Garlic and Italian Herb Cheddar Pigs in a Blanket
Indulge in these delightful Garlic and Italian Herb Cheddar Pigs in a Blanket for a simple yet mouthwatering treat. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun dinner, these savory bites are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients Overview
Cheddar Lit’l Smokies Smoked Sausages: These mini sausages are packed with smoky, cheesy goodness, making them the star of this dish.
Crescent Rolls: Convenient and flaky, these rolls provide the perfect blanket for the sausages.
Kerrygold Garlic and Herb Butter: This premium butter infuses rich garlic and herb flavors into every bite.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an extra layer of flavor to the butter mixture.
Mustard: A touch of mustard (yellow or Dijon) brings a subtle tanginess that complements the savory ingredients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Open the cans of crescent rolls and separate the dough into individual triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create two smaller triangles.
Step 2: Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket
- Rolling: Place one Cheddar Lit’l Smokie on the wide end of each dough triangle. Roll the sausage up in the dough, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the point. Repeat for all sausages.
Step 3: Make the Butter Mixture
- Mixing: In a small bowl, combine the 3.5oz stick of Kerrygold Garlic and Herb Butter (melted), a teaspoon of mustard, and a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
- Brushing: Place the rolled sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each roll generously with the butter mixture using a pastry brush.
- Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Final Touch
- Finishing: Remove the pigs in a blanket from the oven and immediately brush them again with the remaining butter mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serving: Arrange the pigs in a blanket on a serving platter and enjoy them warm. They pair wonderfully with extra mustard or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Helpful Tips for a Seamless Cooking Experience
Tip 1: Even Rolling
- Uniform Size: Make sure to roll each sausage evenly in the dough for uniform cooking and a consistent golden-brown color.
Tip 2: Extra Crispy
- Crispier Rolls: For extra crispy pigs in a blanket, bake them on the top rack of the oven and turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of sausages? Yes, you can substitute Cheddar Lit’l Smokies with other types of mini sausages or even cut-up full-size sausages. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make these in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving.
What dipping sauces go well with this dish? Mustard (both yellow and Dijon) is a classic choice. You can also serve them with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick.
Culinary Secrets for Perfection
Secret 1: High-Quality Butter Using high-quality butter like Kerrygold Garlic and Herb Butter ensures a rich and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Secret 2: Fresh Italian Seasoning Using fresh or high-quality Italian seasoning makes a noticeable difference. You can even make your own blend with dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a touch of garlic powder.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic and Italian Herb Cheddar Pigs in a Blanket are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a delightful combination of flavors that will leave your guests craving more. Enjoy the simplicity and the burst of flavors in every bite
