43 minutes
A delightful combination of flaky pastry, savory franks, and flavorful everything bagel seasoning, served with a tangy mustard dipping sauce.
Puff Pastry, thawed
sheets
Large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
each
Cocktail Franks, patted dry
each
Parmesan Cheese, grated
cups
Everything Bagel Seasoning
teaspoons
teaspoons
cups
tablespoons
Brown Sugar, packed
tablespoons
tablespoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
1. Preheat Oven
To begin, adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry
Unfold the puff pastry onto a lightly floured counter. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it out to a 12 by 9-inch rectangle. Trim the edges to create a neat 12 by 8-inch sheet. This ensures the dough cooks evenly. Cut the pastry into 32 strips, each about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, using a pizza wheel or a sharp chef's knife.
3. Brush Pastry with Egg Wash
Lightly brush each strip of pastry with the beaten egg wash. Take a cocktail frank and place it at one end of a pastry strip, then roll it up tightly. Place the wrapped franks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart to allow for expansion during baking.
4. Add Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, everything bagel seasoning, and pepper. Brush the tops of the wrapped franks with any remaining egg wash, then sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over them. The egg wash helps the seasoning adhere and gives the pastry a beautiful golden color.
5. Bake Pigs in Blankets
Bake the pigs in blankets in your preheated oven for about 23 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. This baking time ensures the pastry is crisp and fully cooked.
6. Prepare Mustard Dipping Sauce
While the pigs in blankets are baking, prepare the mustard dipping sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard, cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and pepper until smooth. This tangy and slightly sweet sauce complements the savory pastry perfectly.
7. Cool and Serve
Once the pigs in blankets are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the pastry to set, making them easier to handle.
8. Serve
Serve the everything bagel pigs in blankets warm, alongside the prepared mustard sauce for dipping. Enjoy the delightful combination of flaky pastry, savory franks, and flavorful seasoning with every bite.
Incorporating herbs, spices, or cheese around the protein, or using cultural twists like curry powder or harissa, can enhance or transform the flavor profile of the dish.
Including a strip of prosciutto or bacon around the mini frank before the pastry wrap adds a crispy texture and savory fat that complements the frank.
Alternatives like mini sausages of different flavors, cheese sticks, seasoned shrimp, or par-cooked vegetables like asparagus, carrot, or zucchini can diversify the dish's core protein ingredient.
Adding a slice of aged cheddar, smoked gouda, or brie before wrapping your mini franks in puff pastry introduces a new layer of flavor with each type of cheese offering a different taste experience.
Spreading a thin layer of artisanal mustard such as Dijon, grainy, or honey mustard inside the puff pastry adds tanginess, texture, and a sweet contrast respectively.
Start with high-quality all-beef mini franks for the best flavor. The puff pastry should also be of good quality; look for an all-butter variety for the best taste and flakiness.
To prevent the bottom of the pastry from getting soggy, bake on a preheated baking sheet or a pizza stone. This will start cooking the bottom crust immediately.
Serve with a variety of gourmet dipping sauces to add sophistication. Think beyond ketchup and mustard. Try a truffle aioli, a spicy cheese fondue dip, or a homemade relish to impress your guests.
Thaw your puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures it's pliable but still cold. Working with cold pastry is crucial for the flakiest results, as it keeps the butter solid until it hits the oven.
Elevate the flavor by sprinkling the pastry with gourmet touches like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or finely grated Parmesan cheese before baking. A light brush of an egg wash will not only help these toppings adhere but also give your pastry a beautiful golden sheen.
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