National Pigs in a Blanket Day
Celebrated: April 24
Wrapped in Joy: The Comfort of Pigs in a Blanket
If your mind goes to swaddled piglets when you hear “pigs in a blanket,” we’re here to kindly redirect your imagination — to one of the coziest comfort foods ever to grace a plate. National Pigs in a Blanket Day, celebrated each year on April 24, is all about the irresistible pairing of sausages or hot dogs wrapped in warm, flaky dough. Whether it's puff pastry, biscuit dough, or even crescent rolls, this snack is universally loved for its simplicity, nostalgia, and utter deliciousness.
These little bites are versatile — perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, backyard parties, or elegant hors d'oeuvres at a cocktail event. They’ve transcended their humble roots and become a classic in every context. You can dip them in mustard, dunk them in cheese, or dress them up with herbs and artisanal sausages — there’s no wrong way to enjoy a pig in a blanket.
What makes this dish a cultural icon is its ability to bridge generations. From childhood memories of baking them with parents to serving them at grown-up game nights, pigs in a blanket are as much about shared moments as they are about taste. And let’s be honest: anything wrapped in dough and baked to golden perfection is worth celebrating.
Did You Know? Fun Facts All Wrapped Up
- Royal Relatives: In the U.K., “pigs in blankets” refer to sausages wrapped in bacon — a must-have at Christmas dinner.
- Early Mentions: Wrapped meat dishes go back centuries. Versions of “pigs in a blanket” appear in The Boston Cooking School Cookbook as early as 1901.
- Betty Crocker Boost: The American-style version gained traction after Betty Crocker’s Cooking for Kids (1957) included a simple recipe.
- They’ve Gone Global: Countries from Denmark to Japan have their own wrapped sausage snacks — from pølsehorn to octodogs.
- Dough Decisions: Crescent roll dough is the U.S. standard, but some recipes get creative with puff pastry, bread dough, or even pancake batter!
A Bite-Sized History of the Day
While the exact origin of National Pigs in a Blanket Day is unclear, the dish itself has a rich, savory history. The earliest forms of sausage wrapped in bread appeared across European cuisines in the 1600s and 1700s. However, the American interpretation — sausage or hot dog wrapped in dough and baked — came into popularity post-World War II, with the rise of convenience cooking.
The real game-changer? Betty Crocker’s influence in 1957. Her Cooking for Kids cookbook featured a version of pigs in a blanket made with pre-made biscuit dough and cocktail franks — making it an instant family favorite.
Today, the dish continues to evolve, appearing at parties and potlucks across the country, and April 24 gives us the perfect excuse to roll up some dough and bake up a batch.
Celebrate Like a Pro
- DIY Snack Bar: Set up a make-your-own pigs in a blanket station at home with various sausages, cheeses, and dough types.
- Mini Party Bites: Hosting a gathering? Serve bite-sized versions with dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy ketchup, or beer cheese.
- Kids in the Kitchen: Let little hands help with wrapping and baking — it's a great activity for budding chefs.
- Restaurant Owners: Run a "Pigs in a Blanket Flight" special — showcasing variations like jalapeño cheddar, everything-bagel crust, or international twists.
- Take It Online: Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #PigsInABlanketDay and tag your favorite comfort food spots.
Roll Into Food Safety With Certivance
Whether you’re serving comfort classics or crafting gourmet fare, Certivance is here to make sure your kitchen is as safe as it is savory. From food handler certifications to custom training solutions, we help businesses and professionals nationwide stay compliant, confident, and customer-ready.
🥐 Ready to roll with us? Visit Certivance.com and wrap your operation in safety.
