If you are looking for a fun, irresistible appetizer that beautifully blends sweet heat and savory goodness, this Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket Recipe is exactly what you need. Each bite-sized roll bubbles with juicy sausage wrapped in buttery crescent dough, crowned with a vibrant dollop of hot pepper jelly and whole-grain mustard that wakes up your taste buds. Perfect for parties, cozy nights, or anytime you want a snack that feels both comforting and exciting, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket Recipe’s deliciousness lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every element plays a crucial role, from the flaky, golden crescent dough to the spicy-sweet pepper jelly that brings everything to life.
- Crescent dough sheet: This is the buttery, flaky wrap that turns the sausage into a golden, irresistible package.
- Sausage links (such as Aidells Spicy Mango with Jalapeno or similar): Fully cooked and packed with flavor, these small sausages add a spicy, juicy punch.
- Hot pepper jelly: This sweet and spicy spread gives a vibrant kick on top of each roll, balancing heat and sweetness.
- Whole-grain mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp counterpoint that complements the richness of the sausage and dough.
How to Make Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your mini-muffin tin a good spray with cooking spray. This helps keep each little snack from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have one tin, no worries—you might just need to use two.
Step 2: Cut the Crescent Dough
Lay your crescent dough sheet flat on a clean surface, then slice it in half lengthwise. Next, cut each half into ¾-inch wide strips, which will soon be hugging your sausage pieces. This sizing is key to wrapping them perfectly without too much dough overwhelming the sausage.
Step 3: Prepare the Sausage Pieces
Take your fully cooked sausage links and cut them into 1-inch pieces. This size ensures that each little hog in a blanket is perfectly portioned for one or two bites, ideal for passing around at a gathering or enjoying as a snack.
Step 4: Wrap the Sausages
Grab a sausage piece and a dough strip, then gently stretch the dough as you roll it around the sausage. The stretch helps the dough fit snugly without tearing and bakes into a golden, flaky blanket.
Step 5: Arrange in the Muffin Cups
Place each dough-wrapped sausage piece into one of the greased muffin cups, sausage side up. This keeps them nice and upright, so toppings like pepper jelly and mustard stay put during baking.
Step 6: Add the Flavorful Topping
Put a small dollop of hot pepper jelly and a little whole-grain mustard on top of each roll. These vibrant pops of flavor are the secret that makes this Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket Recipe so memorable — sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake everything in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crescent dough is golden brown and bubbly. Once done, transfer the muffin tin to a cooling rack for about 5 minutes to let them settle, then move them to a serving tray.
How to Serve Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top can add a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that complements the pepper jelly’s sweet-spicy flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These pigs in a blanket are fantastic alongside creamy dips such as ranch or blue cheese, or even a crisp, fresh salad to balance the richness. They shine at any party table paired with chips, pickles, or a tangy coleslaw.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful touch, arrange your Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket Recipe on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by bowls of extra pepper jelly and mustard. This invites guests to customize their bites and makes your snack spread look stunning and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that might be wishful thinking), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They remain juicy and delicious but are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a delightful snack anytime.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket Recipe back to life, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 7-10 minutes. This keeps the dough crisp without drying out the sausage inside.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spicy sausages with jalapeno give great flavor, you can substitute with any fully cooked sausage you love, like classic smoked kielbasa or even vegetarian options for a twist.
Is hot pepper jelly very spicy?
Hot pepper jelly offers a pleasant balance of sweetness and heat that is generally mild to moderate, but you can adjust the amount used depending on your heat preference or try a milder jelly.
Can I make these ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the pigs in a blanket and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking; just cover them tightly to keep the dough from drying out.
What can I use instead of crescent dough?
Puff pastry sheets are a great alternative if you want an even flakier texture, though you might need to cut and portion it slightly differently.
Are these suitable for parties with kids?
Definitely! You can control the spiciness by choosing mild sausages and adjusting the pepper jelly, making these a fun finger food option for all ages.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket Recipe is a snack that feels like a warm hug and a fiery kick all at once. It’s simple to make but packs so much flavor that it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for gatherings or whenever you crave something comforting with a little extra zing. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly these vanish from your plate!
Print
Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket are a delightful appetizer combining spicy sausage wrapped in crescent dough and topped with sweet and tangy hot pepper jelly and whole-grain mustard. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures, ideal for any party or gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Crescent dough sheet
- 12 ounces sausage links (such as Aidells Spicy Mango with Jalapeno, or skinless sausage or kielbasa with jalapeno, fully cooked)
- ¼ cup hot pepper jelly
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 24-cup mini-muffin tin with cooking spray; you may need to use two muffin tins depending on your batch size.
- Cut the Dough: On a clean work surface, lay the crescent dough sheet flat and cut it in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into ¾-inch wide strips suitable for wrapping sausage pieces.
- Slice the Sausages: Cut the fully cooked sausage links into 1-inch pieces to form bite-sized portions.
- Wrap Sausages with Dough: Take one sausage piece and roll it along the edge of one dough strip. Stretch the dough gently as you roll to ensure it adheres well to the sausage.
- Arrange in Muffin Cups: Place each wrapped sausage piece into a muffin cup with the sausage end facing upward.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Add a small dollop of hot pepper jelly and a small dollop of whole-grain mustard on top of each sausage roll. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the dough is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Then place them on a serving tray and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket!
Notes
- Use fully cooked sausages to reduce cooking time and ensure even heating.
- You can substitute hot pepper jelly with your favorite flavored jelly for variation.
- If you prefer less heat, choose milder sausage or reduce the amount of hot pepper jelly.
- Stretch the dough gently when wrapping to prevent tearing and ensure a snug fit.
- Serve with extra mustard or jelly on the side for dipping.
