Yields: 8 Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Easy
Ingredients
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1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
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8 fully cooked breakfast sausage links (like Jimmy Dean or Johnsonville)
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4 slices sharp cheddar cheese, each slice cut in half
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1 large egg (for egg wash)
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1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
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Optional for garnish: Everything Bagel Seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Equipment
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
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Small bowl (for egg wash)
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Pastry brush
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Sharp knife or pizza cutter (optional, for slicing cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Station
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for the crescent dough to cook through and become golden without burning before the inside is hot. Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup an absolute breeze.
Step 2: Unroll and Separate the Dough
Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll the sheet onto a clean, dry surface. You will see the perforated triangles. Gently separate the dough along these perforations so you have 8 individual triangles.
Step 3: Assemble the “Pigs”
Take one half-slice of cheddar cheese and place it at the wide end of one crescent roll triangle. Place one fully cooked sausage link on top of the cheese, perpendicular to the wide end. The goal is to have the cheese act as a barrier so the sausage doesn’t make the dough soggy and to ensure every bite is cheesy.
Step 4: The Perfect Roll
Now, for the “blanket”! Start rolling the dough from the wide end (where the sausage and cheese are) down towards the narrow tip. Make sure the dough wraps snugly around the sausage and cheese, completely enclosing them. Gently press the narrow tip of the triangle onto the rolled dough to seal it; this will prevent it from unrolling during baking. Repeat this process with the remaining 7 triangles, sausages, and cheese slices.
Step 5: The Golden Glaze
Place the rolled “pigs in a blanket” on your prepared baking sheet, seam-side down, and spaced about 1-2 inches apart. In a small bowl, whisk the single egg with one tablespoon of water until smooth. This creates an egg wash. Using your pastry brush, lightly brush the top and sides of each roll with the egg wash. This is the secret to achieving that beautiful, deep golden-brown, glossy finish. If you’re using any optional garnishes like Everything Bagel Seasoning, now is the time to sprinkle them on generously.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end. They are done when the dough is puffed up and has turned a rich, golden brown color.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket cool on the sheet for about 2-3 minutes. They will be extremely hot inside! Serve them warm alongside your favorite breakfast condiments like ketchup, hot sauce, or maple syrup for a sweet and savory contrast.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: You can assemble these the night before! Follow all the steps up to placing them on the baking sheet. Instead of baking, cover the sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply brush with the egg wash and bake as directed. You may need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time since they will be starting from cold.
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Freezing: These freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. After assembling and placing them on a baking sheet, flash-freeze them for 1 hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the original baking time.
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Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness. The microwave will work but will result in a softer dough.
Nutrition Information
(Please note: The following nutrition information is an estimate based on the specific ingredients used and can vary significantly by brand.)
Serving Size: 1 Breakfast Pig in a Blanket
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Calories: 220
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Total Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Cholesterol: 45mg
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Sodium: 520mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 12g
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Dietary Fiber: 0g
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Sugars: 3g
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Protein: 8g
Dietary Note: This recipe, as written, is not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. However, it is highly adaptable! Use your favorite plant-based sausages and vegan cheese with gluten-free crescent roll dough to meet your dietary needs.