This pigs in a blanket casserole is a delightful twist on the classic appetizer. It's a simple and comforting dish packed with your favorite hot dogs and oozy cheddar cheese, all baked into a flaky crescent roll crust. This casserole is perfect for any gathering, be it a simple family dinner or a big party.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should easily found in your local supermarket. However, if you're in a region where crescent roll dough is not readily available, look for it in the refrigerated section of the store, near the biscuits. It's a pre-made dough that comes in a tube. Also, feel free to experiment with your favorite hot dog brand for this recipe, including plant-based options for a vegetarian variant.
Pigs in a Blanket Casserole Ingredients
Crescent roll dough: This is a pre-made dough that's used to make crescent rolls. It's soft, flaky, and bakes to a golden-brown color.
Cheddar cheese: This popular cheese is known for its rich, sharp flavor. It melts easily, making it perfect for this casserole.
Hot dogs: They are the 'pigs' in this blanket casserole. Choose your favorite brand or even substitute with sausage or bratwurst.
One reader, Joya Turpin says:
This pigs in a blanket casserole recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flaky crescent roll dough, savory hot dogs, and gooey cheddar cheese is simply irresistible. It's a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make. I highly recommend trying it for a delicious and comforting meal.
Techniques Required for Making Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to grease the baking dish: Use a small amount of butter or cooking spray to coat the 9x13-inch baking dish.
How to roll out crescent roll dough: Gently unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring that all seams are pinched together.
How to spread cheddar cheese: Evenly spread 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the layer of dough, and then spread the remaining cup of cheese over the hot dogs.
How to bake the casserole: Place the prepared casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until it turns golden brown and is heated throughout.
How to serve: Serve the pigs in a blanket casserole warm and enjoy!
How To Make Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
This casserole is a new version of the classic pigs in a blanket dish that kids love! Serve this savory and filling dish up at your dinner gathering.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozcrescent roll dough,refrigerated
- 2cupscheddar cheese,shredded, divided
- 16ozhot dogs,cut into slices
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Roll out 1 can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pinching all the seams together.
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Spread 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the dough, top with the hot dogs, then spread the remaining cheese over the top.
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Roll the remaining crescent roll dough over the top, then pinch the seams together.
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Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until golden brown and hot throughout.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 383.74kcal
- Fat: 27.82g
- Saturated Fat: 12.74g
- Trans Fat: 0.39g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.76g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.41g
- Carbohydrates: 15.59g
- Fiber: 0.77g
- Sugar: 0.33g
- Protein: 16.97g
- Cholesterol: 62.01mg
- Sodium: 850.67mg
- Calcium: 251.10mg
- Potassium: 150.95mg
- Iron: 1.54mg
- Vitamin A: 97.00µg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
To ensure your pigs in a blanket casserole has a nice, even layer of crescent roll dough, try using a rolling pin to flatten the dough before placing it in the baking dish. This will help create a uniform base for your casserole and prevent any uneven cooking. Additionally, when layering the hot dogs and cheddar cheese, make sure to distribute them evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
Prep ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. This way, all you need to do is pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself.
Batch cooking: Cook a large batch of hot dogs and freeze them for future use in this recipe.
Pre-cut the crescent roll dough: Pre-cut the crescent roll dough into the desired size to save time during assembly.
One-pan clean-up: Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Pigs in a Blanket Casserole Recipe
crescent roll dough - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can provide a flakier and more buttery texture, which can add a richer flavor to the casserole.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese has a nuttier and more complex flavor profile, which can elevate the overall taste of the casserole.
hot dogs - Substitute with smoked sausage: Smoked sausage can offer a more robust and savory flavor, enhancing the taste of the casserole.
Presenting Your Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
Elevate the hot dogs: Instead of using regular hot dogs, consider using gourmet sausages or specialty hot dogs to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives over the casserole to add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Create a cheese crust: Instead of simply spreading the cheese on top, create a beautiful cheese crust by layering and melting the cheddar cheese to form a golden, crispy topping.
Serve in individual ramekins: For an elegant touch, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to create a personalized and upscale presentation.
Accompany with gourmet mustard: Serve the casserole with a side of gourmet mustard or a homemade dipping sauce to elevate the flavor profile and add a gourmet touch to the dish.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle delicate microgreens over the casserole just before serving to add a touch of elegance and a burst of fresh flavor.
Use high-quality crescent roll dough: Opt for a premium or homemade crescent roll dough to enhance the overall taste and texture of the casserole.
Add a drizzle of truffle oil: Before serving, lightly drizzle the casserole with a small amount of truffle oil to impart a luxurious aroma and flavor to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting food.
- Baking dish: A dish specifically designed for baking, typically made of glass, ceramic, or metal.
- Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough.
- Cheese grater: A tool used to grate cheese into fine pieces.
- Measuring cup: A cup used to measure the volume of liquid or solid ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting and turning food.
- Oven mitts: Insulated gloves used to handle hot dishes and cookware.
- Grease: A substance used to coat the baking dish to prevent food from sticking.
Storing and Freezing Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
Let the pigs in a blanket casserole cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the crescent roll dough soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole:
- Wrap the cooled casserole dish securely with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help protect against freezer burn.
- Label the dish with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Place the wrapped casserole in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the frozen casserole:
- Remove the casserole from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and foil, and cover the dish with fresh aluminum foil.
- Bake the casserole for 20-30 minutes, or until it's heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If the crescent roll dough starts to brown too quickly, tent the foil loosely over the top of the dish to prevent burning.
Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions of the casserole:
- Cut the cooled casserole into serving-sized squares.
- Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the individual portions for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, unwrap the desired number of squares, place them on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
How To Reheat Pigs in a Blanket Casserole Leftovers
To reheat leftover pigs in a blanket casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and drying out. Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a single serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the hot dogs are heated through and the cheese is melted. The damp paper towel will help prevent the crescent roll dough from becoming tough or rubbery.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Place a single serving of the casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and the casserole is heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the casserole and get a crispy top. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a single serving of the casserole in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the casserole is heated through.
Lastly, if you want to reheat the entire casserole and have leftovers for later, you can freeze the remaining portions. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it using one of the methods mentioned above.
Random Fact About Pigs in a Blanket Casserole
Pigs in a blanket casserole is a popular dish in the United States, often served as an appetizer or party snack. It is a variation of the classic pigs in a blanket, where hot dogs are wrapped in crescent roll dough. This casserole version adds a twist by layering the ingredients in a baking dish and baking them together. It's a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pigs in a blanket in a casserole format, perfect for feeding a crowd or for a simple weeknight dinner.
Is Making Pigs in a Blanket Casserole Economical for Home Cooking?
This pigs in a blanket casserole recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of crescent roll dough and hot dogs keeps the cost low, while still providing a satisfying and flavorful dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-15, making it an economical choice for a family meal. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Pigs in a Blanket Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for pigs in a blanket casserole is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The main ingredients are processed foods, such as crescent roll dough and hot dogs, which are high in saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives.
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of cheddar cheese, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
- There are no vegetables or whole grains included in the recipe, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
While this dish may be tasty and comforting, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat crescent roll dough or make your own dough using whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content.
- Opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese to decrease the amount of saturated fat.
- Replace regular hot dogs with turkey or chicken hot dogs, which are typically lower in fat and calories.
- Add some vegetables to the dish, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient content and add more flavor.
- Serve the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Casserole Recipe
The pigs in a blanket casserole recipe is a fun and easy dish that combines the classic flavors of hot dogs and cheese in a convenient casserole format. The use of crescent roll dough adds a flaky and buttery texture, while the cheddar cheese provides a rich and gooey element. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings. The simplicity of the dish makes it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, and the familiar flavors are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Overall, it's a delightful and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Enhance Your Pigs in a Blanket Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pigs in a Blanket Casserole Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic pigs in a blanket that will surely impress your guests. The combination of flaky crescent roll dough and savory cheddar cheese perfectly complements the juicy hot dogs. The simple yet flavorful ingredients make this casserole a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With just a few steps, you can create a delicious and comforting dish that will be a hit at your next gathering. Trust in the irresistible flavors of this pigs in a blanket casserole and elevate your culinary experience.
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