Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket: An Elevated Comfort Food Appetizer with Sauerkraut & Kielbasa
What could be better than the rich, savory flavors of little smokies or kielbasa, perfectly complemented by tangy sauerkraut and sweet caramelized onions, all lovingly nestled in a freshly baked, golden dinner roll? This irresistible combination is precisely what you’ll find in our Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket – a delightful, sophisticated take on a beloved childhood favorite. But this isn’t your average party snack; it’s an upgraded version featuring premium ingredients and a depth of flavor that appeals to more mature palates. Forget the simple hot dog and crescent roll; prepare for a culinary experience that will impress guests and satisfy even the most discerning appetites.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning an elegant appetizer spread, or simply looking for a fun and hearty weeknight meal, these Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket are an excellent choice. Their robust flavor profile makes them versatile enough for any occasion. For a truly unforgettable appetizer round, serve them alongside our Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs and vibrant Charcuterie Cups. Get ready to redefine your understanding of “pigs in a blanket”!
Key Ingredients for Your Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket
This recipe uses a selection of simple yet impactful ingredients that come together to create a truly special flavor. While each component is straightforward, their combination elevates this dish far beyond a typical snack, making it worthy of serving as a main meal.
- Frozen Dinner Rolls (Defrosted): For convenience and consistent results, we highly recommend Rhodes brand rolls. Their dough is consistently fluffy and easy to work with once defrosted.
- Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky, and salty counterpoint to the rich sausage and tangy kraut.
- Little Smokies or Smoked Kielbasa: The heart of our “pigs.” Whether you prefer the classic miniature sausages or diced kielbasa, a good quality smoked sausage is key.
- Sauerkraut: Provides a crucial tangy element that cuts through the richness of the meats and caramelized onions, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Onion: When caramelized, onions add a wonderful sweetness and depth that rounds out the savory filling.
- Garlic Powder: A subtle aromatic that enhances the overall savoriness of the filling without overpowering other flavors.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning (Optional): For an extra layer of savory crunch and complex flavor on top of the rolls. This blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt offers a unique textural and taste dimension.
- Egg (for egg wash): Helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust and provides a sticky surface for toppings.
You could say this is a “dressed-up” version of Pigs in a Blanket, where the diced smoked sausage, along with its flavorful companions, is tucked into a tender, freshly baked dinner roll. The optional dusting of Everything Bagel Seasoning on top adds an extra touch of gourmet appeal, making each bite an experience.
The Foundation: Defrosting the Frozen Dinner Rolls
Our Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket recipe distinguishes itself from the classic version by replacing the typical crescent roll dough with fluffy dinner rolls and the standard hot dog with a more complex filling of smoked sausage and sauerkraut. While crescent rolls are a great and popular choice for kids’ pigs in a blanket, the tender, yeasty texture of a dinner roll provides a superior, more substantial casing for our gourmet filling.
Using frozen dinner rolls, like the Rhodes brand (which I highly recommend for their consistent quality and soft texture), simplifies the process immensely. Don’t be intimidated by the defrosting time; it’s mostly hands-off, allowing you to tackle other prep work. Here’s how to prepare your dough for success:
This step is surprisingly easy and requires minimal effort. While the defrosting itself takes a few hours, this passive time is perfect for getting ahead on the flavorful filling. You’ll typically find frozen dinner roll dough in the frozen foods section of your grocery store, ready to be transformed into something delicious.
- Begin by placing the individual frozen dinner rolls onto a baking sheet. Make sure the baking sheet is lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Leave about 3 inches between each roll to allow for expansion as they defrost and rise.
- Next, lightly spray one side of a sheet of plastic wrap with a non-stick cooking spray (like Pam). Gently place this sprayed side down over the rolls, creating a loose cover. This prevents the dough from drying out and sticking to the plastic as it thaws.
- Set a timer for approximately three hours. During this time, the frozen dough will gradually defrost and become soft and pliable, perfect for rolling into small circles later. Find a warm spot in your kitchen to encourage optimal defrosting and a slight initial rise.
Crafting the Irresistible Filling: Flavor Building
While your dinner rolls are patiently defrosting, you can efficiently tackle the preparation of the star-studded filling. I always start by cooking the bacon, as its rendered fat provides a fantastic base for sautéing the onions and sauerkraut, infusing the entire filling with a deep, smoky flavor.
You’ll need roughly 4 to 6 slices of bacon to yield about ¾ cup of cooked and chopped bacon. The exact number will depend on the thickness of your bacon slices, so adjust accordingly. Aim for a generous amount to ensure that delicious smoky crispness in every bite.
You have a couple of options for cooking the bacon: you can either fry it in a skillet until crispy, then drain off the excess fat, cool, and chop. Alternatively, for a hands-off approach, spread the bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in a 425°F (220°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Once baked, drain, cool, and chop into small, uniform pieces.
Maximizing Your Time: Efficient Filling Preparation
Don’t be daunted by the total “prep time” listed in many recipe cards; a significant portion of that accounts for the passive time required for the bread dough to defrost and later rise. The actual hands-on preparation for this recipe is quite manageable, especially since much of it can be completed while the rolls are thawing.
This efficient approach means you can enjoy a relatively stress-free cooking process. While the bread is defrosting, chop your smoked sausage (whether it’s little smokies, kielbasa, or another variety) and finely dice your onion. These small, uniform pieces will ensure even distribution and a harmonious blend of flavors in each roll.
Once your bacon is cooked and chopped, and your onions and sausage are diced, the magic truly begins. Place the diced onion into a hot skillet, ideally one that still has a little rendered bacon fat (or add a tablespoon of olive oil). Add the sauerkraut, and stir everything together. Cook this mixture over medium heat until the onions begin to soften and caramelize, turning golden brown and sweet. The sauerkraut will also soften slightly, mellowing its tangy edge and absorbing the rich flavors from the pan. This step is vital for building the complex flavor profile of the filling.
Next, add the chopped, cooked bacon and the diced smoked sausages to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. The warmth will help everything infuse beautifully. Finally, stir in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, which will add a lovely aromatic layer to the savory mixture.
If you’re preparing these to serve today, simply set the filling aside while the rolls finish defrosting. However, for safe food handling, if there’s more than about 30 minutes before you’ll be assembling the rolls, it’s best to transfer the filling ingredients to a covered container and refrigerate them until needed. This ensures everything remains fresh and delicious.
Smart Planning: Prepare the Filling a Day Ahead
For those who prefer a completely relaxed assembly day, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can prepare the entire filling the day before, saving you valuable time on the day you plan to bake and serve your Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket. This flexibility makes it ideal for entertaining or busy weekdays.
- Start by frying the bacon until it’s crispy. Drain off the excess fat, cool, and chop it into small pieces.
- Dice your chosen smoked sausage (whether it’s Little Smokies, kielbasa, or even a flavorful hot dog variety) into bite-sized portions.
- Finely chop the onion to ensure it caramelizes evenly and blends smoothly into the filling.
- Combine the chopped bacon, diced sausage, and chopped onion in a hot skillet. Follow the recipe instructions for caramelizing the onions and sauerkraut, then stir in the ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Cook until all components are well combined and fragrant.
Once the filling is cooked and slightly cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen even further, making your rolls even more delicious. On the day of serving, simply retrieve the filling from the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature while your dough defrosts, and proceed with the assembly and baking steps. This prep-ahead strategy ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
This recipe yields approximately 20 rolls. If you’re serving these as a main meal, plan for two to three rolls per person. If they are part of a larger appetizer spread, one to two rolls per person should suffice. They are hearty enough to satisfy and flavorful enough to impress.
Exploring Meat Variations
One of the fantastic aspects of this Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket recipe is its flexibility with meat choices. While little smokies and kielbasa are excellent options, feel free to experiment with any variety of smoked sausage your family loves. This adaptability ensures that the recipe can be tailored to your specific taste preferences or what you have on hand.
I’ve personally tried this recipe with various types of smoked sausage – from traditional pork kielbasa to chicken apple sausage and even a spicier smoked sausage. Each time, the results have been consistently yummy! The key is to choose a high-quality smoked sausage that brings its own distinct flavor to the overall profile. Simply dice your chosen sausage into small, bite-sized pieces so it integrates well with the sauerkraut and caramelized onions, and is easy to wrap within the dinner roll dough.
Why “Fancy,” “Grown-Up,” or “Gourmet”?
This recipe truly redefines the humble “pigs in a blanket,” elevating it from a simple children’s snack to a sophisticated dish. What makes it so special? It’s the harmonious blend of flavors and textures:
- Premium Meats: Moving beyond standard hot dogs, we use flavorful smoked sausage or kielbasa, providing a richer, more complex taste.
- Caramelized Onions: The slow cooking of onions brings out their natural sweetness, adding a depth that balances the savory and tangy elements.
- Tangy Sauerkraut: This unexpected addition provides a bright, acidic counterpoint, cutting through the richness and adding an authentic European-inspired flair.
- Fluffy Dinner Rolls: Instead of thin crescent roll dough, the soft, substantial embrace of a freshly baked dinner roll provides a comforting and satisfying texture that feels more artisanal.
- Enhanced Seasoning: A touch of garlic powder in the filling and the optional Everything Bagel Seasoning on top add layers of gourmet flavor and visual appeal.
The result is a whole new approach to wrapping up yummy smoked sausage, creating a delicious flavor combination that’s both comforting and undeniably gourmet.
Assembling Your Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket
Once your dinner roll dough has fully defrosted and feels soft and pliable, it’s time for the fun part: assembly! This step is straightforward, but taking a little care will ensure beautifully shaped and perfectly sealed rolls.
On a lightly floured surface or a clean cutting board, gently roll out each individual piece of defrosted dough into a circle about 4 inches in diameter. The dough will be perfectly soft and easy to work with at this stage.
- Place approximately ¼ cup of the prepared, cooled filling directly in the center of each flattened dough round. Don’t overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
- Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the filling, bringing them together at the top. Pinch the edges firmly to create a secure seal, ensuring no filling escapes during baking. You want to form a neat, round ball.
- Place the newly formed dough balls, seam-side down, onto a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each roll to allow for expansion as they rise.
- Loosely cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap that has been coated with a non-stick cooking spray (like Pam). This prevents the dough from sticking and helps maintain a moist environment for rising.
- Allow the rolls to rise in a warm spot for about 15 minutes. This brief second rise will help them become even fluffier and more tender during baking.
Toppings: Adding That Extra Touch (or Not!)
After the rolls have had their 15-minute rising period, it’s time to prepare them for baking. This is where you can add an optional, yet highly recommended, finishing touch that truly elevates the visual appeal and flavor of your Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket.
Whisk one egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the top of each roll with this egg wash. The egg wash will give the rolls a beautiful golden-brown sheen as they bake, and it also acts as a natural adhesive for any toppings you choose to add.
Now for the toppings! You have two excellent options:
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: This popular blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt adds incredible texture and a complex, savory flavor. It truly enhances the “grown-up” nature of these rolls, delivering a gourmet touch. Sprinkle it generously over each egg-washed roll.
- Poppy Seeds: If your family prefers a more subtle flavor and a lighter crunch, poppy seeds are a wonderful alternative. They offer a classic bakery aesthetic and a delicate nutty note.
While the Everything Bagel Seasoning provides a fantastic flavor boost, you can also opt to skip the topping entirely. Simply brush the rolls with the egg wash and bake. With the rich filling inside, there’s already an abundance of delicious flavors to enjoy!
Once topped (or not), bake the rolls in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the internal dough is cooked through. The aroma alone will be enough to make your mouth water!
Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! This is one of the best make-ahead recipes. Prepare and bake the rolls as directed in the recipe. Once they have completely cooled, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. To prevent them from sticking together, be sure to separate layers with waxed paper or parchment paper.
To serve, simply reheat the frozen rolls on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or lightly greased) in a 325°F (160°C) oven until they are heated through, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Reheating them this way will give the rolls a wonderfully toasty and slightly crunchy texture on the outside, while keeping the filling warm and delicious inside.
These rolls are incredibly versatile and are even delicious eaten cold straight from the refrigerator! For the best freshness and quality, however, it’s recommended to enjoy any leftovers within three days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and prevent them from drying out.
First of all, bravo for taking on the admirable task of making bread dough from scratch! While I’ve personally never prepared this specific recipe using homemade dough (opting for the convenience of frozen rolls), there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work beautifully. If you’re an experienced baker and achieve great results with your homemade dough for these grown-up pigs in a blanket, please do share the details and any specific tips in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your experience.
Serving Suggestions: Making Them Shine
These Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket are truly at their best when they’re warm, fresh from the oven. The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked rolls mingled with the savory sausage and tangy kraut is pure culinary heaven! You’ll find they are flavorful enough on their own and won’t necessarily require any additional condiments. However, offering a selection of dipping options can elevate the experience and cater to individual preferences.
While classic ketchup and mustard are always nice options for guests to add to their plates, consider keeping with the “grown-up” theme by offering some specialty mustards. Think a robust Dijon, a grainy stone-ground mustard, or even a spicy brown mustard to add an extra kick. A dollop of sour cream or a creamy horseradish sauce could also provide a delightful contrast.
I’ve served these versatile rolls in many capacities: as a hearty appetizer during holiday gatherings, game nights, or casual get-togethers. They also make an incredibly satisfying and unique main meal, especially when accompanied by a fresh, crisp green salad. Their comforting nature makes them a perfect centerpiece for a relaxed dinner.
The Story Behind the Recipe
The journey to these Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket began for me back in the mid-1990s, when I first stumbled upon a recipe similar to this in a Taste of Home magazine. My family instantly fell in love with the concept of sausage bundles wrapped in dough, and it quickly became a cherished staple in our household.
Over the years, as often happens with beloved family recipes, I began to adapt it. My goal was to make it a little easier for everyday cooking, eliminating the need for kneading bread dough from scratch, and fine-tuning the spices to better suit our tastes. The transition from plain hot dogs to flavorful smoked sausage, and the addition of caramelized onions and tangy sauerkraut, evolved naturally, transforming it into the more refined “grown-up” version you see today. It’s been a joy to perfect this recipe, and I truly can’t wait to hear what you think of these Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket!
More Hearty Appetizer & Meal-Starter Ideas
While our Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket can easily serve as a standalone main course, they also shine as a substantial appetizer. Sometimes, it’s wonderful to offer appetizers that are hearty enough to feel like part of the meal, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience. Here are a few other satisfying options from my kitchen that fit that bill perfectly:
- Philly Cheesesteak Bites: All the flavor of a classic cheesesteak in a convenient, bite-sized package.
- Pork Wonton Stars: Crispy wonton shells filled with savory pork, perfect for a touch of elegance.
- Corn Dog Nuggets: A fun, nostalgic bite that everyone will love.
And because every great meal or event you host deserves a sweet conclusion, here are a few dessert options that I’m confident your guests or family will adore, ensuring a delightful end to your feast:
- No-Peel Apple Cake: A wonderfully moist and flavorful cake that’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Old Fashioned Chocolate Pound Cake: Rich, dense, and utterly comforting, a true classic.
- Peanut Butter Pies: Creamy, dreamy, and perfect for peanut butter lovers.
Perfect Sides to Complement Your Pigs in a Blanket
To round out your meal, whether you’re serving these rolls as a main dish or a hearty appetizer, consider these fantastic side dishes that pair wonderfully with their savory flavors. From comforting potatoes to tangy accompaniments, these sides will complete your dining experience:
- Spiced Walnuts
- Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Franks and Beans
- Cranberry Apple Stuffing (Baked)
If you tried Grown Up Pigs in a Blanket or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback helps other home cooks!
Recipe Card: Grown-Up Pigs in a Blanket
Grown Up Pigs in a Blanket
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Ingredients
- 20 frozen dinner rolls – defrosted, I recommend Rhodes brand
- 4-6 bacon slices – cooked and chopped, about ¾ cup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion – diced
- 2 cups sauerkraut
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 15 ounce package little smokies – regular or cheese, or about a pound of any variety smoked kielbasa
- 2 tablespoons – Everything Bagel Seasoning or poppy seeds
- 1 egg
Instructions
Prep Dinner Roll Dough
- Remove 20 balls of frozen dinner roll dough from their packaging. Arrange the rolls about 3 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray a sheet of plastic wrap with non-stick cooking spray and gently place it over the rolls. Allow them to defrost on the counter for about three hours until soft and pliable.
Prep Filling Ingredients
- While the dough is defrosting, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain, cool, and dice into small pieces (you’ll need about ¾ cup). Dice your smoked sausage into bite-sized portions and finely dice the onion.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet (or use residual bacon fat) over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add the diced onion and sauerkraut to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to caramelize and soften, and the sauerkraut has softened slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked and diced bacon and the diced smoked sausage. Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
Set the filling aside until the dinner rolls are fully defrosted and ready for assembly.
Food Safety Note: If there’s more than 30 minutes before you plan to assemble the rolls, transfer the filling to a covered container and refrigerate it.
Stuff the Dinner Rolls
- Once the dinner roll dough is defrosted, lightly flour a clean surface or cutting board. Roll out each individual piece of dough into a 4-inch circle. The dough will be perfectly soft and easy to work with.
Place about ¼ cup of the prepared filling in the center of each flattened dough round.
- Carefully fold the dough around the filling, bringing the edges together to form a ball. Pinch the edges firmly to create a secure seal.
Place the assembled rolls, seam-side down, onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
Loosely cover the rolls with plastic wrap (sprayed with cooking spray) and let them rise in a warm place for an additional 15 minutes.
- While the rolls are rising, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. After rising, use a pastry brush to gently coat the top of each roll with the egg wash. Then, sprinkle either Everything Bagel Seasoning or poppy seeds generously on top.
For a simpler option, you can skip the toppings completely – just brush with the egg wash and bake.
Bake and Serve
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 15 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
Serve warm as a hearty appetizer or as a delicious main course alongside a fresh salad or other complementary sides.
Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database, so they’re just a rough estimate not an exact science.