There’s something wonderfully comforting about warm, cheesy bites wrapped in buttery dough – that’s exactly what you get with this Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe. It’s the kind of treat that turns snack time into a mini celebration, with gooey cheese and a hint of garlic butter that just can’t be beat.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made my fair share of pigs in a blanket, but adding garlic butter and melty cheese takes this classic snack to a whole new level. It’s quick to whip up, reliably delicious, and perfect for whenever you need a crowd-pleaser—whether for game day, party appetizers, or a cozy night in.
- Quick & easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at just about 20 minutes, which is fantastic when hunger strikes unexpectedly.
- Flavor-packed: The garlic butter glaze and melty cheese inside bring such rich, savory layers to the simple hot dog wrapped in dough.
- Kid-friendly and customizable: Everyone in the family will enjoy them, and you can easily swap out cheeses or add your favorite toppings.
- Perfect party snack: These pigs in a blanket disappear fast at any gathering. Pair with your favorite dips and watch the smiles appear!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making these pigs in a blanket irresistible. The crescent roll dough provides a buttery, flaky exterior that crisps up beautifully, while the American cheese melts perfectly to coat the hot dog pieces. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, complementing the garlic butter that finishes them off wonderfully.
- Crescent roll dough: Its flakiness and buttery flavor make for the ideal wrapping, plus it browns so nicely in the oven.
- Hot dogs: Classic, juicy, and bite-sized once cut—perfect for wrapping and baking.
- American cheese: Melts smoothly and adds creamy richness that holds everything together.
- Dijon mustard: A small brush adds just the right amount of zing without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Salted butter: This is the base for the garlic butter glaze that brings savory moisture and aroma.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These spices turn simple melted butter into something magical and savory.
- Flaked sea salt: Adds a delightful crunch and bursts of saltiness on top once baked.
- Ketchup, mustard: Classic dips to serve alongside, enhancing every bite.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe is how flexible it is! I love to throw in a bit of jalapeño for a spicy kick, but you can customize it however your taste buds desire.
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap in shredded cheddar or pepper jack instead of American cheese for a sharper, more flavorful melty center. It changes things up in the best way.
- Dietary switch-up: For gluten-free friends, using gluten-free crescent dough works well—just watch your baking time.
- Dip it differently: Try a smoky chipotle mayo or honey mustard instead of classic ketchup and mustard for a gourmet twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Cut Everything Just Right
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking. When you open the crescent roll dough, keep it intact and gently pull into four rectangles instead of separating it into triangles. Pinch the middle of the triangles so they stay together for neat rectangles. Then use a pizza cutter (my favorite tool here) to slice each rectangle into three long strips about ¾-inch wide. This precision helps your pigs in a blanket bake evenly. Cut the hot dogs into thirds so each piece matches the dough strips, and divide the American cheese slices into small pieces that fit nicely inside.
Step 2: Add Mustard, Cheese & Hot Dogs; Roll Them Up
Lightly brush each dough strip with Dijon mustard. It’s subtle but really brightens the flavors. Place a small piece of cheese at the bottom of each strip, then a hot dog piece on top, and roll tightly. I like to tuck the cheese inside carefully so it doesn’t melt out during baking. Arrange your rolled pigs in a blanket seam-side down on the parchment-lined sheet to keep them from unrolling during the bake.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Cheese is Melty
Bake for about 12 minutes—keep an eye out for golden edges and bubbling cheese peeking out. This timing gives you flaky dough and gooey cheese in the perfect ratio without drying things out.
Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter and Season
While your baked pigs in a blanket are warming the kitchen, melt salted butter on the stove, then stir in garlic powder and onion powder to infuse the butter with savory goodness. Once the rolls come out, brush each one generously with the garlic butter glaze and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This step elevates every bite—trust me, it’s a game changer!
Top Tip
From my experience, these tips make all the difference in your Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe turning out perfectly every time.
- Keep dough rectangles intact: Pinching the crescent dough to keep the rectangles whole means your little rolls won’t fall apart as they bake.
- Don’t skip the mustard brush: It adds a subtle zing that balances the richness of the cheese and butter without overpowering the flavor.
- Use a pizza cutter: This tool makes slicing the dough strips so clean and fast—you’ll thank me later!
- Brush on garlic butter right out of the oven: It soaks in better when the bites are hot, packing in maximum flavor.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle the finished pigs in a blanket with a little extra flaky sea salt right after brushing with the garlic butter—it gives a satisfying crunch and subtle burst of saltiness. Sometimes, a tiny sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, but it’s totally optional.
Side Dishes
These are fantastic with simple sides like crisp carrot sticks or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. For a heartier spread, I usually pair them with baked beans or a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
One time for a party, I arranged the pigs in a blanket upright in a tall glass, like mini skewers, alternating with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. It was fun to eat and looked super festive! Also, setting out a variety of dipping sauces, from spicy mustard to cheesy queso, makes the snack feel special and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pigs in a blanket keep surprisingly well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. I like to layer them between parchment paper to avoid sticking together. When you want a snack later, just gently reheat and they’re nearly as good as fresh!
Freezing
I’ve frozen these before, both baked and unbaked. If freezing unbaked, wrap them individually on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple more minutes to the baking time. It’s a wonderful way to have a quick snack ready anytime.
Reheating
The oven or toaster oven is your best bet for reheating leftover pigs in a blanket. It keeps the dough crisp instead of soggy. I heat them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but tends to soften the crust, which I try to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor, you can swap it for cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a cheese blend depending on your taste preferences. Just choose cheeses that melt easily for the best gooey center.
Keeping the crescent dough triangles pinched together into rectangles before cutting helps a lot. Also, when you place the rolled pigs in a blanket on the baking sheet, put the seam side down to help them stay rolled during baking.
Yes! You can freeze the pigs in a blanket raw or baked. For best results, freeze them individually on a baking sheet until firm, then pack in freezer bags. Bake or reheat from frozen, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Classic ketchup and mustard are always winners, but I recommend trying smoky barbecue sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or even spicy chipotle mayo for something different and delicious. Offering a variety lets everyone find their perfect match!
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe holds such a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s simple comfort food turned gourmet snack. It’s my go-to when I want something warm, cheesy, and totally satisfying without fussing over complicated ingredients or long cook times. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as I do—and maybe try some of the little tweaks I love. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
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Oven-Baked Pigs in a Blanket with Garlic Butter and Melty Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 pigs in a blanket
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Pigs in a Blanket featuring hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough, melted cheese, and a savory butter glaze. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs
- 2 slices American cheese
- 1 package crescent roll triangle dough
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Butter Glaze
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Maldon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Dough Rectangles: Remove the crescent roll dough from the can, keep it intact, and gently pull it into four rectangles. Pinch the middle of the triangles together to keep the rectangle shape intact when cutting and rolling.
- Cut Dough Strips: Use a pizza cutter to slice each rectangle into three long strips approximately ¾-inch by 4-inches, resulting in twelve strips total.
- Prepare Hot Dogs and Cheese: Cut each hot dog into thirds to yield twelve pieces. Slice each American cheese slice in half, then into thirds, producing six small pieces of cheese.
- Assemble Pigs in a Blanket: Optionally brush the dough strips with Dijon mustard. Place a piece of cheese on the bottom of each strip followed by a piece of hot dog on top. Roll up the dough around the hot dog and cheese, then place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the cheese has melted inside.
- Prepare Butter Glaze: While baking, melt salted butter in a small saucepan. Stir in onion powder and garlic powder until combined.
- Brush and Finish: Remove pigs in a blanket from the oven and brush them generously with the seasoned butter mixture. Sprinkle with Maldon salt and serve with ketchup and mustard for dipping.
Notes
- Use sharp kitchen scissors or a pizza cutter for even dough strips.
- If preferred, substitute American cheese with cheddar or your favorite melting cheese.
- For spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter glaze.
- Serve immediately for best taste and crispiness.
- These can be reheated in the oven to maintain crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pig in a blanket
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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