Pigs in a Blanket, the beloved appetizer or snack featuring sausages wrapped in pastry dough or pancake, has a rich culinary history that spans various cultures. This delectable treat has taken on unique characteristics in each region, from the United States to the United Kingdom, Germany to Israel, and Scandinavia.
The Evolution of Pigs in a Blanket across Cultures
Pigs in a Blanket has undergone a delightful transformation as it traveled across different cultures. It became a classic American favorite in the United States, with cocktail sausages or hot dogs wrapped in biscuit dough or crescent roll dough. The United Kingdom offered a British inspiration with Toad in the Hole, where sausages were baked in a Yorkshire pudding batter. Germany added its twist with “Würstchen im Schlafrock,” encasing sausages in puff pastry or yeast dough. Israel’s version, Moshe B’Tayva, featured deep-fried sausages wrapped in a thin sheet of dough, while Scandinavian countries embraced Medisterpølse i svøb, wrapping sausages in bacon.

Pigs in a Blanket in the USA: A Classic American Favorite
Pigs in a Blanket is special in American cuisine, often served as an appetizer or at social gatherings. The American version typically involves wrapping cocktail sausages or hot dogs in biscuit or crescent roll dough. This creates a perfect marriage of flavors, with the dough providing a flaky and buttery texture that complements the savory sausages. Pigs in a Blanket in the US can be traced back to the mid-20th century. It gained popularity as a convenient and delicious finger food, ideal for parties, picnics, and even children’s events. Today, Pigs in a Blanket is a timeless classic in American cuisine, loved at tailgate parties, family gatherings, and casual dinners.
Toad in the Hole: The British Inspiration for Pigs in a Blanket
Toad in the Hole, the British predecessor to Pigs in a Blanket, showcases the country’s love for comforting and filling dishes. Traditional Toad in the Hole involves placing sausages in a Yorkshire pudding batter and baking it until golden and puffed. The origins of Toad in the Hole can be drafted back to the 18th century when it was a popular dish among working-class families. The inexpensive ingredients, including sausages and the simple batter made from eggs, flour, and milk, made it a budget-friendly option that provided substantial sustenance. Today, Toad in the Hole continues to be a beloved comfort food in British cuisine, often served with onion gravy and accompanied by vegetables.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make, look no further than pigs in a blanket. This classic recipe features cocktail sausages wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry dough. Here’s how to make them:

Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 cocktail sausages
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- salt and pepper
- mustard, ketchup, dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- Cut each triangle into three smaller triangles.
- Place a cocktail sausage on the wide end of each smaller triangle and roll it up in the dough.
- Beat the egg in a bowl and brush it over the tops of the pigs in a blanket.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the tops of the pigs in a blanket.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked.
- Serve hot with mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
That’s all there is to it! This recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any day you want a quick and easy snack. Enjoy!

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