There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a plate of something warm, golden, and totally satisfying. Enter Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket! These little beauties combine fluffy pancakes and savory sausage in the most delightful way. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re a fantastic twist on the classic pancake breakfast. Not only are they fun to eat, but they’re also surprisingly easy to whip up.
I first made these on a lazy Saturday morning when I couldn’t decide between pancakes and sausage. Why choose when you can have both? Rolling the sausages up in soft, fluffy pancakes made the meal feel a little fancier, but still completely approachable. Plus, the addition of maple syrup for dipping? Oh, it’s next-level. Sweet, salty, buttery perfection.
Whether you’re looking to impress your family during a weekend brunch or need an easy breakfast that’s grab-and-go friendly, this recipe is a keeper. And don’t worry—if you’re new to making pancakes from scratch, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. You’ll be flipping perfect pancakes in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With a simple pancake batter and pre-cooked sausage links, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Kids absolutely adore these bite-sized breakfast treats, and adults love them just as much. They’re fun to dip in syrup!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a slow Sunday morning, a holiday breakfast, or even breakfast-for-dinner night, these pigs in a blanket are always a hit.
- Customizable: You can easily switch out the sausage for a different protein or tweak the batter to your liking. I’ll share some variations later on.
- A Balance of Flavors: The fluffy, slightly sweet pancakes pair perfectly with the savory sausage. Add a drizzle of syrup, and you’ve got the ultimate flavor combo.
Just imagine biting into a warm, fluffy pancake that hugs a juicy sausage link. Then you dip it into sweet maple syrup and take another bite—it’s practically irresistible!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 pigs in a blanket
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious breakfast pigs in a blanket:
For the Pancakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for the pancake batter. It creates soft, fluffy pancakes.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a slight sweetness to balance the savory sausage.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: The key to light and fluffy pancakes. Baking powder gives them a nice rise.
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the batter.
- 1 ⅓ cups buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and keeps the pancakes soft. If you don’t have buttermilk, I’ll share an easy substitute later.
- 1 large egg, well beaten: The egg binds everything together and adds richness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter gives the pancakes a wonderful flavor and tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla adds warmth and subtle sweetness.
For the Sausage:
- 12 cooked breakfast sausage links: Use any variety of fully cooked breakfast sausage you like—turkey, chicken, or beef all work well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have warm and golden breakfast pigs in a blanket ready to enjoy.
1. Cook the Sausage
- First, cook the sausage links according to the package instructions. Most breakfast sausages can be heated in a skillet, air fryer, or even the microwave.
- Once they’re cooked, set them aside on a plate to cool slightly.
Tip: If you’re using pre-cooked sausages, just warm them up for a few minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
2. Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
- In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The melted butter should be slightly cooled to prevent scrambling the egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is just combined. The batter might have a few lumps, and that’s perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the baking powder activate, making the pancakes extra fluffy.
3. Cook the Pancakes
- Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush on a thin layer of butter.
- Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the batter onto the hot skillet. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread it out into a small, even circle.
- Cook the pancake for 2-3 minutes until small bubbles form on the surface and the bottom turns golden brown.
- Flip the pancake carefully with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are golden.
Tip: Keep the pancakes small and slightly oval-shaped so they’re easier to roll around the sausages.
4. Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket
- Once the pancake is cooked, immediately place a sausage link in the center of the pancake while it’s still warm.
- Carefully roll the pancake around the sausage, starting at one end. Place it seam-side down on a plate to keep it secure.
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter and sausage links.
Tip: You can keep the cooked pigs in a blanket warm by placing them in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the rest.
How to Serve
These breakfast pigs in a blanket are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a little something extra. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Maple Syrup: Serve with a small bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping. You can also drizzle syrup directly over the top for extra sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look fancy and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh Fruit: Pair them with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas for a balanced breakfast.
- Scrambled Eggs: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty meal.
- Whipped Butter: Spread a little whipped butter on the pancakes for an indulgent finish.
These little roll-ups are perfect for busy mornings, as you can eat them with your hands. Plus, kids love dipping them into syrup—it’s like having breakfast and dessert all at once!
Additional Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your breakfast pigs in a blanket turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the batter until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes instead of fluffy ones.
- Adjust the Heat: If the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to give them time to cook through without burning.
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a large batch, place the cooked pancakes in a warm oven (200°F) to keep them hot until you’re ready to serve.
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: This helps ensure the pancakes don’t stick, making them easier to flip and roll.
- Warm the Sausages: Placing warm sausages in the pancakes helps them roll up more easily.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize these breakfast pigs in a blanket to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle a little shredded cheese onto the pancake batter before rolling it around the sausage for a cheesy surprise.
- Spiced Pancakes: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pancake batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure the sausages are gluten-free as well.
- Protein-Packed: Swap the regular sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Mini Version: Use cocktail-sized sausages and smaller pancakes to make bite-sized pigs in a blanket. These are perfect for brunch buffets or little hands.
Storage and Freezing
If you have leftovers (which might be rare because these are so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerator: Store the pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: To freeze, place the cooked pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Give it a gentle stir before using.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I use homemade sausage?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade sausage, just shape it into links and cook it thoroughly before using.
How do I keep the pancakes from sticking?
Use a good non-stick skillet and lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush it with butter before cooking.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes! You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick breakfasts.
Conclusion
Breakfast pigs in a blanket are a fun, satisfying, and family-friendly breakfast option that combines the best of pancakes and sausage. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re serving them with a big bowl of maple syrup or alongside some fresh fruit, these little roll-ups are sure to brighten your morning.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!
Print
Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket: A Fun and Delicious Morning Treat
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pigs in a blanket
Description
Fluffy pancakes rolled around juicy breakfast sausages, served with maple syrup for dipping. A perfect, fun breakfast idea!
Ingredients
– 12 cooked breakfast sausage links
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 4 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp fine sea salt
– 1 ⅓ cups buttermilk
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Cook the sausage links as directed and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
4. Stir wet and dry ingredients until just combined and let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet, lightly grease, and pour 3 tbsp of batter, spreading gently.
6. Cook until bubbles appear (2-3 minutes), flip, and cook another 2-3 minutes.
7. Place a sausage in the center of the pancake and roll it up. Place seam-side down.
8. Repeat with remaining sausages and batter.
9. Serve with maple syrup for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
Rest the batter for fluffy pancakes.
– Keep pancakes warm in a 200°F oven.
– Substitute buttermilk with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar.
– Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American