Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
Looking for a quick, delicious, and kid-approved breakfast that combines sweet and savory flavors in every bite? Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket are the morning upgrade you didn’t know you needed. This dish wraps breakfast sausage in soft dough—often cinnamon rolls—and bakes it to golden perfection. Whether you’re making brunch for a crowd or prepping quick morning snacks, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
These bite-sized beauties bring nostalgia and flavor together, and they’re super easy to customize. You can swap the dough, change the sausage, or even add a drizzle of maple icing on top. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and reheat like a charm.
🥞 What Are Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket?
Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket are a sweet-and-savory twist on the classic appetizer. Traditionally, “pigs in a blanket” refers to mini sausages wrapped in crescent roll dough. The breakfast version swaps in breakfast sausage links and often uses cinnamon rolls or puff pastry instead of plain dough.
They’re perfect for:
- Weekend brunch spreads
- School lunches
- Quick weekday breakfasts
- Holiday morning treats
According to The Spruce Eats, this dish has evolved over decades, starting from simple sausage rolls in Europe to the fully loaded breakfast versions we know today.
🍴 Why They’re a Breakfast Staple
So why have Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket become a staple in so many homes?
- They’re quick to prepare (just 10–15 minutes of prep)
- Customizable for dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, low carb)
- A crowd-pleaser that works for all ages
- Portable and ideal for on-the-go mornings
Not to mention, they offer a decent amount of protein and carbs, which can give you a good start to your day. Just one serving of breakfast sausage can pack in 8–10g of protein according to nutrition data.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need For Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
Here’s a basic grocery list to get you started. Feel free to riff on this depending on your taste.
- 12 fully-cooked breakfast sausage links (pork, turkey, or plant-based)
- 1 can of cinnamon rolls (8-count Pillsbury recommended)
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
- Maple syrup or icing (optional)
Optional additions:
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- Hot sauce for dipping
- Powdered sugar for topping
🔪 How to Make Classic Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Open the cinnamon roll package and cut each roll in half.
- Slightly flatten each half with your hands or a knife.
- Wrap each sausage tightly with the dough, sealing the seam.
- Line them up seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden.
- Drizzle with icing or maple syrup.
Tips:
- If the dough pops open during baking, press the seams tighter before baking.
- For a crispier version, brush with a little melted butter before baking.
🧀 Savory Variations You’ll Love
While the classic Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket made with sausage and cinnamon roll dough are delightfully sweet and satisfying, sometimes your taste buds crave something more savory and hearty. Here are some creative twists to bring bold, salty, cheesy, and spicy flavors to your breakfast plate.
🔸 Cheddar-Stuffed Sausage Wraps
Level up your pigs in a blanket by adding a slice of sharp cheddar or mozzarella inside the dough with the sausage. When baked, the cheese melts into a gooey center that adds richness and a salty punch.
Tips:
- Use sliced cheese or small cheese sticks
- Seal dough tightly to prevent leaking
🔸 Bacon-Wrapped Pigs in a Blanket
For meat lovers, wrap a thin slice of bacon around the sausage before wrapping it in dough. It adds a smoky, crispy edge that pairs well with buttery pastry.
Bonus: Brush with a mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard for extra flavor!
🔸 Herbed Dough Upgrade
Mix chopped herbs like chives, rosemary, or parsley into the dough before rolling. This adds aromatic depth and complements savory fillings perfectly.
🔸 Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls
Want heat? Add thin slices of pickled jalapeño and shredded pepper jack cheese to the wrap. These are perfect for brunches where you want to offer something with a little kick.
🔸 Everything Bagel-Style Topping
Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. The result? A crispy, flavorful crust that mimics your favorite breakfast bagel but in bite-sized form.
Savory variations open the door to endless combinations and make your breakfast spread more diverse. Pair any of these with breakfast grilled cheese or southern breakfast enchiladas with sausage gravy for a savory, filling meal that impresses every time.
🍩 Sweet Variations to Try
If you’re a fan of sweet breakfasts or love a little sugar with your sausage, you’ll be thrilled to know that Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket can easily be transformed into indulgent, dessert-like morning treats. These variations are perfect for holidays, brunch parties, or just when you want to treat yourself.
🔸 Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
After wrapping the sausage in dough, brush it with melted butter and roll in a mix of cinnamon and sugar before baking. It adds a crisp, caramelized coating that’s reminiscent of churros or cinnamon toast.
🔸 Cream Cheese & Fruit Filling
Add a small dollop of sweetened cream cheese or fruit preserves (like strawberry or blueberry) inside the dough before wrapping. Once baked, you get a creamy, fruity surprise in every bite.
🔸 Glazed Donut Dough Swap
Instead of crescent or cinnamon roll dough, use yeast donut dough for an extra fluffy and slightly chewy texture. After baking, drizzle with vanilla or maple glaze for a donut-pig hybrid.
🔸 Chocolate Chip Magic
Add a few mini chocolate chips inside or sprinkle them on top of the dough before baking. The melty chocolate pairs surprisingly well with savory sausage for a salty-sweet combo.
🍳 Air Fryer & Freezer-Friendly Tips
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F
- Cook wrapped sausages for 6–8 minutes
- Flip halfway through
Freezing & Reheating:
- Freeze fully baked pigs in a blanket in a zip-top bag
- Reheat in microwave (1 min) or oven (350°F for 8–10 minutes)
- According to the USDA, cooked sausages can be safely frozen for 1–2 months
🍓 Serving Ideas & Pairings
These pair perfectly with a variety of sides and drinks:
Best sides:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Hash browns or tater tots
Drink ideas:
- Coffee or cold brew
- Orange juice
- Milk or oat milk for kids
Brunch tip: Serve on a big platter with dipping sauces like syrup, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
Even though Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket are simple to make, a few common mistakes can impact the final taste, texture, or presentation. Here’s what to watch out for and how to fix it:
1. Using Raw Sausage Without Pre-Cooking
One of the biggest issues is wrapping raw sausage and expecting it to fully cook inside the dough. Breakfast sausages are often thick, and dough can brown before the sausage is cooked through.
✅ Solution: Use fully cooked sausage links or pre-cook raw ones before wrapping.
2. Overfilling the Dough
Adding too much sausage or stuffing with cheese can cause the dough to stretch, tear, or bake unevenly.
✅ Solution: Stick to recommended proportions. If you’re adding extras like cheese or herbs, go light.
3. Not Sealing the Edges Properly
If the seams aren’t sealed well, the dough can pop open during baking.
✅ Solution: Gently press and pinch the dough ends together and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet.
4. Using Wet or Sticky Dough
Some doughs (especially puff pastry or homemade versions) can become sticky and hard to handle.
✅ Solution: Keep dough cold until ready to use. If needed, dust with flour to reduce stickiness.
5. Skipping Parchment Paper or Grease
Unlined pans can cause the rolls to stick and break apart when removed.
✅ Solution: Use parchment paper or a light coating of nonstick spray for easy release.
Avoiding these simple mistakes ensures your pigs in a blanket come out golden, tasty, and picture-perfect every time!
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
What are Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket made of?
Typically, breakfast sausage links wrapped in dough (often cinnamon rolls or crescent rolls), then baked and topped with syrup or icing.
Can I make them the night before?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best texture.
What’s the best dough to use?
Crescent rolls are classic, but cinnamon rolls offer a sweet twist. Puff pastry and biscuit dough work too.
Are they eaten hot or cold?
Hot is best, but they’re still tasty at room temp—perfect for lunchboxes.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Fully baked and cooled pigs in a blanket freeze well and reheat beautifully.
📝 Final Thoughts
Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket are more than just a fun twist on a classic snack—they’re a delicious, family-friendly way to start your day. With their irresistible combo of savory sausage and sweet, flaky dough, these breakfast bites hit all the right notes for both kids and adults. Whether you’re using cinnamon rolls, crescent dough, or trying a new variation, this recipe is endlessly customizable and can suit every taste and dietary preference.
They’re also a perfect match for busy mornings, brunch tables, or even meal prep, especially when paired with sides like bacon and cheese breakfast egg muffins or blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars. And since they freeze and reheat well, you can always keep a batch ready for quick, satisfying breakfasts.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy solo breakfast, this dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your morning rotation. Don’t be afraid to get creative with fillings, toppings, and sides—the possibilities are endless.
So go ahead, wrap up your favorite sausage, bake them golden, and enjoy the perfect bite-sized breakfast delight any day of the week.
