As the oven hums and the scent of melting cheese fills the kitchen, I can’t help but smile at the nostalgia that wafts through the air. Today, I’m excited to share my take on a classic favorite: Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with Mustard Cheese Sauce! This delightful appetizer not only brings together the savory goodness of lil’ smokies wrapped in soft pizza dough, but it also boasts a creamy, tangy cheese dip that adds a fun twist. Perfect for parties or game days, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family gathering or having a cozy night in, these shareable bites are sure to impress and satisfy. Curious to discover how to whip up this comfort food classic? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Will Everyone Love This Dish? Irresistible flavors: The combination of savory lil’ smokies and cheesy goodness wrapped in soft pizza dough is simply mouthwatering. Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a party-ready appetizer that will have friends and family raving. Perfect for sharing: Designed for effortless enjoyment, simply pull apart each piece and dip into that creamy mustard cheese sauce for an added kick. Versatile options: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or sauces, like adding jalapeños for a spicy twist or swapping the cheese dip for ranch. Quick cooking time: From prep to plate, you’ll have a warm and fluffy snack ready in under an hour—perfect for last-minute gatherings! These Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket are the ultimate appetizer that appeals to all ages, making them a must-try for your next get-together! Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket Ingredients For the Dough • Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; melted for easy application. Substitute with olive oil for a plant-based option. • Pizza Dough – Provides structure and a soft texture; 2 pounds needed. Can use store-bought or homemade dough. For the Filling • Lil’ Smokies – Main protein; accounts for a fun flavor. You can use hot dogs or sausage links as alternatives. For the Cheese Sauce • All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the cheese sauce; essential for texture. Avoid skipping. • Milk – Creates a creamy cheese dip; use whole or 2% milk for best results. Non-dairy milk can work but may alter taste and texture. • Whole Grain Mustard – Adds tang and depth to the cheese sauce; adjust with yellow mustard as a milder option. • White Cheddar Cheese – Provides rich flavor; substitute with any melty cheese (e.g., mozzarella or gouda). • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with melted unsalted butter to ensure easy removal later. This vital step will help achieve that beautiful golden crust as your Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket bake. Set the pan aside while you prepare the dough and filling. Step 2: Roll Out the Dough On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness is perfect for wrapping around the lil’ smokies. Once rolled, use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 1.5 x 2-inch rectangles. These pieces will snugly envelop your savory filling. Step 3: Wrap the Smokies Take each lil’ smokie and place it at one end of a dough rectangle. Roll the dough around the smokie, pinching the seams tightly to secure them. This step is crucial to keep the flavors sealed and the pieces intact as they bake. Repeat this process until all smokies are wrapped up in dough. Step 4: Arrange in the Pan Line the wrapped smokies vertically along the inside of the greased springform pan, making sure to arrange them snugly against one another. This will create a delightful pull-apart effect once baked. You may need to gently push them to fit, ensuring every last piece is in place. Step 5: Bake with Cover Cover the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the dough to rise and cook through beautifully. The foil helps retain moisture, ensuring the Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket remain soft and fluffy during this initial baking phase. Step 6: Uncover and Continue Baking After the first 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil to reveal your delicious creation. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a tempting, crispy crust forming on top. Step 7: Cool and Release Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period is essential for the Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket to set before you release them from the pan. It helps maintain the shape and ensures easy serving. Step 8: Make the Cheese Sauce While the dish cools, prepare the creamy mustard cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour for about 2 minutes until it bubbles gently. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickens up deliciously. Step 9: Add Flavor to the Sauce Incorporate the whole grain mustard into the cheese sauce, mixing it until fully blended. Gradually add shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, creating a rich dip that complements your Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket perfectly. Expert Tips for Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket Even Dough Thickness: Ensure the dough is rolled to an even 1/8 inch thickness for consistent baking. Uneven dough can lead to variable cooking times and texture. Time to Cool: Allow the Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the springform pan. This ensures a perfect shape and prevents them from falling apart. Pre-Made Cheese Sauce: Consider making the mustard cheese sauce ahead of time. It reheats beautifully with a bit of added milk if it thickens in the fridge. Tightly Packed: Arrange the lil’ smokies snugly in the pan, but don’t pack them too tightly. This allows for even baking without making them difficult to pull apart. Use Quality Cheese: Stick with good-quality white cheddar for the cheese sauce to achieve a rich flavor. Experimenting with different melty cheeses can also offer delightful variations! How to Store and Freeze Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them separate from the cheese sauce to maintain freshness. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket in a tightly sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: To enjoy your leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore that delightful crispiness while warming the flavors. Keep Fresh: If you plan to store the cheese sauce separately, it can last in the fridge for up to 5 days and is easy to reheat in a saucepan over low heat. Make Ahead Options These Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping the lil’ smokies in the dough and placing them in the springform pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep them fresh and to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake as instructed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if they’ve been chilled. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious, soft, and cheesy goodness with minimal effort on the day of your gathering! Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket Twists Explore the delightful ways you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs! Spicy Flair: Add finely chopped jalapeños into the dough for a zesty kick. Your guests will love the unexpected heat! Sausage Swap: Experiment with different types of sausages, like bratwurst or andouille for a unique flavor profile. Each variant brings its own charm to the table. Cheesy Surprise: Stuff the smokies with cheese before wrapping them up for an extra cheesy bite. This add-on will melt in your mouth! Herbed Dough: Mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the pizza dough for added flavor. It’s like bringing an Italian flair to the classic dish. Sweet Touch: Replace the mustard sauce with a sweet honey mustard dip for a delightful contrast of flavors that pairs well with the savory smokies. Vegan Version: Use vegan sausage and plant-based cheese for a delicious alternative. Everyone deserves a taste of this classic comfort food! Savory Additions: Try adding sauerkraut for a tangy bite that complements the smokies beautifully. It’s a twist reminiscent of a Reuben sandwich. Dipping Delights: Complement your Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket with various dipping sauces, like ranch or spicy ketchup, for more fun flavors. Don’t be shy; let your taste buds explore! Remember, the key to a great dish is creating it with love and imagination. Happy cooking! What to Serve with Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket Delightful and comforting, your Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket can easily shine alongside these perfect pairings. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery, smooth texture balances the savory bites, making for a hearty combination. Fresh Garden Salad: A refreshing, crisp salad adds a vibrant contrast to the warm, cheesy comfort of the pigs in a blanket, offering a burst of freshness. Mini Vegetable Platter: Crunchy carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers provide a lovely textural crunch and a healthy balance to the richness of your dish. Spicy Buffalo Sauce: For those who crave a kick, this bold sauce creates an exciting flavor contrast, adding zest and excitement to the creamy mustard cheese dip. Sriracha Ranch Dip: This creamy and spicy dip complements the cheesy savory bites, offering a delightful fusion of flavors that pairs perfectly. Light Beer or Cider: A crisp, cold beer or sparkling cider enhances the experience, cutting through the richness and refreshing your palate between bites. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End on a sweet note with chewy chocolate chip cookies, offering a comforting finish to your savory spread, tempting everyone for just one more bite! Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right pizza dough for Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using high-quality pizza dough, whether it’s store-bought or homemade. Look for fresh dough that’s pliable and has no dark spots or damage. If you prefer a plant-based option, you can easily substitute with a vegan pizza dough. What’s the best way to store leftovers from Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket? Very simple! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the cheese sauce fresh, store it separately in another container. This way, your cheesy dip stays creamy and delicious! Can I freeze Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket? Absolutely! To freeze, place the Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket in a tightly sealed freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them as per the reheating instructions. What should I do if my dough is too thick or uneven? Excellent question! If you find your dough is too thick, it’s important to roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. This ensures even cooking and a fluffy texture. If it’s uneven, just take a few extra moments to re-roller your dough before cutting it into rectangles — a little patience goes a long way! Is there a way to make Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket gluten-free? Very much so! You can substitute the traditional pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough available at most grocery stores. Just make sure to verify that the lil’ smokies and cheese sauce ingredients are also gluten-free. You’ll still enjoy all the delicious flavors without compromising on dietary needs! What’s the best way to serve Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket for a party? I often suggest serving them warm along with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, marinara, or the creamy mustard cheese sauce you made. If you want, you can create a fun dipping station with small bowls for each sauce, making it interactive and delightful for guests. Now everyone can pick their favorite! Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket for the Ultimate Party Snack Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket are a tasty snack combining savory lil' smokies and soft pizza dough, paired with a delicious mustard cheese sauce. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 8 piecesCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 230 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Melted for easy application2 pounds Pizza Dough Store-bought or homemadeFor the Filling1 package Lil’ Smokies Can substitute with hot dogs or sausage linksFor the Cheese Sauce1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Essential for texture1 cup Milk Whole or 2% milk recommended2 tablespoons Whole Grain Mustard Adjust with yellow mustard for milder flavor2 cups White Cheddar Cheese Can substitute with melty cheeseto taste Salt Essential for seasoningto taste Pepper Essential for seasoning Equipment 9-inch springform panSaucepan Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Pull Apart Pigs in a BlanketPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with melted unsalted butter.Roll out the pizza dough until it's about 1/8 inch thick and cut into 1.5 x 2-inch rectangles.Wrap each lil' smokie in the dough, pinching the seams tightly to secure.Arrange the wrapped smokies vertically in the greased springform pan.Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour for 2 minutes, then gradually add milk until thickened.Stir in whole grain mustard and shredded white cheddar until melted and combined, season to taste. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg NotesThese Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket are perfect for parties and can be customized with different dipping sauces. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
