These fun pretzel pigs in a blanket are perfectly flaky and soft. Each little sausage is wrapped in golden dough that’s just right for dipping in a creamy beer cheese sauce!
Who can resist that combo? Honestly, I can’t! 😋 I love enjoying these as a snack while watching a game or even at a party. They’re easy to share, which is a bonus!
Making them is a breeze—just wrap, bake, and serve with the cheese dip. I could snack on these every day and never get tired of that cheesy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: For convenience, I often use refrigerated crescent roll dough. However, if you’re up for it, homemade soft pretzel dough adds a lovely texture. You can find many simple recipes online for that!
Mini Sausages: I love using cocktail sausages, but smoked sausages or even veggie sausages make great alternatives for different dietary needs. Just make sure to slice them down to a similar size for even cooking.
Baking Soda: This ingredient is essential for that classic pretzel taste and texture. If you’re out, using another alkaline solution like lye is possible, but it requires careful handling. Stick with baking soda for ease!
Beer: Choose a lager or ale for the cheese dip. If you’d prefer a non-alcoholic option, use non-alcoholic beer or substitute with vegetable broth for a great flavor.
How Do You Get That Perfect Pretzel Texture?
The key trick for achieving that delicious pretzel-like crust comes from the baking soda bath. This unique step results in the signature brown crust and yummy flavor. Here’s how to nail it:
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot. When ready, carefully whisk in the baking soda.
- Dip each wrapped sausage into the boiling water with a slotted spoon for about 30 seconds. You want to see it start to puff a bit!
- Return them to the baking sheet afterward to get ready for baking.
Trust me, this step is worth it for the perfect golden brown finish! Remember, take your time to let these bake until beautifully golden to enhance the flavor.
Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket With The Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (or homemade soft pretzel dough)
- 12 mini cocktail sausages or smoked sausages
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling
For the Beer Cheese Dip:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beer (lager or ale)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus about 15 minutes to bake. You’ll need an additional few moments to whip up the beer cheese dip. In total, you can have these tasty bites ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough and Sausages:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. For a good fit, cut each triangle into 3-4 strips, depending on the width and size of your sausages.
2. Wrap the Sausages:
Now it’s time to wrap! Take each mini sausage and wrap it with a strip of dough, rolling from the wide end to the point, leaving the ends of the sausage exposed. Once wrapped, place the sausages seam side down on the baking sheet.
3. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil, then carefully add the baking soda (watch out, it may bubble up!). Using a slotted spoon, dip each wrapped sausage into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. This magical step is what gives the dough that wonderful pretzel texture and flavor!
4. Apply Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush each dipped dough piece with the beaten egg, which helps them achieve a beautiful golden color when baked. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt or pretzel salt to add that delicious finishing touch!
5. Bake:
Pop the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Once baked, take them out and let them cool slightly.
6. Make the Beer Cheese Dip:
While the pigs in a blanket are baking, it’s time for the cheese dip! In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux that is lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the beer until smooth, and continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the dip becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve:
Transfer your warm beer cheese dip to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh chives or parsley if you’d like. Now, serve it alongside those freshly baked pretzel pigs in a blanket for the perfect bite!
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket with Beer Cheese Dip! They’re a hit for parties, snacks, or game day treats!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought refrigerated crescent roll dough is a quick and easy option that works perfectly. If you prefer to make your own soft pretzel dough, that’s a great choice too for a more authentic taste!
Can I Make These Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pigs in a blanket and store them in the fridge before baking. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve! For the beer cheese dip, it can be made ahead and reheated on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What’s a Good Substitute for Beer in the Cheese Dip?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with non-alcoholic beer or vegetable broth. Both will still create a flavorful cheese dip without the alcohol. Just adjust the seasoning as needed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep the pretzel pigs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beer cheese dip can also be refrigerated; just reheat gently before serving again to ensure it’s creamy and enjoyable!
