Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket

Stop everything and whip up these delectable pretzel pigs in a blanket right now! Fresh from the oven, my kitchen is wafting with the glorious aroma of a German bakery marrying a charming neighborhood deli. These inviting treats marry the beloved nostalgia of classic pigs in a blanket with the chewy delight of soft pretzels. Trust me, once your friends taste these, they won’t let you show up empty-handed to any gathering!

Why You’ll Love These Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket

Perfect Party Snack: These are the ultimate party munchies! Bite-sized, easy to share, and sure to wow your guests.

Irresistible Taste: Wrapped in soft, chewy pretzel dough and topped with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, these mini smoked sausages create a mouthwatering experience like no other.

Versatile Dipping Options: The pairing possibilities are endless! Enjoy these bites with tangy mustard, creamy cheese sauce, or any of your favorite dips.

Fun to Make: Gather your loved ones in the kitchen for a delightful cooking session that’s bound to bring smiles.

Ingredients

  • Refrigerated Pizza Crust: The base for our pretzel layer, providing that perfect chewy texture.
  • Mini Smoked Sausages: Bite-sized and full of flavor, they pair perfectly with the pretzel crust.
  • Water: Essential for achieving that classic pretzel dough texture.
  • Baking Soda: This turns your dough into the soft pretzel we all love!
  • Egg: Beaten to serve as a wash, giving our pretzels a shiny, golden finish.
  • Coarse Sea Salt: The finishing touch that replicates the iconic pretzel topping.

How to Make Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket

Ready for a fun cooking adventure? These delightful bites are super easy to make!

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. Roll and Slice the Dough

On a clean cutting board, roll out your pizza crust to about ¼-inch thickness using a rolling pin. Slice the dough in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 12 strips. You should have 24 pieces ready to roll!

3. Wrap the Sausages

Take each mini sausage and wrap it snugly with a strip of dough, leaving the ends slightly exposed. Press gently to seal the dough in place.

4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath

In a medium saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, stir in the baking soda until fully dissolved.

5. Boil the Dough-Wrapped Sausages

Carefully drop the wrapped sausages into the boiling water, working in batches of 3–4. Boil for about 20–30 seconds before removing them with a slotted spoon. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.

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6. Apply the Egg Wash and Salt

Brush each pretzel-wrapped sausage with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.

7. Bake

Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 15–18 minutes until the pretzels are golden brown and you can’t resist their alluring aroma.

8. Serve

Enjoy these warm pretzel bites with a selection of dipping sauces. Mustard, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or a sweet and tangy honey mustard blend are all fantastic choices!

Tips for the Best Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket

Make your pretzel pigs in a blanket even more incredible with these handy tips!

  • Room Temperature is Key: Allow refrigerated pizza dough to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling to avoid any shrinkage.
  • Seal with Care: Dampen the edges of the dough strip with a bit of water before wrapping to keep it secure during the boiling process.
  • Stick to Boiling Basics: Don’t overcrowd your boiling water bath. Small batches will help maintain the temperature and texture of the pretzels.
  • Give Them Some Space: Leave at least 1 inch between each wrapped sausage on the baking sheet for even cooking and browning.
  • Try Tasty Variations: Mix it up with different sausage types, like spicy Italian or turkey, or use everything bagel seasoning instead of salt!
  • Mix Up Your Dippers: Explore different dipping sauces like beer cheese sauce, ranch, spicy brown mustard, or warm marinara for a flavorful experience.
  • Get Ahead of the Game: Prepare and wrap the sausages up to 24 hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

How to Store

If you find yourself with leftover pretzel pigs in a blanket, follow these tips to keep them fresh:

To Store: Keep your baked pretzel bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: Assemble the unbaked pretzel pigs and freeze them in a single layer for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, where they’ll last up to 2 months.

To Reheat: Simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza crust?

Absolutely! Homemade pretzel dough will give you an even fresher taste. Just follow a basic pretzel dough recipe for the best results.

2. Can I use other types of sausages?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various sausages like spicy Italian, chicken, or even vegetarian options for a great twist.

3. What are some popular dipping sauces for these bites?

Some favorite dips include mustard, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or even a sweet chili sauce for a bit of zest.

4. How do I prevent the dough from tearing?

Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature and well-knit. If you notice tearing, gently knead it back together before rolling.

5. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can wrap the sausages up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to boil and bake them.

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