Forget Hot Dogs. Your Buttery Blankets Deserve Tastier 'Pigs'

Comedian and Indiana native Jim Gaffigan hit the nail on the head back in 2014 when he tweeted, "Pigs in the blanket are the Midwestern California roll." This savory appetizer consisting of sausages wrapped in buttery bread is a staple at potlucks and game day parties in the Midwest. Don't blink when these tasty, crowd-pleasing snacks come out of the oven or you might miss out. Super simple and easy to make, pigs in a blanket are traditionally made with hot dogs or cocktail sausages wrapped in Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough. But, to truly step up the savory flavor, try going off-script and using Spam instead.

Canned meat isn't necessarily the most attractive form of protein, but don't knock it until you try it. With a similar spongy texture to bologna, Spam has a delicious salty flavor that is heightened when cooked and tastes great paired with a buttery Crescent Roll. To make Spam in a blanket, simply cut slices of Spam into strips, roll them up in triangles of Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough, place them on a cookie sheet, and bake until the dough becomes golden brown.

There are loads of other possibilities for making pigs in a blanket beyond using hot dogs and Crescent Rolls. For one such recipe, try switching up the bread and using tortillas to wrap the hot dogs. Also referred to as "hot dog taquitos," this tasty, kid-friendly food can easily be made in the air fryer or the oven. Simply wrap a hot dog in a tortilla layered with shredded cheese and cook until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. You can also add toppings like onions, avocado, tomato, or jalapeños to turn up the heat. Other creative ideas for pigs in a blanket include wrapping hot dogs in wonton wrappers or pretzel dough. For a breakfast variation, try wrapping breakfast sausage in pancakes for a sweet and savory version that won't disappoint.

You can also change up the fillings and include tasty cheeses like gruyere, apple gouda, or brie with your sausage. For healthier version that's vegetarian-friendly, try asparagus in a blanket. Simply wrap a sprig of asparagus (with optional toppings like cheese, seasonings, or a sauce like Dijon mustard) in puff pastry and bake in the oven until golden brown. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a meat lover could add prosciutto or bacon to the wrap to make it extra yummy.