and adults both love them.
- Holiday Gatherings – Perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s.
- Potlucks – Easy to transport and guaranteed to be a hit.
- Movie Nights – Quick snack that’s better than popcorn.
Basically, if people are gathering, these should be on the menu.
Tips for Making Them Ahead of Time
If you want to save time, you can prepare these in advance. Here’s how:
- Make Ahead and Refrigerate: Wrap the smokies in dough and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a bag once frozen. Bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
- Reheat Leftovers: If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but possible), reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
Let me be real with you—sometimes the simplest recipes are the best ones. Lil smokies pigs in a blanket check every box:
- They’re easy to make.
- They taste amazing.
- They work for every occasion.
- They disappear fast, which is always a good sign.
Every time I make these, someone asks me for the recipe. That’s why I know you’ll love making them too.
FAQs About Lil Smokies Pig in a Blanket
Q1: Can I use hot dogs instead of lil smokies?
Yes, you can cut hot dogs into smaller pieces, but lil smokies have more flavor and a better bite.
Q2: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Definitely! Puff pastry makes them extra flaky and buttery.
Q3: How long do they stay fresh?
They’re best served fresh, but you can store them in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheat.
Q4: Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes, you can use veggie sausages instead of lil smokies. The process is the same.
Q5: What’s the best way to keep them warm at a party?
Put them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, or cover them with foil to keep the heat in.
Final Thoughts
Lil smokies pigs in a blanket are one of those recipes that just makes life better. They’re fun to make, fun to eat, and always a favorite. The combination of smoky sausage, buttery dough, and delicious dips makes them an irresistible snack for any occasion.
So next time you’re planning a party or just want a cozy treat at home, try this recipe. You’ll see exactly why I—and everyone else—love them so much.
