Pigs in a Blanket (GLUTEN-FREE)

Pigs in a blanket are a classic party appetizer and a crowd favorite during holiday gatherings and football parties. This easy appetizer recipe is made with gluten-free puff pastry dough, smoked cocktail sausages, and everything bagel seasoning.

Our family has always enjoyed this simple party appetizer. It’s one of those classic recipes everyone has either tried (or at least heard of) and tends to reach for at parties. It’s easy to make, and the savory bite-size appetizers are irresistible.

What can be better than mini cocktail sausages wrapped in puff pastry and topped with everything bagel seasoning? It’s the ultimate appetizer for Super Bowl parties, potlucks, or a weekend snack.

Pigs in a blanket party appetizer (gluten-free)

The recipe is as easy as it gets. The essential ingredients are puff pastry dough and cocktail sausages, most commonly referred to as Lil Smokies. Some prefer to make pigs in a blanket with full-size hot dogs or hot links. It’s totally up to preference on the size and party food needs.

For more appetizer recipes, check out our favorite Air Fryer Onion Rings and Mozzarella Sticks.

Ingredients

• Gluten-free puff pastry – depending on the availability of gluten-free products in your area, you may be able to find it at your local grocery store. I had to order mine online.
• Cocktail sausages – we used a certified gluten-free brand from our local grocery store.
• Everything bagel seasoning – this seasoning is from Trader Joe’s but many grocery stores now carry a similar seasoning blend.
• Egg – the egg helps adhere the seasoning to the pigs in a blanket.

Gluten-free wrapped cocktail sausage appetizers

I haven’t ventured into making puff pastry but imagine my excitement when I was able to find frozen gluten-free puff pastry dough. In addition to making my favorite treats, I knew I wanted to make a savory appetizer. The kids were excited to have pigs in a blanket as an afternoon snack while testing this recipe out. They turned out just as delicious as the wheat version.

Recipe variations

• The addition of cheese inside the pigs in a blanket before baking is always a crowd-favorite adaptation. Cheddar and American cheese are commonly used, but feel free to use your favorite meltable cheese.
• Top the appetizer with everything bagel seasoning, herbs, garlic powder, or sesame seeds. Add a combination of black and white sesame seeds to make your appetizer stand out.
• Crescent dough also works well in this appetizer recipe if you prefer a thicker dough. I haven’t tested a gluten-free version yet, but I’ll update the post if I do.

Gluten-free puff pastry dough

The gluten-free dough tends to be a little tricky to handle. It can break apart easily, and it is best not to handle too much. I followed the thawing instructions on the box and carefully folded the dough around the cocktail sausage. Then, I slightly pressed down on the seam (sheet side down) and held it in place. I noticed a few cracks after baking, but none of the dough fell off, so I’m calling that a win.

A note about the seasoning

The Trader Joe’s seasoning isn’t technically labeled gluten-free, but I haven’t had an adverse reaction and don’t see gluten ingredients listed. My advice is to find a seasoning blend you feel most comfortable with or create your own.

What to serve with this appetizer?

• Classic yellow mustard, ground mustard, or Dijon mustard works excellent with this recipe.
• Ketchup
• Ranch
• Cheese sauce

More Party Food Recipes:

• Onion Rings
• 3-Ingredient Oreo Balls
• Mozzarella Sticks