Get ready to elevate a beloved childhood classic with an irresistible adult twist: “Everything Spice” Pigs in a Blanket! This isn’t just a snack; it’s a culinary journey back to simpler times, enhanced with the savory, aromatic blend of everything bagel seasoning. Perfect for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to the most anticipated game day, these homemade pigs in a blanket are sure to be the star of your appetizer spread. Say goodbye to plain, boring bites and hello to an explosion of flavor and texture that will have everyone reaching for more.
The Ultimate Game Day Snack: Beyond the Scoreboard
For many, game day—especially the Super Bowl—is synonymous with thrilling plays, nail-biting finishes, and spirited camaraderie. However, for those of us who might not be ardent football enthusiasts, there’s an equally compelling reason to tune in: the food! While the commercials certainly offer some entertainment, it’s the promise of a glorious spread of snack foods that truly captures my attention. Give me four hours of delicious appetizers, dips, and hearty chili over a touchdown dance any day. It’s a universal truth: good food makes any event better, and game day snacks are in a league of their own. Forget the score; I’m here for the spread!
Nostalgia on a Platter: The Classic Pigs in a Blanket
This year, my ultimate craving transports me straight back to childhood: the irresistible charm of little sausage piggies lovingly enveloped in a soft, golden blanket of bread. Pigs in a blanket are more than just an appetizer; they are a timeless emblem of comfort food, a staple at birthday parties, family gatherings, and holiday feasts. Their simplicity belies their universal appeal – who can resist a juicy sausage baked inside a tender, slightly sweet dough?
While you can certainly opt for full-size hot dogs for a more substantial bite, I find that crafting mini versions creates the perfect party appetizer. These bite-sized delights are incredibly easy to eat, making them ideal for mingling and sharing. Whether you call them pigs in a blanket, franks in a blanket, or simply mini hot dog rolls, their undeniable charm remains. The contrast between the savory sausage and the fluffy, slightly sweet bread is what makes this dish so enduringly popular.
The “Everything Spice” Revelation: A Grown-Up Upgrade
Now, if you know me, you know I can never simply “leave well enough alone” when it comes to classic recipes. There’s always room for a little culinary innovation, a touch of something special to elevate the familiar. That’s precisely where the “everything spice” comes into play. For those unfamiliar, everything spice – famously inspired by the everything bagel – is a magical blend of savory and aromatic ingredients: crunchy sesame seeds, delicate poppy seeds, robust dried minced onion, fragrant dried minced garlic, and a hint of coarse salt. It’s a flavor powerhouse that adds an incredible depth and texture to anything it graces.
Sprinkling this vibrant seasoning over our humble pigs in a blanket transforms them from a simple snack into a gourmet experience. The spice creates a delightful crust, imparting a nutty, garlicky, and oniony flavor that perfectly complements the savory sausages and the tender bread. It’s a sophisticated twist that elevates this childhood favorite to adult-level deliciousness, making it suitable for even the most discerning palates. This addition isn’t just about flavor; it’s about adding an unexpected layer of complexity that keeps you coming back for more.
Dunk and Enjoy: Serving Your Everything Spice Pigs in a Blanket
Despite the sophisticated upgrade of everything spice, some traditions are simply too good to break. For me, that means still enjoying these fantastic bites dunked generously in both ketchup and mustard, just like I did as a kid. The tangy sweetness of ketchup and the sharp bite of mustard create a nostalgic flavor combination that perfectly balances the rich savory notes of the sausage and the everything spice. However, don’t feel limited! These versatile appetizers would also be delightful with a spicy sriracha mayo, a creamy honey mustard, a smoky BBQ sauce, or even a zesty ranch dip. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dipping sauces to make them truly your own.
Pro Baking Tips: Mastering Your Dough Rise
Working with yeast dough can sometimes be a test of patience, especially during colder months when kitchen temperatures can slow down the fermentation process. A properly risen dough is key to achieving that wonderfully light and airy texture in your pigs in a blanket. Here are a few clever tricks to help your dough rise faster and more consistently:
- The Warm Oven Method: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 170-200°F or 75-90°C) for just a few minutes. Then, turn the oven off completely. Place your covered bowl of dough on the center rack and close the door. The residual warmth creates a perfect proofing environment. Be sure the oven isn’t too hot – you want a warm, not hot, space.
- The Microwave Technique: Place a cup of water in your microwave and heat it for 2 minutes until it’s steaming. Remove the hot water cup, then immediately place your covered dough in the microwave. Close the door, but do not turn it on. The moist, warm environment will encourage a quick and active rise.
- Alternative Warm Spots: Don’t have a microwave or prefer another option? Consider these cozy spots:
- Rest your dough on top of a warm oven that’s been in use.
- Place it on a chair positioned directly over a heater vent.
- Even a running dryer machine can generate enough warmth on its surface to aid in rising.
- For a consistent rise, some home bakers even use a proofing box or a warm spot near a sunny window.
Remember, consistency in warmth is more important than extreme heat, which can kill the yeast. A gentle, steady warmth is ideal for a beautifully risen dough.
Everything Spice Pigs in a Blanket
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Ingredients
- ⅓ cup honey (85 grams)
- ½ cup water (120 ml)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56 ml)
- 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour (300-360 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet Red Star Active-Dry Yeast (7 grams, 2 ¼ teaspoon)
- 2 large eggs
- 8 full size or 24 mini hot dogs/sausages
- 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water , for egg wash
- Everything spice , for sprinkling (below)
Everything spice:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
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In a small saucepan set over medium-low heat, gently warm the honey, water, and butter. Stir occasionally until the butter is just melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for approximately 5 minutes, or until its temperature reaches between 120-130°F (49-54°C). This temperature is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl if mixing by hand with a wooden spoon, combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, the salt, and the active-dry yeast. Pour the cooled honey mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, forming a shaggy dough. Next, add the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth, consistent dough.
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With the mixer running on a low speed (or continuing by hand), gradually add the remaining flour, ¼ cup at a time. Continue adding flour until the dough begins to clear the sides of the bowl and is no longer sticky to the touch. You may not need all 3 cups of flour, so adjust as necessary based on consistency. Once the dough reaches this stage, switch to a dough hook attachment (or continue kneading by hand) and knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when lightly pressed.
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Lightly grease a clean large bowl with a little oil or cooking spray. Transfer the kneaded dough to the greased bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the covered dough in a warm, draft-free place (refer to the Pro Baking Tips above for ideal spots) and let it rise until it has doubled in size, which should take approximately 1 hour. This first rise develops the flavor and texture of the bread.
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Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the accumulated gases. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times by hand to redistribute the yeast. Now, it’s time to shape your pigs in a blanket! Pinch off portions of the dough – smaller pieces for mini sausages (about 1 inch wide) and larger pieces for regular-sized sausages (about 1.5-2 inches wide). Roll each portion into a thin rope. Carefully wrap each dough rope around a sausage, starting from one end and spiraling towards the other, ensuring the ends are securely tucked underneath. Place the wrapped sausages seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each for expansion.
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After wrapping all the sausages, cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the pigs in a blanket to rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until visibly puffed up and nearly doubled in size. While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
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To prepare the homemade everything spice, combine all the listed ingredients (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and coarse salt) in a small bowl and mix well. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the additional large egg and 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the risen dough of each pig in a blanket with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown shine and help the seasoning adhere. Generously sprinkle the everything spice over the tops of the brushed dough. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is golden brown and the sausages are heated through. This typically takes about 12 minutes for mini pigs in a blanket and around 15 minutes for regular-sized ones. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Disclosure: This delicious “Everything Spice” Pigs in a Blanket recipe was thoughtfully developed in partnership with Red Star Yeast. We extend our sincere gratitude for supporting collaborations with brands we genuinely admire and trust, which are essential in making Completely Delicious possible. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are 100% our own, as always, reflecting our true passion for quality ingredients and exceptional baking.
Stay connected and discover more amazing recipes and expert baking advice from Red Star Yeast! You can find them on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google+. For an even deeper dive into the world of baking, be sure to visit their official website, where you’ll find an extensive collection of recipes, invaluable bread baking tips, and a wealth of inspiration for your next culinary adventure. Happy baking!