Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket REcipe

Name: Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/2 pound bacon, cut in half crosswise; 2 cans crescent roll dough; 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded; 32 cornichon gherkins or other small pickles; 1 egg, beaten

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. The original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings.

1/2 pound bacon, each slice cut in half crosswise
2 cans crescent roll dough
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
32 cornichon gherkins or other small pickles
1 large egg, beaten

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure the rolls bake evenly and dont stick to the sheet.

In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and cook the bacon until slightly crispy but still pliable, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease and set the bacon aside to cool slightly.

Next, unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Then, cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create 32 smaller, narrow triangles.

Take each dough triangle and place about 1 tablespoon of shredded Cheddar cheese on the bottom half of the dough. Place a slice of bacon on top of the cheese, and then place 1 pickle horizontally at the base of the dough triangle.

Now, carefully roll up the dough, starting from the wide end, and make sure the seam is on the bottom when you place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the top of each roll with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish while baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious bacon, cheese, and pickle crescent rolls!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	15g Fat	23g Carbs	11g Protein
275	15g (20% Daily Value)	23g (8% Daily Value)	11g (22% Daily Value)
Additional Nutrients
Saturated Fat: 7g (37% Daily Value) Cholesterol: 56mg (19% Daily Value) Sodium: 687mg (30% Daily Value) Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value) Total Sugars: 12g Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value) Calcium: 145mg (11% Daily Value) Iron: 1mg (5% Daily Value) Potassium: 167mg (4% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket

Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket are a modern twist on the classic pigs in a blanket, a dish with roots tracing back to medieval Europe, where small sausages were wrapped in dough for easy cooking and transport. Over time, the concept migrated to America, where it became a staple at parties and casual gatherings. The addition of cheese and pickles is a distinctly American innovation, reflecting the local palate's love for tangy, savory, and gooey combinations.

Regional Variations and Features

While the base concept is popular across the United States, certain regions have put their unique stamp on the dish. In the Midwest, cheddar cheese is the preferred choice, often paired with dill pickles for a tangy punch. In the South, smoky bacon and pepper jack cheese may be added for a spicier flavor. Some coastal cities even experiment with gourmet pickles, artisanal cheeses, or flavored crescent dough to elevate the appetizer for more upscale settings.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional pigs in a blanket, which typically feature only a sausage wrapped in dough, this version introduces a multi-layered flavor profile. The combination of cheddar cheese, bacon, and a small pickle transforms a simple snack into a rich, savory, and tangy appetizer. The interplay of texturesthe crisp baked dough, gooey melted cheese, crunchy pickle, and tender baconsets it apart from other finger foods like sausage rolls or cheese-stuffed crescent bites.

Where Youll Usually Find It

Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket are most commonly served at casual gatherings, such as game-day parties, potlucks, or holiday celebrations. They are also a popular choice for appetizer trays in restaurants or catered events, where their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing. Bars and gastropubs may serve them as bar snacks paired with craft beers, highlighting their tangy and savory profile.

Interesting Facts

The use of cornichon pickles gives the dish a European flair, as these small French pickles are known for their tartness and crispness.
Though often considered a snack, the combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates makes it surprisingly filling, contributing to its popularity at gatherings.
The dish has inspired numerous variations, including vegetarian versions using cheese-stuffed pickles wrapped in puff pastry or crescent dough.
Its bite-sized format makes it ideal for portion control, allowing people to enjoy multiple flavors without committing to a full entre.

Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket represent both tradition and innovation, blending classic comfort food with modern flavor twists that appeal to all ages. Whether served at a family gathering or a festive party, this dish continues to delight with its combination of crisp, cheesy, and tangy textures.

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FAQ about Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket REcipe

Leftover Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispiness.

Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket before baking. To do so, assemble them as instructed, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, cook them directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Yes, you can use different types of pickles. Cornichons are traditionally used, but you can substitute them with dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or any other small pickles according to your taste preference.

To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative or even skip the bacon entirely. You can also opt for a different type of cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free option.

Cheesy Pickle Pigs in a Blanket make a great party appetizer and can be served with dipping sauces like mustard, ranch, or a creamy garlic dip. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or as part of a charcuterie board.

Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. Assemble the pigs in a blanket and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking. When you're ready to serve, bake them as instructed. If frozen, bake directly from the freezer.

To ensure the bacon is cooked properly, it should be cooked until slightly crispy but still pliable. This gives it the right texture when wrapped in the dough. Avoid cooking it too crispy as it can become too brittle and might break when rolling.

While crescent roll dough is the most commonly used, you can substitute it with other types of dough such as puff pastry or biscuit dough. Keep in mind that the texture and baking time may vary depending on the dough used.

Comments

Barbara Phillips

01/12/2023 06:14:46 PM

Too salty - This dish is overly salty and it overpowers all other flavors.

Richard Johnson

05/06/2023 03:11:49 PM

Tangy. That's the only word needed. Cheesy and tangy, with an extra kick. Absolutely delicious. Five stars from me. Feeling great about life right now.