Growing up, I always looked forward to Sunday mornings when my grandma would make her famous Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets. The smell of warm cinnamon and buttery pastry would waft through the house, drawing me and my siblings straight to the kitchen. Grandma would let us help roll up the little sausage-filled bundles, delighting in our giggles as we’d try to wrap them as tightly as she did. When they came out of the oven, golden and glistening, we’d dive right in, the flaky dough and savory sausage melting in our mouths. To this day, that comforting flavor of Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets takes me right back to those cozy mornings spent with family.
Why This Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets
What makes this Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets recipe so special is the unique blend of flavors and textures. The savory pork sausage is wrapped in a buttery, cinnamon-sugar pastry dough, creating a delightful contrast of salty and sweet in every bite. But the secret is in the technique – rolling the dough thin enough to fully encase the sausage without becoming too doughy. It takes a bit of practice, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be making these Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets on repeat.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets require just a few simple ingredients:
- Puff pastry or crescent roll dough
- Breakfast sausage links
- Ground cinnamon
- Granulated sugar
- Butter
The puff pastry or crescent roll dough provides the flaky, golden exterior, while the breakfast sausage links bring the savory protein. The cinnamon and sugar create that iconic sweet flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
Step-by-Step Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets Instructions
Preparing Your Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets
Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a baking sheet, a rolling pin, and a sharp knife to get started.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry or crescent roll dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into long, thin strips, about 1-inch wide.
3- Place a sausage link at the end of each dough strip, then tightly wrap the dough around the sausage, pinching the seam to seal.
4- Arrange the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
5- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Brush the top of each wrapped sausage with melted butter, then generously sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets is to roll the dough thin enough to fully encase the sausage without becoming too doughy. If you find the dough is tearing or the sausage is peeking through, try rolling it even thinner.
Another tip is to make sure the sausage links are at room temperature before wrapping them. This will help the dough adhere better and prevent any gaps or air pockets. Finally, be generous with the cinnamon-sugar topping – it’s what really makes these Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets so irresistible!
Serving and Storing Your Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets
Perfect Pairings for Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets
Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets are the perfect centerpiece for a weekend brunch spread. Serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad, crispy hash browns, and a pitcher of mimosas for a truly indulgent morning meal. They also make a great handheld snack or appetizer for any time of day.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets in advance and freeze them unbaked. When ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen, wrapped sausages to a baking sheet and follow the same baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets
Creative Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets Variations
While the classic Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a twist on this recipe. Try using different flavors of sausage, like maple or spicy Italian. You can also swap in different types of dough, like crescent rolls or puff pastry sheets. For a seasonal touch, try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Making Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets Diet-Friendly
To make Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets a bit more diet-friendly, you can use turkey or chicken sausage in place of the traditional pork. For a gluten-free version, opt for a gluten-free puff pastry or crescent roll dough. Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy a meatless version by using plant-based sausage alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular sausage links instead of breakfast sausage?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use regular sausage links for Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets. The breakfast sausage works well because of its smaller size, but any type of sausage will work as long as it’s not too thick.
Q: How do I ensure the sausage is cooked through?
A: To make sure the sausage is fully cooked, bake the Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets for 18-22 minutes at 400°F. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 165°F.
Q: Can I make Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets in advance and freeze them unbaked. When ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen, wrapped sausages to a baking sheet and follow the same instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How many Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will make approximately 12-16 Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets, depending on the size of your sausage links and how thinly you roll out the dough.
Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 8
Description
Start your day with a delightful treat – Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets! These fluffy, golden rolls are filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to perfection. Enjoy them warm, with a dusting of powdered sugar for an irresistible morning indulgence.
Ingredients
– 1 can crescent roll dough
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles.
3. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
4. 4. Brush the crescent roll triangles with the melted butter.
5. 5. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered triangles.
6. 6. Starting from the wide end, tightly roll up each triangle.
7. 7. Place the rolled-up pigs in a blanket on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
8. 8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
9. 9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
10. 10. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
For a more decadent treat, you can add a cream cheese or vanilla glaze on top of the warm rolls. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Breakfast Pigs in Cinnamon Blankets are the ultimate comfort food, bringing back nostalgic memories of cozy Sunday mornings with family. With their irresistible combination of savory sausage and sweet, buttery pastry, these little bites are sure to become a new breakfast (or anytime!) favorite. Give this easy recipe a try, and let me know how they turn out for you in the comments below. Enjoy!
