If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that’s both playful and packed with flavor, look no further than this Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe. This recipe transforms classic pigs in a blanket into a visually stunning, shareable centerpiece that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Stuffed with juicy lil’ smokies wrapped in buttery pizza dough and paired with a creamy, tangy cheese dip, it guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites. Whether you’re hosting game day, a casual party, or just craving a cozy snack, this dish delivers the perfect combo of comfort and excitement!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is where the magic begins! Each item in this recipe plays a key role, building layers of buttery dough, smoky sausage, and rich, melty cheese that work together harmoniously. These essentials are easy to find yet elevate this dish from ordinary to outstanding.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds golden richness and helps the dough crisp beautifully.
- 2 pounds pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): Provides the soft, chewy wrap for the smokies, creating that perfect blanket.
- 70 to 75 lil’ smokies (about 2 packages of 14 oz): These mini sausages are small, flavorful, and perfect party bites.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The key to thickening the luscious cheese sauce.
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred): Creates the creamy base that carries all the cheesy goodness.
- 1 ½ tablespoons whole grain mustard: Adds a zesty, tangy kick that brightens the dip.
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese (grated): Sharp and melty, it’s the heart of the decadent cheese dip.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, brush the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with melted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also infuses the edges with buttery flavor, ensuring every bite is tender and golden.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out your pizza dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Getting it just thin enough is key to a lightweight, crisp blanket without overpowering the smokies. Cut the dough into pieces roughly 1 ½ inches by 2 inches—perfect portions for wrapping each lil’ smokie snugly.
Step 3: Wrap the Lil’ Smokies
Take one lil’ smokie at a time and wrap it in a piece of dough, pinching the seams tightly so they stay sealed during baking. This little step traps in all the juicy smoky goodness and keeps that dough from opening up in the oven—crucial for that perfect pull apart effect.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place each wrapped smokie upright around the springform pan, seam side facing inward so they stay sealed. Once your pan is packed snugly, cover it tightly with foil to keep the steam inside, allowing the dough to cook through without burning. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the tops are irresistibly golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Dip
While the pigs in a blanket bake, melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in milk until the sauce is silky and thickened, cooking a few minutes more. Stir in the whole grain mustard for a tangy pop, then gradually add the grated cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pull apart pigs in a blanket cool for about 10 minutes—this makes for easier handling while keeping them warm and cozy on the inside. Serve alongside your homemade mustard cheese dip and watch everyone dive in eagerly!
How to Serve Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives over the cheese dip for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika over the baked pigs in a blanket can also deepen the savory notes and make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
Pair this fun finger food with crisp vegetable sticks like carrots and celery or a fresh mixed greens salad to balance the richness. For a heartier spread, offer some crunchy potato chips or a simple coleslaw on the side to welcome different textures and flavors to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe right in the springform pan for a dramatic and shareable look. Alternatively, plate smaller sections on a wooden board with multiple dipping bowls to create an interactive appetizer station that invites everyone to grab, dip, and enjoy together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pigs in a blanket stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for easy snacking or reheated lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked or unbaked wrapped smokies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the dough crisps back up beautifully. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use different sausages instead of lil’ smokies?
Absolutely! While lil’ smokies are perfect for bite-sized fun, you can swap in cocktail sausages or even mini bratwurst. Just adjust the dough pieces accordingly to ensure each sausage is fully wrapped.
Is it better to use store-bought or homemade pizza dough?
Both work wonderfully. Store-bought dough is a huge time saver and usually reliable, but homemade dough lets you tailor the flavor and texture. Either way, rolling it to the right thickness is what makes the difference.
Can I make the cheese dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese dip a day in advance. Just reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving to keep it smooth and creamy.
What can I substitute for whole grain mustard in the cheese dip?
If you don’t have whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard is a great alternative. It will still add that tangy zest your dip needs without drastically changing flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free pizza dough and a gluten-free flour blend for the cheese dip roux. Make sure the sausages you choose are also gluten-free, and you’re good to go without sacrificing any flavor.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Irresistibly Fun Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip Recipe enough if you want to impress without stressing. It’s a playful, delicious dish that turns snacking into an experience—perfect for friends, family, or anytime you want to spark joy in the kitchen and around the table. Give it a try and prepare to become everyone’s favorite host!
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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)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy this irresistibly fun and crowd-pleasing Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket served with a creamy, zesty white cheddar cheese dip. Soft pizza dough envelops smoky lil’ smokies, baked to golden perfection and arranged in a springform pan for easy sharing. Perfect as a party appetizer or game day snack, this recipe combines savory flavors with a luscious homemade cheese sauce featuring whole grain mustard for a tangy kick.
Ingredients
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)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Mustard Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese (grated)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the pull apart pigs in a blanket.
- Prepare Pan: Brush the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Roll Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough until it is about 1/8 inch thick, ensuring it’s thin enough to wrap the lil’ smokies.
- Cut Dough: Cut the rolled dough into pieces sized approximately 1 ½ inches by 2 inches, perfect for wrapping each smokie.
- Wrap Smokies: Wrap each lil’ smokie with a piece of dough, pinching the seams tightly to seal the dough around the sausage.
- Arrange in Pan: Line the wrapped smokies vertically around the inside of the springform pan, seam side facing inward for a uniform appearance.
- Bake Covered: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes to cook the dough and smokies through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, until the dough turns golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool: Allow the pigs in a blanket to cool for about 10 minutes before serving, making them easier to handle.
- Serve: Serve immediately with the mustard cheese sauce for dipping, making the dish extra flavorful.
- Make Cheese Sauce – Melt Butter: In a small pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter for the sauce.
- Whisk in Flour: Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk until smooth, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season and Add Cheese: Whisk in 1 ½ tablespoons of whole grain mustard, then gradually add 8 ounces of grated white cheddar cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
Notes
- For best results, use whole milk in the cheese sauce for creaminess.
- If desired, substitute lil’ smokies with mini sausages or cocktail wieners.
- You can prepare the dough-wrapped smokies ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Whole grain mustard adds a nice tang, but you can adjust the amount according to taste or substitute with Dijon mustard.
- The springform pan makes removal easy; if unavailable, use a similarly sized round baking dish and adjust serving accordingly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
