When the holidays roll around, we all look for that one “show-stopping” appetizer that brings everyone together. But I believe festive food should also be powerful and satisfying, not just empty calories. This Holiday Pigs in a Blanket Wreath is the answer. It is incredibly easy to assemble and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any Christmas party. This recipe delivers a satisfying combination of protein and carbs to keep you and your guests energized. Best of all, it has a secret trick using a Bundt pan that ensures a perfect, uniform wreath shape every single time. No more guesswork! We are also including our favorite festive dip recipes to make this a truly powerful and satisfying centerpiece for your celebration.:
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Appetizer
- A Festive Show-Stopper: This wreath is a beautiful centerpiece that looks impressive, yet it is secretly simple to assemble.
- The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: This classic is always a hit. It provides satisfying protein in a festive form, making it a powerful, satisfying bite for both kids and adults.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: I am all about efficiency. This recipe uses simple, store-bought ingredients, so you can fuel your guests without being stuck in the kitchen for hours.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Planning is key to a stress-free, healthy holiday. This dish is perfect for reducing party-day stress because you can assemble it in advance.
Ingredients Needed
To build this powerful and satisfying appetizer, we are using simple, accessible ingredients. The protein from the sausages provides staying power, while the crescent dough offers that satisfying, savory bite.
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls
- 24 mini hot dogs
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- Egg wash (1 egg whisked with a splash of water)
- 2 tsp. poppy seeds
- Rosemary sprigs (for decoration)
- Ketchup, for serving
Special Equipment
Having the right tools makes any recipe more efficient.
- A Bundt Pan: This is your “secret weapon” for the perfect shape.
- Parchment Paper & Baking Sheet: You will need this if using the alternate method.
- Pastry Brush.
How to Make a Pigs in a Blanket Wreath (Our Easy Bundt Pan Method)
This is my favorite method for a reason. It is efficient, foolproof, and guarantees a perfectly round, strong wreath that holds its shape. This is how you get a powerful looking appetizer with zero stress.
Step 1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease your Bundt pan to ensure nothing sticks.
Step 2 Unroll the crescent roll dough. Slice each triangle lengthwise into three smaller, equal strips.
Step 3 Brush the dough strips all over with Dijon mustard. Place one mini hot dog on the thick end of each triangle and roll it up.
Step 4 Arrange the rolled pigs in a blanket inside the prepared Bundt pan. Stand them on their sides and pack them in tightly, side by side, to fill the pan.
Step 5 Brush the tops of the dough with the egg wash. Sprinkle evenly with the poppy seeds.
Step 6 Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescents are puffed and a deep golden brown.
Step 7 Let the wreath cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This is a crucial step for it to set properly. Place your serving platter over the top of the Bundt pan and confidently invert the wreath onto the platter.
Step 8 Lay fresh rosemary sprigs around the wreath to decorate. Place a small bowl filled with ketchup or your favorite dip in the center.
How to Make a Festive Crescent Roll Bow (A Show-Stopping Garnish!)
I love finding ways to elevate a dish with minimal effort. This simple dough bow adds a beautiful, finished look to your wreath, making it an even more impressive centerpiece.
You will likely have 2 to 3 leftover strips of crescent dough. Do not let them go to waste. Let’s shape them into a festive bow. Place the bow on a small, separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Just like the wreath, brush the bow with the egg wash. Bake it alongside the wreath or separately for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it is golden brown and puffed.
Once baked, let it cool slightly. Place the finished bow at the base of your wreath for a perfect holiday touch.
The “No Bundt Pan?” Method (The Free-Form Way)
Don’t have a Bundt pan? That is perfectly fine. A powerful, satisfying meal is about using the tools you have. This classic free-form method still builds a beautiful, festive wreath.
First, instruct users to line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup efficient.
Next, place a small, oven-safe bowl, about 4 to 5 inches wide, in the center of your baking sheet. This will be your guide, helping you build a strong, circular shape.
Arrange the wrapped sausages in a tight circle around the bowl. Make sure they are touching one another. This helps them bake together into a connected, pull-apart wreath that holds its form.
Best Dip Recipes for Your Wreath (Homemade & Easy)
A great dip should complement your food, adding another layer of powerful, satisfying flavor. These homemade options are incredibly simple and come together in minutes, giving you a huge flavor return for minimal effort.
3-Ingredient Spicy Cranberry Mustard
This dip provides a vibrant, festive flavor that cuts through the richness of the pastry. Simply combine 1/2 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and a dash of hot sauce. Stir well until it is fully combined.
Hot Garlic Parmesan Dip
For a truly satisfying and warm option, this dip is a winner. It even adds a bit more protein from the cheese. In a small saucepan, gently heat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir constantly over low heat until it is smooth and warm.
More Easy Dip Ideas (Store-Bought)
When time is your most valuable resource, smart store-bought options are an efficient choice.
- Ranch Dressing (For a protein boost, look for one made with a Greek yogurt base)
- Honey Mustard
- Ketchup (I recommend one with no high fructose corn syrup)
- Chili Sauce
Recipe Variations & Pro-Tips
Healthy food should never be boring. Small adjustments can add powerful new flavors and textures to this satisfying appetizer.
- Make it Cheesy: To boost the satisfying protein and fat content, tuck a small piece of cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack in with the sausage before you roll it. The melted cheese adds a fantastic, savory element.
- Spice it Up: For a more powerful flavor kick, lightly brush the dough with hot honey or sriracha before adding the mustard and rolling. A little heat can make this appetizer even more exciting.
- Try Different Doughs: Crescent dough is a great classic. You can also use Puff Pastry, which bakes up flakier and feels more elegant. Biscuit Dough is another option, creating a denser, more bready, and very satisfying bite.
- Pro-Tip: Make sure the sausages are patted dry with a paper towel before you wrap them in the dough. This is a critical step to ensure the dough bakes up crispy and golden, not soggy. A crisp texture is always more satisfying.
How to Make-Ahead and Store Your Wreath
Strategic planning is a key part of living a strong, energized life, especially during the busy holidays. Here is how you can prepare this satisfying appetizer efficiently.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Yes! You can absolutely assemble the full wreath in the Bundt pan up to 24 hours in advance. This is an efficient way to manage your time. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Do not add the egg wash until just before you are ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers
To keep your leftovers powerful and fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain satisfying for up to 3 days.
The Best Way to Reheat
Healthy, satisfying food should never be boring or soggy. For the best results, reheat your leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. This gets them warm and perfectly crispy again. I recommend you avoid the microwave, as it will make the dough soft and unsatisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions. My mission is to give you the strategies you need to make powerful, satisfying food with confidence.
Can I use full-size hot dogs?
Yes, absolutely. Being resourceful is key to sustainable, healthy living. Just cut your favorite high-protein hot dogs into 1.5 to 2 inch pieces before you roll them in the dough.
How do I keep my wreath in a perfect circle?
The Bundt pan is the best tool for this job! It is the most efficient way to get a perfect, strong shape that holds together. If you do not have one, using a small, oven-safe bowl in the center as a guide is the next best method.
What are the best seasonings for pigs in a blanket?
Healthy food should be powerful and satisfying, never boring. Everything Bagel is our favorite choice because it adds a wonderful, savory crunch. Other great options include poppy seeds, sesame seeds, coarse salt, or even a flavorful sprinkle of garlic powder and parmesan cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Pigs in a Blanket Wreath is a clear winner for any holiday gathering. It proves that festive food can be both a beautiful, show-stopping centerpiece and a satisfying appetizer that keeps your guests energized. The Bundt pan hack makes it incredibly simple, allowing you to serve a powerful, crowd-pleasing dish without the stress.
If you tried this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and a star rating below. I love hearing how you fuel your celebrations.
For more satisfying and strong living ideas, share this recipe on Pinterest and Facebook.
What powerful variations did you try? Did you add cheese or a special spice? Let’s discuss in the comments! This is how we all learn to live strong and feel alive, even during the holidays.
Holiday Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease your Bundt pan.
- Step 2: Unroll the crescent dough and slice each triangle lengthwise into three smaller strips.
- Step 3: Brush each strip with Dijon mustard, place one mini sausage at the wide end, and roll it up.
- Step 4: Arrange the rolled sausages upright in the Bundt pan, tightly packed side by side.
- Step 5: Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and puffed.
- Step 7: Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter.
- Step 8: Decorate with rosemary sprigs and serve with dips in the center.
- Festive Crescent Bow: Shape leftover dough into a bow, brush with egg wash, and bake 10–12 minutes until golden. Place at the base of the wreath.
- No Bundt Pan Method: Use a parchment-lined baking sheet and a small bowl as a guide. Arrange rolls in a circle and bake as directed.
- 3-Ingredient Spicy Cranberry Mustard: Combine cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Hot Garlic Parmesan Dip: Heat cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic powder over low heat until smooth and warm.
Notes
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
