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A Breakfast Delight: The Ultimate Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
Introduction
The humble “Pig in a Blanket” is a concept known and loved across the globe, from cocktail parties to ballpark stadiums. But what happens when this classic finger food collides with the most important meal of the day? You get a masterpiece of morning comfort food: Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket. This recipe elevates the simple combination of sausage and dough by incorporating fluffy scrambled eggs and melty cheese, all wrapped in a golden, buttery crescent roll blanket. It’s a handheld, all-in-one breakfast that is perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, feeding a crowd, or simply treating yourself to something special.
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Formation & Ingredients
This recipe is designed to be modular. Feel free to customize the fillings to your heart’s content.
Yields: 8 substantial breakfast “pigs”
Prep time:20 minutes
Cook time:15-20 minutes
For the Blanket & “Pigs”:
· 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
· 8 fully cooked breakfast sausage links (like Jimmy Dean or Aidells)
· 4 large eggs
· 2 tablespoons milk or cream
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
· 1 tablespoon butter
· 1/2 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work wonderfully)
· Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or parsley
For the Glaze & Garnish:
· 1 tablespoon melted butter
· Everything Bagel Seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for sprinkling
· Optional for serving: Ketchup, hot sauce, or maple syrup for dipping
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Methods & Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and uniform.
2. Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once foaming, pour in the egg mixture.
3. Gently scramble the eggs by pushing them from the edges toward the center with a spatula. Cook until they are just set but still slightly moist. Remove from the heat immediately. (They will continue to cook later in the oven). Stir in the chopped herbs if using.
Step 2: Assemble the “Pigs”
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles along the perforated lines.
3. Place a sausage link on the wide end of each triangle.
4. Spoon a portion of the scrambled eggs (about 1-1.5 tablespoons) next to the sausage.
5. Sprinkle a generous pinch of shredded cheese over the eggs and sausage.
Step 3: The Wrap & Bake
1. Carefully roll the dough triangle from the wide end to the narrow tip, enveloping the sausage, eggs, and cheese completely. Press the seams gently to seal, ensuring the filling is snug inside its “blanket.”
2. Place the rolled “pigs” seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Brush the tops lightly with the melted butter and sprinkle generously with your chosen seasoning (Everything Bagel Seasoning is highly recommended).
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and a deep golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
1. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving—the filling will be very hot!
2. Serve warm with sides of ketchup, hot sauce, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory twist.
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A Brief History of Pigs in a Blanket
The concept of wrapping meat in dough is ancient, but the term “Pigs in a Blanket” in America most commonly refers to small sausages baked in pastry. Its popularity soared in the mid-20th century with the invention of canned, pre-made doughs like crescent rolls and biscuit dough. While the classic version is a party appetizer, the “breakfast” iteration is a natural evolution, capitalizing on the beloved flavors of a full American breakfast in a convenient, portable form.
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Nutrition & Benefits
While this is an indulgent treat, it offers some nutritional benefits:
· High-Protein Start: Thanks to the eggs, sausage, and cheese, this meal is packed with protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning, reducing the urge to snack.
· Portion Control: Each “pig” is a self-contained serving, helping to manage portion sizes.
· Energy for the Day: The carbohydrates from the dough provide a quick source of energy, ideal for a busy morning.
· Customizable for Health: You can easily boost the nutrition by using turkey or chicken sausage, low-fat cheese, and adding finely chopped spinach or diced peppers to the egg mixture.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, approximate):
· Calories: ~250
· Fat: 17g
· Carbohydrates: 15g
· Protein: 10g
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For the Lovers: Customization Ideas
The true joy of this recipe is its versatility. Make it your own!
· The Spice Lover: Use spicy Andouille sausage and pepper jack cheese. Add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
· The Veggie Lover: Substitute the sausage with a veggie sausage patty or simply load up the eggs with sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and spinach.
· The Gourmet Lover: Use high-quality, pre-cooked bacon instead of sausage and Gruyère cheese for a sophisticated flavor.
· The Low-Carb Lover: Wrap the fillings in a blanched, sturdy green like collard greens or use thin slices of ham instead of crescent dough.
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Conclusion
The Breakfast Pig in a Blanket is more than just a recipe; it’s a fun, delicious, and brilliantly convenient solution to the morning meal. It combines the nostalgic comfort of a childhood favorite with the substantive satisfaction of a full breakfast. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, hosting a brunch that will impress your guests, or simply making an ordinary morning extraordinary, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite. It proves that sometimes, the best things come in small, golden-brown, handheld packages.
