Lil Smokies in a Blanket
This lil smokies in a blanket recipe is a delicious and easy appetizer that will steal the show at any gathering. With only two ingredients, it’s perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings. These savory bites combine the warmth of crescent rolls with flavorful lil’ smokies, making them irresistible to guests of all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: This recipe only requires two ingredients and minimal prep time, making it a breeze to whip up.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves pigs in a blanket! These lil smokies are sure to be a hit at any event.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a fun dinner. They fit any occasion perfectly!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids adore these tasty bites, making them an excellent choice for family gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite dips or sauces for extra flavor!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, ensure you have the right tools handy.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Essential for evenly baking your lil smokies in a blanket and preventing sticking.
- Parchment paper: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents the dough from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Sharp knife: Useful for cutting the crescent roll triangles into smaller pieces for wrapping.
Ingredients
This lil smokies in a blanket recipe is only two ingredients! Use crescent rolls for the pigs in a blanket dough. It’s the best party appetizer for any occasion!
For the Dough
- 2 cans (8 oz. each) refrigerated crescent rolls
For the Filling
- 48 lil’ smokies (or cocktail sausages)
How to Make Lil Smokies in a Blanket
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your lil smokies in a blanket will bake perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
- Open both cans of crescent dough.
- Separate the dough into 16 triangles along the perforated lines on a cutting board.
Step 3: Cut and Assemble
- Slice each crescent triangle lengthwise into thirds.
- Place one lil’ smokie on the wider side of each triangle.
- Roll up each triangle towards the thinner side, enclosing the sausage completely.
- Arrange them seam side down on a large baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake your lil smokies in a blanket for 12-15 minutes or until they are baked through and golden brown. Enjoy these delightful bites while they are warm!
How to Serve Lil Smokies in a Blanket
Lil smokies in a blanket are a versatile appetizer perfect for any gathering. They can be served in various ways to enhance your snacking experience.
Casual Gathering
- Buffet Style: Arrange the lil smokies on a large platter with dipping sauces on the side, allowing guests to grab and go.
- Skewered: Thread the lil smokies onto skewers for easy handling, making them fun for both kids and adults.
Game Day Snacks
- With Dips: Pair with classic dips like mustard or BBQ sauce to add extra flavor.
- Mini Sandwiches: Serve them with small rolls and condiments for a mini sandwich option.
Kid-Friendly Options
- Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes from the crescent rolls before wrapping the sausages.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, diced onions, and jalapeños for kids to customize their snacks.
How to Perfect Lil Smokies in a Blanket
Perfecting lil smokies in a blanket is easy with a few simple tips. These will ensure your appetizer turns out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Dough: Always use fresh crescent roll dough for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Space the lil smokies on the baking sheet to allow even cooking and browning.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding seasonings like garlic powder or paprika to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure they are golden brown and fully cooked by checking the color of the dough.
Best Side Dishes for Lil Smokies in a Blanket
Lil smokies in a blanket pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavor. Here are some great options:
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks add crunch and balance out the richness of the dish.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses provides variety and pairs well with the savory flavors of lil smokies.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges add heartiness; serve them with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Chips and Salsa: This classic combo adds crunch and spice, enhancing your snack table.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich appetizers.
- Coleslaw: The creamy texture of coleslaw complements lil smokies well, adding a nice contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lil Smokies in a Blanket, there are a few common pitfalls. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
- Boldly ignoring the dough temperature: Ensure your crescent rolls are at room temperature for easier handling. Cold dough can break and make rolling difficult.
- Boldly cutting uneven triangles: Make sure to cut the crescent rolls into evenly sized triangles. This ensures each lil smokie is properly wrapped and cooks evenly.
- Boldly overcrowding the baking sheet: Don’t place too many wrapped sausages close together. Leave space for the dough to expand and become crispy.
- Boldly skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures that your Lil Smokies cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
- Boldly neglecting to check doneness: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Every oven is different, so check for a golden brown appearance to know when they’re done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Lil Smokies in a Blanket
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Lil Smokies in a Blanket
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, checking after each until warm, but crust will not be crisp.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, covered, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Lil Smokies in a Blanket.
Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute with other cocktail sausages or even vegetarian options for variety.
How do I customize my Lil Smokies in a Blanket?
Feel free to add cheese or spices inside the crescent roll before wrapping the sausages for added flavor!
What dipping sauces go well with this appetizer?
Consider serving with mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and wrap them up to a day before and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Lil Smokies in a Blanket recipe is simple yet delightful, making it perfect for any gathering. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different ingredients or dips, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Try this easy recipe at your next party!
Lil Smokies in a Blanket
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 48 servings 1x
Description
Lil Smokies in a Blanket are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the delightful taste of savory lil’ smokies with the flaky goodness of crescent rolls. Perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings, this easy recipe requires just two ingredients and minimal prep time. Guests of all ages will adore these bite-sized snacks, and their versatility allows for endless customization. Whether served alongside your favorite dips or as a fun finger food at dinner, these delicious bites are sure to steal the show!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz. each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 48 lil' smokies (or cocktail sausages)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Open both cans of crescent dough and separate into 16 triangles.
- Cut each triangle lengthwise into three strips.
- Place one lil' smokie on the wide end of each triangle and roll towards the point, ensuring each sausage is fully wrapped.
- Position them seam side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
