Sweet and Spicy Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese Dip
Try this Sweet and Spicy Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese dip recipe.
Try this Sweet and Spicy Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese dip recipe.
- salt and pepper
- 2 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1.5 lbs of small cocktail sausages (i used smokies)
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (i used a heaped tsp because we lov
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 lb crescent roll sheet (2 sheets)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for the egg wash)
- 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese or monterrey jack
- 1/2 habanero, deseeded
- alternatively you can use pepper jack cheese or habanero cheese (which is what i used)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (cornflour)
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp spicy mustard
- Carbohydrate 1.10391530824478 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.02716139092064 g
- Fiber 0.0239333332672747 g
- Protein 0.0455286111266797 g
- Saturated Fat 0.131607222485321 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (29g)
- Sodium 22.3209674099741 mg
- Sugar 1.07998197497751 g
- Trans Fat 0.0502808334315802 g
- Calories 13 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, fry the sausages in the pan until they are heated through, and some caramelization starts to occur.
- Add the sugar, tomato ketchup, cayenne pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Mix with the sausages until they are coated with the mix and fry them for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the sausages completely.
- Remove from the heat and let them cool down to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place one crescent dough sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut 1 inch-wide strips using a pizza cutter or knife. Cut each strip to 3 - 4 pieces (depending on how thick your cocktail sausages are).
- Wrap each mini sausage with a strip of the crescent dough, and pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the wrapped sausages on a parchment paper lined baking tray.
- Brush each of them with an egg wash, and bake in preheated oven for 10 - 12 minutes, until the crescent dough is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven once baked, let them cool down for a few minutes.
- Serve warm, or at room temperature, with dipping sauces.
- Grate the cheese using the large holes of a box grater (or equivalent).
- Toss the cheese with the cornstarch, until they are mixed well.
- In a saucepan, combine the cornstarch coated cheese, evaporated milk, cayenne pepper, and mustard.
- Heat over medium-low heat to gently heat the milk-cheese mix.
- Mix gently, and frequently until the cheese has completely melted and you have a smooth, thick cheese sauce.
- You can add more evaporated milk (or cream) to thin out the sauce if you like.
- Season with salt if needed.
- Serve warm with the spicy and sweet pigs in a blanket.
Sweet and Spicy Pigs in a Blanket with a Creamy Cheese Dip: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to keep everyone fed and happy. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, flavorful enough to please even the pickiest eaters in my family. This Sweet and Spicy Pigs in a Blanket recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's a fun twist on a classic appetizer, elevated to a complete meal with a creamy, cheesy dip that adds a touch of indulgence without excessive effort.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The pigs in a blanket themselves are a breeze to assemble. The pre-made crescent roll dough cuts down on prep time significantly, allowing me to focus on other important tasks while the sausages bake to golden perfection. The sweet and spicy glaze adds a unique depth of flavor – a perfect balance of sweet brown sugar and a satisfying kick of cayenne pepper. It's that unexpected flavor combination that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
But the real star of the show is the cheesy dip. It's unbelievably easy to make, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients. The creamy texture of the evaporated milk combined with the sharp cheddar cheese (or my personal favorite, pepper jack) creates a rich and decadent sauce that perfectly complements the savory sausages. A pinch of cornstarch ensures the dip remains beautifully thick and creamy, without any unwanted watery consistency. The addition of a touch of spicy mustard brings a subtle yet noticeable tang, adding another layer of flavor that enhances the overall experience.
This recipe isn't just a weeknight savior; it's also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausages – Italian sausages, chorizo, or even vegetarian alternatives would work beautifully. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your family's preferences. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you prefer a more intense kick, add a little extra or incorporate a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
On busy weeknights, when I'm juggling work calls and after-school activities, this recipe has become my go-to. It's quick, easy, and the entire family loves it. The kids think it’s a fun, kid-friendly meal, and my husband always complements the unique flavor combinations. It's a satisfying and delicious meal that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table. So, if you're looking for a simple yet impressive recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights, give these Sweet and Spicy Pigs in a Blanket a try. You won't be disappointed!
Beyond the ease of preparation, this dish offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with my family. The process of assembling the pigs in a blanket can become a fun activity for the kids, allowing them to participate in the cooking process and fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in their contribution to the family meal. It's a great way to spend some quality time together while creating delicious memories. The simple act of sharing a meal together, prepared with love, is a small but significant contribution to a happy and harmonious family life. The smiles around the dinner table, the shared laughter, and the sense of togetherness – these are the true ingredients of a successful weeknight meal.
This recipe also proves that even seemingly simple dishes can be elevated to something truly special with a bit of creativity and attention to detail. The careful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, combined with the rich and creamy cheese dip, creates a symphony of taste that will delight your palate. It's a testament to the fact that culinary magic doesn't always require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. Sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the ones that are simple, approachable, and full of heart.
So, go ahead and try this recipe. Let me know in the comments how you enjoyed it and any variations you tried! Happy cooking!
