National Pigs in a Blanket Day (April 24)

National Pigs in a Blanket Day on April 24 is one of those food holidays that’s actually worth celebrating.

They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and in our house they never last long once they come out of the oven. Whether you stick with the classic version or try something new, it’s a simple excuse to make something fun without much effort.

When Is The Holiday?

It falls on April 24 every year, which is as good an excuse as any to make a batch (they never seem to last long anyway).

Who Invented the Holiday?

No one really gets the credit for this one, and it’s probably because the idea itself has been around forever.

Wrapping meat in dough isn’t exactly new. Different versions show up in different places, from British dishes like toad in the hole to the American version most people grew up with, using hot dogs or mini sausages and ready-made dough.

The first time it showed up in a U.S. cookbook was in 1957 in a Betty Crocker book, which is when it started to stick. After that, it just became one of those things people kept making because it’s easy and it works.

History of Pigs in a Blanket

Wrapping meat in dough isn’t a new idea, it’s something that’s shown up in different forms for centuries.

In the UK, dishes like toad in the hole use sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter, which feels like an early version of the concept. When the idea made its way to the U.S., it shifted into the version most people recognize today, with hot dogs or mini sausages wrapped in biscuit or crescent dough and baked until golden.

You’ll find similar variations around the world too. Poland has its own pastry-wrapped sausages, Israel serves a version called Moshe Ba’Teiva, and in the Philippines, street food like kwek-kwek shows how popular the whole “meat wrapped in something” idea really is.

It’s one of those recipes that’s been adapted again and again, mostly because it’s simple, flexible, and works every time.

5 Facts About Pigs in Blankets

The idea of wrapping meat in dough goes back centuries, with versions showing up in Europe as early as the 1600s.

The first recorded American recipe didn’t appear until 1957 in a Betty Crocker cookbook, which is surprisingly recent for something that feels so familiar.

In the U.S., they’re usually made with hot dogs or cocktail sausages, but in other countries you’ll find everything from kielbasa to spiced sausages wrapped in pastry.

They’re one of those foods that quietly show up everywhere, especially at game days and parties, because they’re easy to make and even easier to eat.

The largest version ever made weighed over 1,100 pounds, which feels completely unnecessary… but also kind of impressive.

Coloring Page

If you need five minutes to get everything in the oven without interruptions, this helps.

I usually put the coloring page out first so it’s already on the table before we start cooking. It gives them something to do straight away, and you’re not trying to juggle dough and questions at the same time.

Activities to Celebrate

Making a batch together is the easiest place to start. It’s a bit messy, especially if kids are wrapping the dough themselves, but that’s kind of the point. They don’t need to look perfect to taste good.

If you want to stretch it out a bit, lay out a few options instead of just one. Different sausages, different dough, maybe a couple of dips. It turns into more of a “pick what you want” situation rather than everyone eating the same thing.

We’ve also done this where everyone makes a slightly different version and then tries each other’s. It sounds like more effort than it is, and it’s actually one of the few times everyone slows down long enough to compare.

If you’ve got a group, turning it into a challenge works better than you’d expect. Same ingredients, different ideas, and see what people come up with. It usually ends up a bit chaotic, but that’s half the fun.

And honestly, some years we just make a tray and eat them while watching a movie. No big plan, just something easy that feels a bit different from a normal evening.

Related Recipes for Pigs in a Blanket

We usually just stick to the classic, but if you want to mix things up a bit, these are the ones that are actually worth trying:

Homemade Pigs in a Blanket – a slightly lighter version if you swap in whole wheat dough and turkey sausages (still disappears just as fast).

Jalapeño Cheddar Flavored – these are the ones to make if you want something with a bit of heat. Not everyone will go for them, but the ones who do really do.

Glazed Pigs in a Blanket – brushed with a sweet buttery glaze. Sounds a bit odd, but it works.

Garlic Parmesan Pigs with Prosciutto – this is the version that feels a bit more grown-up, especially if you’re not making them just for kids.

Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket – wrapped in pancake batter and served with syrup. Messy, but in a good way.

Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets – probably the quickest option if you don’t want to wait around for the oven.

Pigs in a Blanket Wreath – more about how it looks than anything else, but it’s fun if you’re putting something out for a group.

Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket – surprisingly decent, even if you wouldn’t expect it.

Turkey Pigs in a Blanket – a slightly lighter option that still feels like the same thing.

Keto Pigs in a Blanket – for anyone avoiding carbs, although they’re definitely a bit different.

Pigs in a Blanket Breakfast Casserole – one of those ideas that sounds random but actually works if you’ve got leftovers.

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Links to Resources

A couple of things that make this easier if you’re making a bigger batch.

A dough cutter helps if you want evenly sized strips without guessing, especially if kids are helping and things get a bit uneven.

Using a good non-stick baking tray also makes a difference. Everything cooks more evenly, and you won’t be scraping stuck-on pastry afterward.

And if you’ve got a dog hovering nearby (which always seems to happen), having a few dog-friendly treats on hand means they don’t feel completely left out.

Related Holidays

If you like these kinds of food days, there are a few others close by that are just as easy to join in with.

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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