Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Breakfast Treat
Imagine the irresistible aroma of sweet cinnamon and the savory sizzle of breakfast sausage, all in one perfect bite. These Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket transform a simple breakfast into an unforgettable culinary experience, ideal for special occasions or any morning you crave something extraordinary. Each juicy pork sausage link is lovingly enveloped in fluffy, sweet cinnamon roll dough and then finished with a simple, delectable glaze. Prepare to delight your family and guests with this unique sweet and savory fusion!
Why You’ll Love These Salty Sweet Breakfast Treats
I genuinely believed my days of inventing new cinnamon roll recipes were behind me. Yet, sometimes the best ideas appear when you least expect them! These Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket are an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. They elevate any special occasion breakfast, making it even more memorable and utterly delicious. The combination of salty, juicy sausage with sweet, sticky cinnamon roll dough is pure breakfast magic, guaranteed to bring smiles to every face around the table.
Admittedly, this recipe might be a little indulgent, perhaps even a touch “over the top” – but that’s exactly what the holidays are for, aren’t they? Being a little extra! I can’t wait to introduce these new treats at Christmas breakfast this year. I know the kids will absolutely adore the contrast of the salty sausage nestled within the sweet, gooey cinnamon roll. And honestly, I’m pretty confident you will too. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines two beloved breakfast staples into one irresistible dish.
These sweet and savory cinnamon roll-wrapped sausages have quickly become my absolute favorite pigs in a blanket recipe. They’re incredibly simple to make, yet they deliver on flavor and fun in a big way. Let me show you just how easy it is to bring this innovative breakfast idea to life in your own kitchen.
My Favorite Recipes to Make with Canned Cinnamon Rolls
In our household, there’s nothing quite like the comforting joy of ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls. Canned cinnamon rolls are an absolute lifesaver, offering a fantastic shortcut to creating some of our most cherished breakfast treats without all the fuss of making dough from scratch. They are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for both elaborate holiday spreads and quick everyday indulgences. Here are some of our top picks:
- Family-Size Skillet Cinnamon Roll: This is a truly scrumptious and effortlessly shareable twist on everyone’s favorite morning sweet treat! It’s our most popular cinnamon roll recipe for a reason – baking this beauty guarantees a good morning, filling your home with an aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Canned Cinnamon Roll Donuts: Why ever choose between a cinnamon roll and a donut when you can have the very best of both worlds? In approximately 20 minutes, you can have warm, fresh-fried, cinnamon-studded, and cream cheese glazed donuts ready to enjoy right in the comfort of your own home, without even having to change out of your pajamas.
- Mini Cinnamon Rolls: Discover big fun and big flavor in these adorable Mini Cinnamon Rolls. All you need is just one can of jumbo cinnamon rolls to create an entire batch of delightful, bite-sized breakfast bliss that’s perfect for portion control or serving a crowd.
- And for even more creative ideas, check out our collection of recipes for store-bought cinnamon rolls!
What Do I Need to Make Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket?
Creating these delightful sweet and savory treats requires only a few simple ingredients. The key is to select quality components that will shine in the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (17.5 ounce) can Jumbo Grands! Cinnamon Rolls with icing: It is crucial that you use the LARGE SIZE canned cinnamon rolls, specifically those that can be easily unrolled into strips. Brands like Pillsbury Grands!, Annie’s Organic, Trader Joe’s Jumbo, or other store-brand jumbo cinnamon rolls should all work perfectly. The larger size allows for sufficient dough to wrap around the sausage links.
- 10 uncooked pork sausage links: Your favorite brand of breakfast sausage links will work wonderfully here. Opt for a classic pork flavor to complement the sweetness of the cinnamon roll dough. Ensure they are uncooked, as they will cook thoroughly inside the dough in the oven.
Optional Homemade Glaze Recipe (for Extra Sweetness)
While store-bought cinnamon rolls typically come with their own icing packets, sometimes you just want a little extra, or perhaps you prefer a homemade touch. This easy recipe provides a simple yet delicious glaze that works perfectly for these Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket and many other baked goods. It’s quick to whip up and adds an extra layer of sweet indulgence.
- In a small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/3 cup of milk.
- Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, thin, and has a consistent drizzling texture. If the glaze becomes too thick, gradually add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar until it thickens up.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket: Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a beginner baker or anyone looking for a quick and impressive breakfast. Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden and deliciously sweet and savory treats:
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared baking sheet aside.
- Unravel and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls: Carefully unroll each jumbo cinnamon roll from the can. You’ll notice they are in a continuous spiral. Once unrolled, use a knife to cut each cinnamon roll strip into 4 equal portions, each approximately 5.5 inches long. Make sure to reserve the icing packet that comes with the cinnamon rolls for later use.
- Prepare the Sausage Links: Take each uncooked pork sausage link and cut it in half crosswise. This will give you smaller, more manageable pieces that are perfect for wrapping.
- Wrap the Sausage: Now for the fun part! Take one portion of the unrolled cinnamon roll dough and tightly wrap it around one half of a sausage link. Begin at one end of the sausage and coil the dough several times around, ensuring the sausage is fully enclosed. The dough is quite pliable, so take your time to make a neat wrap.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each wrapped cinnamon roll pig in a blanket on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to place them seam-side-down to prevent the dough from unraveling during baking. Leave a little space between each one to allow for even cooking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them until they are beautifully light golden brown and the sausage inside is cooked through.
- Glaze While Warm: While the pigs in a blanket are still warm, take the reserved cinnamon roll icing packet (or your homemade glaze). If using the packet, microwave it for about 10 seconds to make it easily drizzled. Drizzle and gently spread some icing over each warm bite, ensuring the cinnamon roll is well-covered for that classic sweet finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your warm Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket immediately. Offer any remaining icing in a small bowl for dipping, allowing everyone to customize their sweetness. Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there’s enough space between each “pig” on the baking sheet for even airflow and browning. This prevents them from steaming instead of baking.
- Unroll Carefully: The jumbo cinnamon roll dough can be delicate. Unroll it slowly and gently to avoid tearing. If it does tear, simply press the edges back together.
- Even Sausage Size: Cutting the sausage links in half crosswise ensures uniform cooking and makes them easier to wrap.
- Cook Sausage First (Optional): If you prefer a crispier sausage or are concerned about the sausage cooking through, you can lightly brown the sausage links in a skillet for a few minutes before wrapping them in dough. Be sure to pat them dry to remove excess grease.
- Pre-Made Option: You can prepare these the night before and store them covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake them fresh for an easy breakfast.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While delicious as is, feel free to experiment with these ideas:
- Different Sausages: Try maple-flavored sausage for an even sweeter profile, or spicy sausage for a kick. Chicken or turkey sausage links are also great alternatives for a lighter option.
- Add Cheese: Before wrapping, place a small strip of cheddar or cream cheese on the sausage for a cheesy surprise.
- Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to your homemade glaze for extra flavor depth.
- Toppings: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze can add a delightful crunch.
- What to Serve With: These are quite filling on their own, but they pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, a side of scrambled eggs, or a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa, especially during the holidays.
More Must-Make Ideas for Christmas Breakfast
Make Christmas breakfast its own joyous celebration with our collection of Must-Make Christmas Breakfast Ideas. For a festive, fun, and flavorful morning meal this holiday season, these go-to breakfast recipes offer a little something special for everyone, ensuring your holiday gathering starts with warmth and deliciousness. From sweet to savory, and quick to comforting, find your next festive breakfast tradition here!
If you make these delectable Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket, we would absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with us or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama. I truly love seeing how inspired and creative all of you get with the recipes I share. Enjoy every sweet and savory bite!
xoxo,
Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket
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Author:
The BakerMama -
Prep Time:
10 minutes -
Cook Time:
18 minutes -
Total Time:
28 minutes -
Yield:
20 rolls
Description
Savory pork sausage wrapped in cinnamon roll dough and covered in a simple, sweet glaze make Cinnamon Roll Pigs in a Blanket a special occasion breakfast they won’t forget!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 (17.5 ounce) can Jumbo Grands! Cinnamon Rolls with icing (5 large rolls)
- 10 uncooked pork sausage links
Extra Icing Ingredients (Optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Unravel each cinnamon roll and cut into 4 equal portions about 5.5 inches long each. Reserve the icing.
- Cut each pork sausage link in half crosswise.
- Wrap each cinnamon roll portion tightly around the sausage link half several times.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side-down.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until light golden brown.
- Heat cinnamon roll icing in the microwave for 10 seconds. Drizzle and spread some icing over each bite so the cinnamon roll is covered in it.
- Serve with remaining icing for dipping into.
Extra Icing Instructions (if making homemade):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until thin and of drizzling consistency. If too thick, add a little more milk. If too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar.