National Pigs in a Blanket Day (April 24)

April is full of unusual and quirky food holidays, and one of the most delicious is National Pigs in a Blanket Day on April 24th.

Whether you prefer them as mini sausages wrapped in dough or enjoy a different international twist, these savory bites have been a favorite snack across cultures for generations.

This tasty tradition has deep roots and continues to be a popular choice for parties and gatherings.

It’s just one of the many unusual holidays in April that bring fun to the table!

When Is The Holiday?

National Pigs in a Blanket Day takes place annually on April 24th.

Who Invented the Holiday?

The origins of Pigs in a Blanket stretch back centuries, but pinpointing the exact inventor is tricky.

The concept of wrapping meat in dough has appeared in various cultures over time.

British cooks have long made Toad in the Hole, sausages baked in batter.

In the U.S., immigrants adapted the idea using hot dogs and biscuit dough, creating the version most people recognize today.

The first known mention in an American cookbook appeared in 1957, in a Betty Crocker recipe collection.

While no single person is credited with creating the dish, its rise in popularity was fueled by its simplicity and versatility, making it a staple at parties and holiday gatherings.

The History of Pigs in a Blanket

The idea of wrapping meat in dough has been around for centuries, with different cultures putting their spin on it.

• British Influence: The UK’s Toad in the Hole features sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter, a dish that could have inspired modern Pigs in a Blanket.
• American Version: In the U.S., small sausages or hot dogs wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough became a party favorite, brought over and adapted by European immigrants.
• International Variations: Many cultures have similar snacks, such as Poland’s kiełbasa zapiekana w cieście, Israel’s Moshe Ba’Teiva, and the Philippines’ Kwek-kwek, showcasing the global love for this simple dish.

Top 5 Facts About Pigs in Blankets

1. The concept of wrapping meat in dough dates back to the early 1600s in Europe.
2. The first recorded American recipe for Pigs in a Blanket appeared in a 1957 Betty Crocker cookbook.
3. In Japan, a similar snack called korokke dogs wraps sausages in a crispy breadcrumb coating rather than pastry.
4. The dish has been a staple at the Super Bowl, ranking among the top party appetizers each year.
5. The largest Pigs in a Blanket ever made weighed over 1,100 pounds and was baked in Yorkshire, England, in 2017.

Activities to Celebrate

• Make Classic Pigs in a Blanket: Bake your own using cocktail franks and crescent dough.
• Try a Gourmet Twist: Use premium sausages, puff pastry, or cheese-filled variations.
• Host a Tasting Party: Compare different regional versions and dipping sauces.
• Set Up a DIY Bar: Let guests build their own combinations with various meats, doughs, and toppings like mustard, cheese, or herbs.
• Create a Pigs in a Blanket Challenge: Have friends or family compete to create the most unique version.
• Explore International Flavors: Try recipes inspired by British, Danish, or Mexican variations.
• Pair with Drinks: Make a fun pairing night by matching different Pigs in a Blanket styles with craft beers or cocktails.
• Make it a Game Night: Pair your feast with classic board games or movie marathons for a cozy celebration.

Related Recipes for Pigs in a Blanket

Celebrate with these delicious recipe ideas:

• Homemade Pigs in a Blanket – A healthier take using whole wheat dough and turkey sausages.
• Jalapeño Cheddar Pigs in a Blanket – A spicy, cheesy twist for those who love bold flavors.
• Glazed Pigs in a Blanket – Coated in a brown sugar and butter glaze for a sweet-savory contrast.
• Garlic Parmesan Pigs in a Blanket with Prosciutto – A gourmet upgrade featuring crispy prosciutto and garlic butter.
• Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket – Wrapped in pancake batter and served with maple syrup.
• Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket – A quick and crispy version perfect for busy weeknights.
• Pigs in a Blanket Wreath – Arranged in a festive circle and served with a dipping sauce.
• Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket – A plant-based alternative using seasoned roasted carrots.
• Turkey Pigs in a Blanket – A healthier option using lean turkey sausage and whole grain dough.
• Mini Pigs in a Blanket – Bite-sized and perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Keto Pigs in a Blanket – Made with almond flour dough for a low-carb option.
• Pigs in a Blanket Breakfast Casserole – A creative way to enjoy them for breakfast in a baked dish.

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Links to Resources

Check out these fun products to enhance your celebration:

1. Dough Cutter. A handy tool that makes it easy to create uniform dough strips for perfectly wrapped pigs in a blanket.
2. Baking Tray. A non-stick tray designed to help bake the perfect batch, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup.
3. Dog Treats. Don’t leave out your furry friend on this delicious day with these tasty treats.

Related Holidays

If you love celebrating food-themed days, there are other fun holidays you won’t want to miss.

April 26th is National Pretzel Day, where you can enjoy the satisfying crunch of twisted dough, whether soft or hard.

Earlier in the month, on April 12th, we celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day, paying homage to the simple yet iconic sandwich that pairs perfectly with tomato soup.

If bite-sized snacks are your thing, National Corn Dog Day in March is a great excuse to indulge in another delicious meat-wrapped-in-dough treat.

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