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Parmesan Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

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Donna Urso
Everyone loves pigs in a blanket for an appetizer. You know pigs in a blanket are always the first to go at a party. 

This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is jazzed up with puff pastry and Parmesan cheese. They are perfect for a holiday party or a Super Bowl party or a backyard barbecue.  You'll see them fly off the plate.

Pigs-in-a-Blanket with Puff Pastry and Parmesan Cheese

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Parmesan Crusted Pigs-in-a-blanket served with honey mustard
Parmesan Crusted Pigs in a Blanket
These kicked-up, Parmesan-crusted, pigs in a blanket were inspired by a frozen, prepared version I purchased at the grocery store.  The grocery store frozen pigs-in-a-blanket were a holiday specialty item and I bought a box of twelve to try them out.
They were good, but a little greasy.  I was sure I could make them better and for less money. The store-brand cost approximately $0.42 each.  My version cost me about $0.24 each. That makes these elevated pigs in a blanket budget-friendly.

Tips for Making Parmesan Pigs-in-a-Blanket

Can you make these pigs in a blanket ahead and freeze them?
These pigs in a blanket are a perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare these pigs in a blanket in advance and freeze them so they'll be ready whenever you need a quick go-to appetizer.  When freezing for later, place your baking sheet in the freezer until your pigs-in-a-blanket are frozen.  Then place them in a freezer-safe bag for storage. 
 
Pigs-in-a blanket made with puff pastry.
Pigs-in-a-Blanket Ready to Bake
How do you bake pigs in a blanket from frozen?
When baking from frozen just brush them with a little egg wash and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on each before you pop them in the oven. They may need to cook a minute or two longer to brown up nicely.

What is the best sauce to serve with pigs in a blanket?
You'll love these pigs in a blanket with a honey mustard dipping sauce.  The sauce makes these appetizers pop in your mouth. You can make your own honey mustard sauce or use any prepared honey mustard sauce you like.

How do you keep your pigs in a blanket from being soggy? Be sure to drain the little smokies sausages in a colander. Pat them dry with a paper towel. You want the sausages to be dry so your puff pastry doesn't get soggy.

Work with one piece of dough at a time. Don't let your puff pastry get too warm.

Roll the pastry sheet out using a rolling pin until the pastry is approximately square in shape. This will make your appetizers uniform in size.

Easy preparation for pigs-in-a-blanket.
Preparing Pigs in a Blanket

Watch the Pigs in a Blanket Video


Other Appetizers to Serve with Pigs in a Blanket

Here are some other favorite appetizers.

Sausage Pinwheels, also made with puff pastry can be made ahead and frozen.

Clam Dip with chips and crackers.

Caramelized Onion Dip with chips and crackers.  This dip is a party pleaser.

Crunchy Crab Cakes, a make-ahead appetizer.

freezer pigs in a blanket, pigs in a blanket with cheese
appetizer
American
Yield: 32 appetizers
Author: Donna Urso
Parmesan Pigs in a Blanket

Parmesan Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs-in-a-blanket made with puff pastry and Parmesan cheese.
Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 55 Min

Ingredients

Pigs in a Blanket
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Prepare your baking sheets with a sheet of parchment paper to fit. Defrost the puff pastry according to the package directions.
  3. While the puff pastry is thawing, drain the little smokies sausages in a colander. You want the sausages to be dry.
  4. Once the puff pastry is thawed, working with one piece of dough at a time, roll the pastry sheet out using a rolling pin until the pastry is approximately square in shape.
  5. Cut the pastry sheet into 16 pieces. Lay a sausage in the center of each piece.
  6. Pull up two opposite corners and pinch them together. Place the pigs in a blanket on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. (They can be closer together if you plan to freeze now and bake later.)
  7. When freezing for later, place your baking sheet in the freezer until your pigs-in-a-blanket are frozen. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag for storage. When baking from frozen just pick up from here in the directions. Your pigs-in-a-blanket may need to bake a minute or two longer.
  8. Beat the egg with two teaspoons of water. Brush the egg wash over each pig in a blanket.
  9. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crisp and golden brown.
  11. Cool slightly. Serve with honey mustard sauce.
  12. To make the honey mustard sauce: Mix 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard with two generous tablespoons of honey. Taste and add more honey if desired.

Notes

Prepare these ahead and freeze them for up to three months. Wrap the smokies in the puff pastry and lay them out on a pan. Place the pan in your freezer until the pigs in a blanket are frozen. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When you are ready to cook them, brush with the eggwash and sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese.


Bake as instructed until brown and puffed.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

135.21

Fat (grams)

9.68 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

2.31 g

Carbs (grams)

9.04 g

Fiber (grams)

0.54 g

Net carbs

8.50 g

Sugar (grams)

1.40 g

Protein (grams)

3.24 g

Sodium (milligrams)

356.99 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

12.96 mg

Nutritional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

Crunchy Crab Cakes

Caramelized Onion Dip

Sausage Pinwheels Appetizers

https://www.justonedonna.com/2019/12/parmesan-crusted-pigs-in-blanket.html
©Just One Donna
Honey mustard sauce takes these Parmesan pigs-in-a-blanket from good to great.
Pigs in a Blanket
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Pigs in a blanket to make ahead and freeze.

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