Quick Answer
Pigs in a blanket are small sausages wrapped in pastry dough and baked. They are best when served warm right after baking so the pastry is still flaky and the sausage is hot and juicy. However, they can be prepared ahead of time and reheated later to serve. The key is properly storing them after baking and reheating thoroughly before serving.
Do pigs in a blanket need to be served warm?
Pigs in a blanket are a classic appetizer or side dish consisting of small sausages wrapped in pastry dough, like crescent roll dough or puff pastry. The wrapped sausages are then baked until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Part of the appeal of pigs in a blanket is the contrast of the hot, juicy sausage inside the crispy, flaky pastry. Serving them warm right after baking provides the best texture and taste. The pastry is still light and crispy, and the sausage is heated through.
However, it is not strictly necessary to serve pigs in a blanket warm. They can be prepared ahead of time, properly stored, and reheated later to serve. The main considerations are:
Proper storage after baking
After baking, pigs in a blanket should be cooled completely before storing. Leaving them sit out at room temperature can cause the pastry to become soggy.
Once cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The cold environment helps retain the crispy texture of the pastry. Make sure they are not stored together touching each other, as this can also cause them to lose their crispness.
Thorough reheating
When ready to serve, pigs in a blanket should be thoroughly reheated until the filling is hot. Heating them in the oven at 375°F for 6-8 minutes is ideal for evenly reheating without drying them out. Microwaving can work as well, but keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
Heating them through is key for getting the texture and taste as close as possible to just baked pigs in a blanket. A lukewarm sausage inside a soggy pastry dough does not make for a good eating experience.
Tips for Making Pigs in a Blanket
Here are some helpful tips for making tasty pigs in a blanket whether serving immediately or later:
Use quality sausage
The sausage is the star of the show in a pig in a blanket. Splurge on good quality sausage with seasoned meat. Mild bulk sausage or quality cocktail links work well.
Brush with egg wash
Brushing the wrapped sausages with egg wash before baking gives the pastry a shiny, golden brown finish. Whisk 1 egg with 1 Tbsp water or milk.
Cut pastry in triangles
Cutting crescent roll or puff pastry dough into triangles helps seal the sausages better than just rolling them up in a long strip.
Bake at high heat
Baking at 425°F gives the best flaky pastry texture. Make sure pans are lightly greased or lined.
Allow to cool before storing
Letting the baked pigs in a blanket cool completely prevents soggy pastry.
Reheat thoroughly before serving
Hot, crispy pigs in a blanket are worth the extra reheating steps before serving.
Serving Ideas for Pigs in a Blanket
In addition to serving pigs in a blanket as a passed appetizer or on a tray, here are some creative ideas for serving them warm:
During a movie night
Serve piping hot pigs in a blanket at your next movie night or Oscars viewing party. The baked goods contrast all the sweets and candy.
At a breakfast brunch
Wake up guests’ taste buds with a gourmet brunch featuring freshly baked pigs in a blanket.
As a soup topper
Float pigs in a blanket on top of hearty soups like baked potato or beer cheese soup.
In slider form
Make little sausage slider sandwiches on small rolls with desired toppings.
With fun dipping sauces
Offer creative dipping sauces like honey mustard, chili sauce, or cheese sauce for dunking.
In a bread bowl
Serve an abundance of pigs in a blanket piled into a large bread bowl for sharing.
As a cheese board accompaniment
Pair freshly heated pigs in a blanket with an assortment of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and pickles.
Conclusion
While pigs in a blanket can technically be served at room temperature, they are optimally enjoyed freshly baked and served warm. The hot filling and crisp, flaky pastry create the perfect contrast of textures and flavors. However, with proper storage and reheating, pigs in a blanket baked ahead of time can still be almost as good as just baked. Following tips for maximizing their quality and thoroughly heating them through before serving allows you to enjoy pigs in a blanket on your schedule. Whether as an appetizer, side, or light meal, piping hot pigs in a blanket are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.