Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket

Sometimes you just need an easy breakfast that feels special even though it is wildly simple to make. Breakfast pigs in a blanket have bailed me out on busy mornings and always get devoured at weekend brunches. This recipe takes classic cinnamon rolls and gives them a savory twist with breakfast sausage tucked inside each swirl. The combination of sweet and savory is just unbeatable and kids absolutely love to help roll them up.

I first tried these when my niece refused to eat eggs and I needed a creative breakfast in a hurry. Now they are a family favorite whenever we have overnight guests or need something special for a morning celebration.

Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage links: Fully cooked, look for ones with a mild flavor so they do not overpower the cinnamon
• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: Choose a recognizable brand for the best texture and flavor
• Icing: A drizzle of icing adds just the right amount of sweetness to the finished rolls
• Tip for selecting sausages: Make sure they are not seasoned with too many savory spices since you want that sweet and salty balance
• Pick cinnamon rolls that unroll easily: Do not crack
• Thicker cinnamon roll dough: If possible look for thicker cinnamon roll dough which envelops the sausage nicely

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius and allow it to fully heat before you begin assembling

Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate them Keeping in mind you will have twelve sausages for six rolls cut each roll in half and flatten each piece with your hands or a rolling pin Just flatten enough to make rolling around the sausage easy

Wrap the Sausages:

Take one sausage and set it on the flattened piece of dough Gently roll the dough so it wraps entirely around the sausage Pinch the ends and turn the seam to the bottom so it stays closed while baking

Arrange on Baking Sheet:

Place each wrapped sausage seam side down onto a greased or parchment lined baking sheet This prevents sticking and helps them bake up evenly

Bake Until Golden:

Put the tray in the oven Bake for about fourteen minutes until the dough puffs and turns a beautiful golden brown Watch closely the last few minutes to catch any that might brown too quickly

Finish and Serve:

As soon as they are baked pull from the oven and while still warm drizzle frosting over the top of each one Enjoy while warm they are best fresh out of the oven

I will never forget the first time I made these for a sleepover breakfast The kids giggled the entire time they rolled the sausages with sticky fingers and we ended up with a couple of funny looking ones but every single one disappeared from the platter

Storage Tips

Cool any leftovers completely before storing Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat on a low oven setting or in an air fryer for just a few minutes to keep them crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer turkey or plant based sausages those will work just as well Chop up larger sausages to fit inside the roll pieces You can swap the cinnamon roll dough for crescent roll dough but you will lose that signature cinnamon sweetness

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with scrambled eggs a bowl of fresh fruit or a hot mug of coffee They pack up easily for car trips or school breakfasts on the go

Cultural Historical Context

Pigs in a blanket have been around for decades and are often served at parties They started as appetizers for cocktail hour but the breakfast version using cinnamon rolls and sausage became popular in American kitchens for weekend brunches and holiday mornings

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls in the fall Try adding a sprinkle of apple pie spice or orange zest in winter Serve with berries in spring and summer for a pop of color

Success Stories

One year we made a double batch for a holiday brunch and every guest went straight for them before anything else Kids especially love getting messy with the icing drizzling step

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble the wrapped sausages and freeze them unbaked on a sheet tray Once frozen transfer to a zip top bag and store up to one month To bake simply add an extra few minutes to the baking time right from frozen

These breakfast pigs in a blanket are endlessly adaptable for any occasion. Try them once and they might just become your new morning favorite.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute other breakfast sausages or even try flavored links for variety.

→ How do I prevent the dough from opening while baking?

Place the wrapped sausages seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep the dough sealed during baking.

→ Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time?

You can wrap the sausages and refrigerate them overnight before baking in the morning for convenience.

→ Can I add extra toppings?

Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or even a light drizzle of maple syrup after baking.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for several minutes to maintain texture and flavor.