Pigs in blankets are a popular appetizer or snack consisting of small sausages or hot dogs wrapped in pastry or bacon. The name “pigs in blankets” can refer to different dishes in different countries, but in the United States, it typically refers to small sausages or hot dogs wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough.

Pigs in blankets are often served at parties, holiday gatherings, and as a snack food. They can be served hot or cold, and can be eaten on their own or with a variety of dips or condiments.

In the United Kingdom, “pigs in blankets” can refer to small sausages wrapped in bacon, often served as part of a traditional Christmas dinner. In other countries, similar dishes may go by different names or have different variations.

Overall, pigs in blankets are a versatile and popular snack food that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

	Ingredients:
1	1 package of refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
2	8 small sausages or hot dogs
3	1 egg, beaten
4	Optional: ketchup, mustard, or other dipping sauces

Step-by-step cooking instructions of Pigs in Blankets:

Step-1 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step-2 Open the package of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits.

Step-3 Take each biscuit and flatten it with your hand or a rolling pin to make it a little thinner.

Step-4 Take a small sausage or hot dog and place it at one end of the flattened biscuit dough.

Step-5 Roll the dough around the sausage or hot dog, tucking the edges in to seal it.

Step-6 Repeat with the remaining sausages or hot dogs and biscuit dough.

Step-7 Brush the tops of the pigs in blankets with beaten egg.

Step-8 Place the pigs in blankets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.

Step-9 Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Step-10 Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step-11 Serve with ketchup, mustard, or other dipping sauces, if desired.

Nutritional value of Pigs in Blankets:

The nutritional value of pigs in blankets can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, in general, pigs in blankets tend to be high in calories, fat, and sodium.

Here are the approximate nutritional values for a serving of pigs in blankets made with biscuit dough and a small sausage or hot dog:

1	Calories: 150-200
2	Total Fat: 10-15 grams
3	Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
4	Cholesterol: 20-30 milligrams
5	Sodium: 400-600 milligrams
6	Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
7	Protein: 5-7 grams

It’s important to know that the nutritional values can vary based on the size of the sausage or hot dog used, as well as the specific brand and type of biscuit dough. Additionally, if you use bacon to wrap the sausage or hot dog, the nutritional values may be different as bacon is generally higher in fat and calories than biscuit dough.

While pigs in blankets can be a tasty treat, they are not a particularly healthy food due to their high calorie, fat, and sodium content. It’s best to enjoy them in moderation as an occasional treat rather than as a regular part of your diet.

Background History of Pigs in Blankets:

 The origin of the term “pigs in blankets” is unclear, and the dish has been known by this name in various forms for at least a century. The concept of wrapping meat in dough or pastry, however, dates back much further.

In the United States, the term “pigs in blankets” first appeared in print in the early 1950s, and referred to small sausages wrapped in pancake batter and then fried. This dish was a popular breakfast food at the time.

In the United Kingdom, “pigs in blankets” typically refers to small sausages wrapped in bacon, and is a traditional part of a Christmas dinner. This dish dates back at least to the 19th century, and was often served as part of a feast with roast beef or turkey.

In other parts of the world, similar dishes exist under different names. In Germany, for example, “würstchen I’m schlafrock” translates to “little sausages in a dressing gown,” and refers to small sausages wrapped in pastry dough.

Overall, the concept of wrapping meat in dough or pastry is a popular one across many different cultures and has been around for centuries. While the specific term “pigs in blankets” may be relatively recent, the dish itself has a long and varied history.

	Advantages of Pigs in Blankets:
1	Quick and easy to make: Pigs in blankets can be made quickly and easily using only a few ingredients, making them a great option for a simple snack or appetizer.
2	Delicious taste: The combination of sausage or hot dog and pastry or bacon in pigs in blankets can be very satisfying and delicious.
3	Versatile: Pigs in blankets can be made with a variety of different ingredients and can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
4	Crowd-pleaser: Pigs in blankets are a popular snack food that is often enjoyed at parties and gatherings, making them a good choice for feeding a crowd.

	Disadvantages of Pigs in Blankets:
1	High in calories, fat, and sodium: Pigs in blankets tend to be high in calories, fat, and sodium, which can make them a less healthy option.
2	Not suitable for those with dietary restrictions: Pigs in blankets typically contain meat and wheat-based products, making them unsuitable for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
3	May be unhealthy if consumed frequently: Due to their high calorie and fat content, consuming pigs in blankets frequently may contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
4	Limited nutritional value: While pigs in blankets may be tasty, they do not provide a significant amount of essential vitamins or minerals.

Compare with similar meal Pigs in Blankets:

Here are some similar meals to pigs in blankets:

1	Sausage rolls: Sausage rolls are a popular snack food in the UK and other countries, typically made with a filling of seasoned ground sausage meat wrapped in puff pastry.
2	Croissants: Croissants are a buttery, flaky pastry that can be filled with various ingredients, such as ham and cheese or sausage.
3	Empanadas: Empanadas are a popular Latin American pastry filled with various ingredients, such as ground beef, chicken, or vegetables.
4	Samosas: Samosas are a popular snack in Indian and South Asian cuisine, typically made with a filling of spiced vegetables or meat wrapped in a crispy pastry.
5	Hot pockets: Hot pockets are a convenience food made with a filling of meat and/or cheese wrapped in a pastry shell.

Mostly questions asked about Pigs in Blankets:

Q: What are pigs in blankets?

A: Pigs in blankets are a type of snack or appetizer consisting of small sausages or hot dogs wrapped in pastry, typically served warm.

Q: What kind of pastry is used for pigs in blankets?

A: Pigs in blankets can be made with a variety of pastries, such as puff pastry or crescent roll dough.

Q: What kind of sausage is used for pigs in blankets?

A: Pigs in blankets can be made with a variety of sausages or hot dogs, depending on personal preference. Miniature hot dogs or cocktail sausages are commonly used.

Q: Where did pigs in blankets originate?

A: The origin of pigs in blankets is uncertain, but the dish has been known in various forms for at least a century. The concept of wrapping meat in dough or pastry dates back much further.

Q: Are pigs in blankets healthy?

A: Given that they are frequently heavy in calories, fat, and sodium, pigs in blankets are not typically seen as a healthy food. However, they can be moderately consumed and included in a diet that is balanced.

Q: How do you make pigs in blankets?

A: To make pigs in blankets, wrap small sausages or hot dogs in pastry, then bake in the oven until golden brown and heated through.

Q: Can you freeze pigs in blankets?

A: Yes, pigs in blankets can be frozen and reheated later. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then freeze. Bake in the oven until thoroughly heated to reheat.

Q: What are some variations of pigs in blankets?

A: Variations of pigs in blankets can include using different types of sausages or hot dogs, adding cheese or other fillings, or wrapping the sausages in bacon instead of pastry.

Q: What occasions are pigs in blankets typically served?

A: Pigs in blankets are often served as a snack or appetizer at parties, gatherings, or other informal occasions. They can also be enjoyed as a simple meal or as part of a larger spread.

Q: Why is it called pigs in a blanket?

A: They are referred to as “pigs in blankets” because they are made from pigs (sausage) and covered in a blanket. It’s vital to understand that “pig in a blanket” refers to a cocktail sausage wrapped in pastry similar to a croissant in the US.