If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser that’s as delightful to look at as it is to devour, then this Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe is calling your name. Imagine bite-sized, perfectly golden little smokies wrapped in soft, buttery dough, baked into a stunning pull-apart ring, paired with a luscious, tangy cheese dip that’ll have everyone dipping for more. It’s cozy, comforting, and just downright fun to share — perfect for game days, parties, or simply turning an ordinary night into a flavor-packed celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity meeting deliciousness. The few ingredients here work harmoniously to create that perfect balance of flaky dough, smoky sausages, and creamy cheese dip—you really only need a handful to impress everyone at your table.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and keeps the dough from sticking to the pan, ensuring a beautiful golden crust.
- 2 pounds pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): The tender, chewy wrap that holds the mini sausages snugly with a satisfying pull-apart texture.
- 70 to 75 lil’ smokies (about 2 packages of 14 oz): These tiny sausages pack smoky, meaty goodness into every bite—perfectly finger-friendly.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce): The classic thickening agent to create a silky, smooth cheese dip.
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for creaminess): Provides the creamy base that brings the cheese sauce to life.
- 1 ½ tablespoons whole grain mustard (for a zesty kick): Adds a tangy note that offsets the richness and elevates the cheese dip flavor.
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese (grated): The star of the dip, melting beautifully for a sharp but creamy finish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, brush the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with melted butter—this little step ensures the golden rolls won’t stick and will come out flawlessly when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking and roll out the pizza dough to about 1/8 inch thickness, which gives the right balance of softness and structure. Carefully cut the dough into 1 ½ by 2-inch rectangles—these pieces will perfectly envelope each lil’ smokie for that iconic snug fit.
Step 3: Wrap and Arrange
Wrap each lil’ smokie tightly with a rectangle of dough, pinching the seams closed so the dough won’t open during baking. Arrange these wrapped bites standing upright around the inside edge of the buttered springform pan with the seams facing inward; this neat assembly helps create that magical pull-apart effect.
Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the dough to cook through and the sausages to heat up. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes so the dough achieves a luscious golden brown with a hint of crispness on top.
Step 5: Cool and Prepare the Cheese Dip
After baking, let your masterpiece cool for 10 minutes—this little patience pays off by making it easier to pull apart. Meanwhile, make the cheese dip: melt butter in a pot over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, allowing the sauce to thicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in whole grain mustard and gradually add your grated white cheddar until smooth. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your irresistible pigs in a blanket warm with the creamy cheese dip on the side for dunking. It’s a guaranteed hit that brings smiles and satisfied sighs around your table.
How to Serve Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives, parsley, or even a dash of smoked paprika over the cheese dip to brighten up the dish visually and enhance its flavors with a subtle herbal or smoky twist. These little touches go a long way in making your presentation pop and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this fun finger food with fresh, crisp veggie sticks like celery, carrots, and cucumber, or a light mixed green salad to balance the richness of the pigs in a blanket and cheese dip. For an extra indulgent feast, a side of baked sweet potato fries or crunchy coleslaw works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of just one pan, try assembling mini rings of pull-apart treats on small plates for individual servings at parties or place them on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls filled with cheeses, dips, and spicy mustards. This encourages sharing and adds a festive feel that will have guests chatting and dipping happily all evening.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their tenderness while preventing the cheese dip from drying out—just be sure to cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or preserve leftovers longer, freeze the uncooked wrapped sausages before baking by arranging them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. The cheese dip freezes best separately in small containers.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then bake in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and still soft. The cheese dip reheats gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back its silky texture without scorching.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely! Crescent roll dough works wonderfully and even gives a flakier texture, though using pizza dough adds a bit more chewiness and heartiness to the pull-apart experience. Either way, you’re in for a tasty treat.
How spicy is the cheese dip with whole grain mustard?
The mustard adds a gentle tang and just a subtle kick—it enhances the cheese’s sharpness without overpowering. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the mustard slightly or omit it altogether.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pizza dough and substitute the all-purpose flour in the cheese dip with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure your mustard and cheese are gluten-free as well. The result remains equally delicious.
Is it okay to prepare the cheese dip ahead of time?
Definitely. Making the dip in advance is a smart move. Just store it in the fridge and gently warm it up on the stove before serving, stirring to refresh its creamy texture.
Any tips for making the pull apart pigs in a blanket extra crispy?
Brush the tops with a bit of melted butter or egg wash before baking the last 15 minutes uncovered to achieve that lovely golden, crispy finish. A sprinkle of coarse salt or sesame seeds on top can also add delightful texture.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe is one of those joyous creations that brings people together, inviting everyone to dig in and share some smiles. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one piece—it’s comfort food with a playful twist, ideal for any gathering or cozy night in. So grab your ingredients, rally your favorite crew, and get ready for some seriously delicious fun!
Print
Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (12 pieces each)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This irresistible Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket recipe features tender lil’ smokies wrapped in soft pizza dough, baked to golden perfection and served with a creamy, tangy mustard cheese dip. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, these bite-sized treats are fun to eat and flavorful, combining melty cheddar cheese and a hint of whole grain mustard in the accompanying sauce.
Ingredients
For the Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 pounds pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 70 to 75 lil’ smokies (about 2 packages of 14 oz each)
For the Mustard Cheese Dip
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the pigs in a blanket.
- Prepare the pan: Brush the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick, ensuring an even thickness for wrapping.
- Cut the dough: Cut the dough into pieces approximately 1 ½ inches by 2 inches, sized perfectly to wrap around each lil’ smokie.
- Wrap the smokies: Wrap each lil’ smokie with a piece of dough, pinching the seams tightly to seal the dough securely around the sausage.
- Arrange in pan: Stand the wrapped smokies vertically, seam side inward, around the edge of the springform pan, fitting them snugly side by side.
- Bake covered: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes to ensure the dough cooks through.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the pigs in a blanket are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool slightly: Let the baked pull apart pigs rest for about 10 minutes to allow the dough to set and to avoid burning your mouth.
- Serve: Serve the pull apart pigs in a blanket immediately with the prepared mustard cheese sauce for dipping.
- Make the cheese sauce – Step 1: In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter then whisk in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Make the cheese sauce – Step 2: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to cook and stir for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Make the cheese sauce – Step 3: Whisk in the whole grain mustard, then slowly add the grated white cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Using a springform pan helps hold the pigs in a blanket upright and makes serving easier.
- Make sure to pinch the dough seams tightly to prevent the dough from opening during baking.
- The mustard cheese dip can be prepared ahead and warmed before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, a regular round baking dish can be used but arranging the pieces tightly helps maintain the pull apart style.
