What Are Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket?

Are you looking for a breakfast that’s both fun and incredibly delicious, something that the whole family will ask for again and again? Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket are the answer! This recipe transforms humble breakfast sausage links into a truly gourmet experience by enveloping them in a cloud-like, subtly sweet pancake batter. Imagine the perfect bite: a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a fluffy, tender pancake hug around a warm, savory sausage. It’s a delightful duality of flavors and textures that makes mornings exciting. We’ve perfected a batter that’s light and airy, with just the right hint of vanilla and salt to complement the richness of the sausage. Forget boring cereal; these breakfast treats are a game-changer, offering a truly satisfying start to your day.

Ingredients For Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket

To create these delightful morning morsels, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together harmoniously.

For The Fluffy Pancake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (provides structure to our fluffy clouds)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for that hint of sweetness that balances the savory)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (our magic leavening agent for puffiness)
• ½ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
• 1 ¼ cups milk (the liquid base, use whole milk for richness)
• 1 large egg (binds everything together and adds richness)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (for tender texture and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a fragrant whisper of sweetness)

For The Savory Sausage:

• 1 (14-ounce) package breakfast sausage links (about 10-12 links, choose your favorite kind – pork, turkey, or chicken!)

For Optional Toppings & Serving:

• Maple syrup, for dipping
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Extra butter

Substitutions and Notes:

Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a classic pancake texture. For a slightly healthier option, you could try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Milk: Any milk will work, but whole milk will yield the richest flavor and texture. Almond milk or soy milk can be used for a dairy-free option.

Sausage: If you can’t find breakfast sausage links, you can use regular sausage meat, form it into small balls, and cook them until browned before wrapping. Ensure they are cooked through.

Timing Is Everything!

Compared to the average pancake recipe which might take around 20-30 minutes of active cooking (plus prep), these Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket are slightly longer due to the initial sausage cooking and the baking process. However, the combined prep and cook time of 35-40 minutes is wonderfully efficient for such a crowd-pleasing dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for perfect Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket every time.

Step 1: Prepare The Fluffy Pancake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture forms the base of our batter.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot, or it might scramble the egg.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a whisk or spatula until *just* combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and actually desirable for fluffy pancakes! Overmixing will result in tough pigs.

Step 2: Cook The Savory Sausage Links

• Place the breakfast sausage links in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cook, turning occasionally, until the sausages are lightly browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. We don’t want them fully crispy, just mostly cooked.
• Remove the sausage links from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle.

Step 3: Assemble The Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Hold each slightly cooled sausage link. Spoon or pour about 2-3 tablespoons of pancake batter over the sausage, ensuring it’s mostly covered, leaving a small bit of the tip exposed if you like to see what’s inside. Alternatively, you can dip each sausage link into the batter, making sure to coat it evenly.
• Place the batter-coated sausages onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pancake batter is puffed up, golden brown, and cooked through. The exact time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your batter coating.
• You can test for doneness by gently poking the batter – it should spring back slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Once baked, remove the Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
• Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast accompaniments!

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, based on 12 pigs, without toppings)

• Calories: ~180-220 kcal
• Protein: ~8-10g
• Fat: ~10-14g
• Carbohydrates: ~15-20g

Please note that nutritional values can vary significantly based on the type of sausage and milk used.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to make this breakfast even lighter without sacrificing flavor? Try these swaps:

• Leaner Sausage: Opt for turkey or chicken breakfast sausage links, which are typically lower in saturated fat.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Reduced Fat Milk: Use 1% or skim milk instead of whole milk.
• Smaller Portions: Serve one or two pigs per person and focus on adding fresh fruit as a side.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket are incredibly versatile! Serve them piping hot with:

• A generous drizzle of warm maple syrup for dipping – a classic for a reason!
• A dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• A side of fresh fruit like berries, melon, or sliced oranges for a balanced meal.
• A dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent treat.
• As part of a larger brunch spread with eggs, bacon, and pastries.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

To ensure your Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket are a success, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the Batter: This is the #1 culprit for tough, dense pancakes. Mix until *just* combined.
• Undercooking the Sausage: Ensure the sausages are cooked through before battering and baking to avoid a raw center.
• Oven Not Hot Enough: A properly preheated oven is crucial for the batter to puff up correctly.
• Baking on a Cold Sheet: Always use a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Batter Too Thick or Too Thin: The batter should be thick enough to coat the sausage but still pourable. Adjust with a tiny bit more milk if too thick, or a tablespoon of flour if too thin.

Storing Your Breakfast Pigs In A Blanket

Leftovers can be stored, though they are best enjoyed fresh.

• Refrigeration: Allow the baked pigs to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them briefly in a toaster oven or microwave, though the exterior might become a bit softer.

Frequently Asked Questions