I absolutely love this Pigs In A Quilt Recipe because it’s that perfect mix of fun and flavor that everyone in the family gets excited about. The way the crescent roll dough weaves around those all-beef franks creates a cozy, quilt-like treat that’s both visually delightful and totally delicious. Whether you’re planning a cozy movie night or a casual party appetizer, this recipe feels special without any fuss.
When I first tried making Pigs In A Quilt myself, I was surprised at how simple it was—no fancy skills needed, just a little weaving and baking. You’ll find that it turns out golden-brown, flaky, and just the right size for easy snacking or serving a crowd. Plus, it’s super adaptable, so you can make it your own with different dips or seasonings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy-to-make but impressive: The weaving technique turns simple ingredients into a showstopper without extra hassle.
- Perfect snack or appetizer: Bite-sized pieces are great for parties, lunches, or casual family dinners.
- Flaky, buttery crust: Crescent roll dough baked to golden perfection adds that irresistible texture your crowd will love.
- Customizable and fun: You can swap hot dogs or add spices to match your taste and occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Pigs In A Quilt Recipe, it’s all about simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Crescent roll dough wraps those savory hot dogs with ease, while a touch of egg wash and flaky sea salt finish off the look and flavor just right.
- All-purpose flour: Used for dusting the surface so the dough doesn’t stick—essential for smooth rolling and weaving.
- Crescent roll dough: This buttery dough is the star—choose your favorite brand for a tender, flaky quilt.
- All-beef frankfurter hot dogs: Classic and savory, they’re the perfect size to weave into the dough strips.
- Large egg: Beaten for an egg wash that gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen and helps the salt stick.
- Flaky sea salt: Adds a final crunchy burst of flavor on top; don’t skip this step for the best texture.
Variations
I love how flexible this Pigs In A Quilt Recipe is—you can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Changing up the hot dogs or adding a little spice can make it your own culinary signature.
- Use cheese-stuffed sausages: I tried pepper jack sausages once, and my family went crazy for the oozing cheesy surprise inside the quilt.
- Vegetarian alternative: Try a plant-based “hot dog” or a seasoned veggie stick wrapped in this same way for a meatless option everyone will enjoy.
- Add seasoning to dough: Brushing on a little garlic butter or sprinkling herbs before baking takes the flavor up a notch.
- Mini version: Cut hot dogs into halves or thirds and weave smaller strips for adorable party bites or kids’ lunches.
How to Make Pigs In A Quilt Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Spread the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface—this prevents sticking and makes it easier to spread the dough evenly. Gently unfold your crescent roll dough and pinch the seams together to form one solid sheet. Then, using a rolling pin, roll it into a neat 10×8-inch rectangle. This sets the foundation for your quilt weave, so take your time to keep the edges straight!
Step 2: Create the Weaver’s Base
Slice the dough lengthwise into eight 1-inch strips—don’t worry if they’re not perfectly even. Place seven strips on your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them side-by-side. Now the fun part: fold back every other strip to expose the parchment beneath, like weaving a basket. This alternating fold makes the lattice where your hot dogs will nestle.
Step 3: Weave the Hot Dogs In
Starting at one side of your baking sheet, lay a hot dog across the dough strips. Unfold the folded strips back over the hot dog, then fold back the opposite strips again. Place the next hot dog, and continue this over-under weaving pattern until all eight hot dogs are laid neatly side-by-side. This step might feel fiddly, but just go slow—you’ll get the hang of it fast, and it’s super satisfying to see it come together.
Step 4: Wrap and Seal the Edges
Take the last dough strip and cut it in half crosswise. Use these two pieces to wrap around the left and right edges of your woven hot dogs, pinching the dough to seal the ends so nothing unravels in the oven. Trim any uneven edges to keep your quilt looking tidy and uniform. This sealing step helps keep everything snug and perfectly contained during baking.
Step 5: Brush, Season, and Bake
Brush the entire surface with beaten egg to give it that irresistible golden crust and a little shine. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for that pop of crunch and flavor. Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the dough is beautifully golden and flaky. Let it cool slightly—you want it warm but not so hot you burn your fingers when cutting.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once just warm, slice the Pigs In A Quilt into bite-sized squares or rectangles. Transfer them to a serving platter and watch them disappear quickly! They’re perfect for dipping or enjoying right out of hand.
Pro Tips for Making Pigs In A Quilt Recipe
- Don’t over-roll the dough: Keep it thin but not paper-thin—too thin and it might tear during weaving.
- Keep your fingers gentle: I discovered this trick when handling the dough, pressing too hard can stretch or break it.
- Use parchment paper: It makes the weaving and transfer a breeze and prevents sticking or tearing.
- Brush egg wash carefully: Avoid pooling on the edges or it may leak into the weave and get soggy.
How to Serve Pigs In A Quilt Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep garnishes simple but tasty—some flaky sea salt on top goes a long way. For dipping, I usually serve with classic yellow mustard, tangy ketchup, or even a spicy aioli if I’m feeling fancy. Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on the platter add a nice pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for Pigs In A Quilt include crisp veggie sticks or a light green salad to balance the richness. Sometimes I add baked beans or sweet potato fries for a heartier spread that makes it a full meal rather than just an appetizer. It’s perfect for casual gatherings where finger foods rule.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve arranged the woven hot dog quilt on a festive platter lined with greenery and colorful toothpicks to make grabbing pieces easy and elegant. Another time, I made mini versions on skewers, which were a big hit with kids and adults alike. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation—it adds to the fun of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), I wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They keep well for 2-3 days, making them an easy snack or quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen unbaked woven Pigs In A Quilt wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil before baking. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It’s a great way to prep ahead for parties or busy days!
Reheating
To keep that flaky crust crisp on reheating, I use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving can make the dough a bit soggy, so I recommend the oven method whenever possible.
FAQs
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Can I use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes, you can! Biscuit dough tends to be a bit thicker and less flaky, so your texture might be different, but it will still work well for weaving and wrapping the hot dogs.
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How do I prevent the dough from tearing while weaving?
Make sure your dough is cold but pliable and lightly floured on your surface. Roll gently and avoid stretching the dough too much. Using parchment paper underneath helps support the strips as well.
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Can I prepare Pigs In A Quilt ahead of time?
Definitely! You can weave the dough and arrange the hot dogs the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, then brush with egg wash and bake fresh right before serving.
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What’s the best dip to serve with Pigs In A Quilt?
Classic mustard or ketchup never fail, but I also love spicy mustard, honey mustard, or even ranch dressing. Feeling adventurous? Try a smoky BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pigs In A Quilt Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it brings everyone together with such ease and joy. It’s simple enough to whip up last minute but impressive enough to steal the show at any gathering. I encourage you to make it your own, enjoy the weaving process, and share these delicious bites with your favorite people—you’ll love the smiles it brings!
PrintPigs In A Quilt Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Total Time: 33 mins
- Yield: 32 bite-sized pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pigs In A Quilt is a fun and delicious appetizer featuring all-beef hot dogs wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough that is woven into a quilt-like pattern and baked until golden brown. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, this easy recipe offers bite-sized pieces filled with savory hot dogs enveloped in buttery, flaky pastry, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for an added touch of flavor.
Ingredients
Dough and Assembly
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 8 oz. tube crescent roll dough
- 1 large egg, beaten to blend
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Filling
- 8 all-beef frankfurter hot dogs
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dough: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375°F. Lightly flour a clean surface and gently spread the crescent dough into a rectangle using your fingers, pinching seams together. Then, roll out the dough with a rolling pin to an approximately 10″ x 8″ rectangle. Slice the dough lengthwise into 8 strips about 1″ wide.
- Weave the Dough Strips with Hot Dogs: Transfer 7 strips to a parchment-lined baking sheet, laying them flat. Fold back every other strip to expose the parchment beneath. Starting from the left, place one hot dog over the unfolded strips. Then bring the folded strips back over the hot dog to cover it. Fold back alternate strips again and place a second hot dog next to the first. Continue this weaving process, alternating fold strips and placing hot dogs, until all 8 hot dogs are interwoven within the dough strips.
- Wrap and Seal the Edges: Take the remaining dough strip and cut it in half crosswise. Use each half to wrap around the left and right edges of the woven hot dogs, pinching the dough to seal the edges together. Trim any uneven edges to create a neat rectangle. Brush the entire dough surface with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the assembled ‘pigs in a quilt’ in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown. Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Serve: Cut the baked quilt into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the pieces on a platter and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Using flaky sea salt adds a nice texture and enhances flavor but can be substituted with regular coarse salt if needed.
- For easier weaving, make sure the dough strips are pliable and don’t dry out; if needed, cover with a damp towel briefly.
- Feel free to use different types of hot dogs or sausages based on preference or dietary needs.
- Serve with mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.
- This recipe yields approximately 32 bite-sized pieces, great for sharing at gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces (approx. 56g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg