Pigs in Blankets & Chicken Festive Sliders

If there’s one thing the holidays teach us, it’s that food brings people together. And nothing disappears faster from the party table than these golden, flaky pigs in blankets and juicy chicken festive sliders. With every bite, you get buttery pastry, sizzling sausage or tender chicken, and a hit of holiday flavor that makes everyone go back for seconds (or thirds).

Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just want something fun and festive to munch on, this combo is easy to pull off and totally irresistible.

Behind the Recipe

It all started during a snowy December weekend when I was looking for something quick, festive, and guaranteed to please a house full of hungry guests. The kitchen smelled like roasted garlic, warm dough, and holiday spice. I had mini sausages, some crescent dough, and leftover roast chicken. So I rolled, stuffed, and baked — and boom, the perfect platter was born. These little bites now make an appearance every single year.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

The idea of wrapping meat in dough dates back centuries, with versions seen in different cultures, from Dutch “worstenbroodjes” to German “Würstchen im Schlafrock.” In the U.S. and U.K., pigs in blankets have become a staple at holiday tables, often served alongside roasts and festive spreads. The sliders, on the other hand, are a more modern twist — small enough to snack on, but packed with flavor, making them a perfect party addition.

Why You’ll Love Pigs in Blankets & Chicken Festive Sliders

This recipe isn’t just adorable — it’s packed with benefits. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Versatile: You can use any sausage or leftover chicken, and customize the toppings endlessly.

Budget-Friendly: Just a few basic ingredients go a long way, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.

Quick and Easy: Prep takes under 20 minutes, and they’re ready to serve in no time.

Customizable: Want it spicy? Add jalapeños. Cheesy? Toss in some shredded cheddar.

Crowd-Pleasing: These disappear fast — kids and adults love them equally.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the sliders and wrap the pigs in blankets earlier in the day, then bake just before serving.

Great for Leftovers: Got leftover turkey or ham? Use them in the sliders and watch magic happen.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Getting these bites just right is easy if you know a few tricks:

• Chill the dough slightly before wrapping to make it easier to handle.
• Brush with egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
• Use parchment paper to keep things from sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Don’t overfill the sliders or they’ll be messy and hard to eat.
• Bake until deep golden so the pastry is crisp and flaky.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need much to pull this off — just your basics:

Baking Sheet: For even baking and crispy bottoms.
Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup fast.
Pastry Brush: For applying that perfect egg wash glaze.
Sharp Knife: To slice the dough cleanly.
Mixing Bowl: For tossing your slider ingredients together.

Ingredients in Pigs in Blankets & Chicken Festive Sliders

This recipe is all about harmony — flaky, juicy, creamy, and savory all in one bite.

1. Mini Sausages: 12 pieces. These are the stars of the pigs in blankets, juicy and savory.
2. Crescent Roll Dough: 1 tube (about 8 oz). Soft, buttery, and bakes up beautifully golden.
3. Cooked Chicken: 1 cup, shredded. Use rotisserie or leftovers for ease and flavor.
4. Mini Slider Buns: 6 small buns. Soft and fluffy, the base for your sliders.
5. Cranberry Sauce: 3 tablespoons. Adds a festive sweet-tart touch to the chicken.
6. Cheddar Cheese: 3 slices, halved. Melts over the chicken and adds rich flavor.
7. Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons. Creamy and tangy for a simple spread.
8. Egg: 1, beaten. For brushing over the crescent rolls to give them shine.
9. Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon. Optional, but gives a lovely toasty finish on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to swap a few things? Here’s what works:

Mini Sausages: Use veggie sausages for a meat-free version.
Crescent Dough: Puff pastry or biscuit dough works well too.
Chicken: Turkey or ham are great festive replacements.
Cranberry Sauce: Try chutney or apricot jam for a new twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella all melt beautifully.

Ingredient Spotlight

Crescent Roll Dough: This magical dough creates buttery, flaky layers that wrap perfectly around sausages and hold fillings in sliders.

Cranberry Sauce: Its tangy-sweet flavor cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, bringing a bright pop of holiday cheer.

Instructions for Making Pigs in Blankets & Chicken Festive Sliders

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking. These steps are easy, fun, and totally worth it.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cranberry sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Unroll the crescent dough and cut into 12 small triangles. Line up your slider buns and have cheese slices ready.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Wrap each mini sausage in a triangle of crescent dough, tucking the ends. Place on the baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
   For sliders, open buns and spread mayo on each side. Add the chicken-cranberry mix, then top with a slice of cheese.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake the pigs in blankets for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. For sliders, place on another tray and bake for about 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are slightly toasted.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let everything cool slightly before serving. Add a bit of fresh parsley if desired for color.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Arrange on a festive platter and serve with extra dipping sauce or a side salad.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes these so addictive? It’s all about contrast. You’ve got the crispy edges of crescent dough, the juicy snap of sausage, the creamy cheese melt, and the sweet brightness of cranberry. Each bite hits different notes — buttery, savory, tart, and soft.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to make this recipe even easier:

• Don’t skip the egg wash — it gives a beautiful color.
• Let everything rest 5 minutes after baking for better flavor.
• Use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.

What to Avoid

Keep these in mind for stress-free prep:

• Don’t overfill sliders or they’ll fall apart.
• Avoid baking on an unlined sheet — cleanup will be tough.
• Don’t skip the seasoning on chicken — it’ll taste bland.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 370

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble both components a few hours ahead and refrigerate them. Just pop them in the oven right before serving. Leftovers? Wrap and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to keep things crispy.

How to Serve Pigs in Blankets & Chicken Festive Sliders

Serve these on a wooden board with a variety of dipping sauces — think mustard, cranberry mayo, and even ranch. Add some holiday sprigs or tiny skewers to make them party-ready.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers never looked so good:

• Chop pigs in blankets and toss into scrambled eggs.
• Reheat sliders and serve with soup for a cozy lunch.
• Dice everything and turn into a festive bread pudding bake.

Additional Tips

A few more ideas to make your batch the best:

• Add a thin slice of pickle or apple in the sliders for crunch.
• For extra flaky pigs in blankets, chill the wrapped dough for 10 minutes before baking.
• Want a spicy twist? Add a dab of hot sauce inside the dough.

Make It a Showstopper

Use a large rustic platter and stack pigs in blankets around a dipping bowl like a wreath. Place the sliders in mini paper sleeves or toothpick flags. Add fresh herbs like rosemary to make it pop.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Jalapeño Sliders: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to your chicken sliders.
• Garlic Herb Pigs in Blankets: Mix garlic powder and herbs into your dough or sprinkle on top.
• BBQ Chicken Sliders: Swap cranberry for BBQ sauce and top with red onion.
• Veggie Version: Use veggie dogs and roast mushrooms in sliders.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of honey inside the dough before rolling the sausages.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Yes, puff pastry works great and gets extra flaky.

Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely, use gluten-free dough and buns.

Q3: How long can I store leftovers?

Up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q4: Can I freeze the sliders?

Yes, assemble then freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

Q5: What sauce goes best with pigs in blankets?

Mustard, cranberry mayo, or honey mustard are all great.

Q6: Can I make them spicy?

Sure! Add chili flakes or a spicy sausage.

Q7: Are these good cold?

They’re best warm, but still tasty at room temp.

Q8: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Definitely, it’s a perfect holiday swap.

Q9: How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Don’t overdo sauces and toast the buns lightly first.

Q10: What cheese melts best in sliders?

Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, and mozzarella are all great options.

Conclusion

Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe. It’s fun, festive, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re throwing a party or just want something cozy and delicious, these pigs in blankets and sliders bring warmth and joy to any table. Try them once and you’ll find yourself making them every holiday season.

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