This recipe is sponsored by Smith’s
Pigs in a blanket are an American classic when it comes to appetizers. They're easy to make and eat like a meal. Kids love them too, so it's no wonder they've remained a popular dish for family gatherings.
Cheesy from the Inside Out
These particular pigs in a blanket I'm sharing with you, are made with Smith’s Cheddarbests! Smith’s Cheddarbests are smoked sausages stuffed with real cheddar cheese so you get an amazing flavor without any extra work or mess. Cheese is already cooked into the sausage so the extra cheesy goodness is only revealed when you take a bite.
Wrap these Cheddarbest sausages in fresh dough and bake them to a gold brown, and they're pretty hard to resist.
Dipping Options for Pigs in a Blanket
Everything is better with a dip! Dip these pigs in a blanket in ketchup, mustard or melted cheese. I recommend an assortment of dipping options so you and your guests can mix things up. Variety is the spice of life, after all. 😉
Try pairing these pigs in a blanket with beer cheese dip.
Since beer cheese dip has gained popularity, it seems only natural to pair these two famous apps together. Instead of the typical plain melted cheese dip, you can add a few additional ingredients and get a much more sophisticated flavor.
Slice and dip these pigs in a blanket into the beer cheese sauce, fondue style, and they're even more fun to eat.
How do you make beer cheese dip?
Making beer cheese dip is really simple. You start with melted cheese then add beer and a few additional flavors. Everything cooks together to create an irresistibly delicious dip!
Watch this video to see, step by step, how to make this recipe:
What beer is best for beer cheese dip?
This is a little subjective because everyone's taste for beer is different. I personally enjoy a good wheat beer with hints of citrus to drink. However, we're not talking about drinking the beer, we're talking about cooking it into a cheesy dip. So your best best is to choose a beer that pairs well with the type of cheese used to make this dip.
This particular beer cheer dip recipe calls for Velveeta cheese. I like Velveeta because it melts easily and keeps its smooth texture making it perfect for a dip. Flavor-wise, Velveeta cheese most closely resembles a blend of mild cheddar and colby cheese. So, knowing that, you can check out this handy cheese and beer pairing chart and choose a beer accordingly. An IPA is listed as being a good match for both colby and cheddar so that would be the ideal choice here.
Can you use whatever beer you have?
Sure. At the end of the day, a beer is a beer and they aren't all that different so try using what you have if you don't feel up for making a special trip to the store.
Can you use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, you sure can. The flavor from the beer is what you are after, so a non-alcoholic brew will do the job.
Presentation is key!
My favorite part about the merging of these two appetizers is how the pigs in a blanket so nicely fan out around the dip. When you make the beer cheese dip in a small cast iron skillet, the skillet holds its heat for awhile so the dip stays warm and keeps the pigs in a blanket warm too. Just be careful when serving to make sure the skillet cools down enough to touch. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, that's okay. You can prepare the dip on the stove top using a regular pot then transfer it to a bowl or a small crockpot for serving.
The perfect snack to share with friends
This is one of those appetizers that feeds a crowd. So it's a perfect dish for a football watching party, or a movie or game night. This appetizer is filling so you can even call it dinner if you want to keep things easy!
Where can I buy Smith’s Cheddarbest?
If you live in the Erie, Pennsylvania tri-state area, you can find Smith’s products at your local grocer or chain retailer and select convenience stores. It's best to call ahead to make sure the store nearest you has what you need.
If you're outside the Erie area, don't worry. You can also buy Smith’s products online through the Smith’s website.
Are you a fan of Smith’s?
Connect with other Smith’s fans on Facebook: facebook.com/smithshotdogs and on Instagram: instagram.com/smithshotdogs.
Did you know Smith’s also makes delicious gourmet smoked hams? Try a Smith’s ham with my easy orange marmalade ham glaze recipe!
You may also like these popular recipes:
This recipe for pigs in a blanket with beer cheese dip was featured on South Your Mouth!
Pigs in a Blanket with Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 8 Smith's Cheddarbest sausages
- 2 tubes crescent rolls
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- Few dashes of hot sauce optional
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz beer IPA is best
Mighty Mrs. is a #WalmartPartner.
Instructions
- For the pigs in blankets: Cut each Cheddarbest sausage in half and wrap with a single triangle of crescent roll dough. Bake at 350˚ for 7-9 minutes or until light golden brown.
- For the beer cheese dip: Slice Velveeta into 1" cubes and heat in a small cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (optional) and beer. Slowly stir until completely melted and combined.
- Place cooled cast iron skillet with beer cheese dip on a large heat-resistant serving platter and arrange pigs-in-blankets in a ring around the skillet.
Video
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Patricia ODonnell says
Can this be made ahead of time?
Angela G. says
Both the cheese dip and pigs in a blanket are best made fresh right before eating. However, you can make both ahead and reheat. I would wrap the pigs in blankets in dough, refrigerate (covered) and then bake them right before eating. For the cheese dip, keep it stored in the fridge, then slowly reheat it on the stovetop or in a crockpot on low, stirring occasionally to distribute the heat.
kevin says
MAde this for a party. Everyone loved it. The beer cheese was yummy.
Angela G. says
Hi Kevin, So glad you enjoyed it!
Debbie says
https://bakedbroiledandbasted.com/20-winning-game-day-recipes/
Thanks for sharing your fabulous recipe ..YUMM!!
Angela G. says
Thanks for including this beer cheese dip app in your round up!!