The holidays are all about fun, festive food that brings smiles to everyone around the table. These Christmas Tree Pigs in a Blanket are the perfect holiday appetizer: adorable, easy to make, and full of flavor. Shaped like a Christmas tree and brushed with a flavorful butter mixture, they’re ideal for family gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night at home. Best of all, they’re simple enough to make ahead and enjoy with minimal stress.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this recipe special is that it balances convenience with wow factor. Using lil smokies or small hot dog pieces and crescent roll dough keeps prep quick, while the butter glaze adds a gourmet touch. The Christmas tree shape makes it festive and fun without adding extra work.
- Prep-Friendly: Most of the assembly can be done ahead of time.
- Kid-Approved: Everyone loves pigs in a blanket, and the tree shape is exciting for children.
- Holiday-Ready: The festive presentation makes it perfect for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Pigs in a Blanket:
- 1.5 packages of lil smokies (or cut traditional hot dogs into smaller pieces)
- 2 packages crescent roll dough (sheets preferred)
Butter Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional for Serving:
- Mustard or ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat oven: 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare dough: Slice crescent dough sheets in half both ways, then cut each section into 10 slices (20 total).
3. Assemble pigs in a blanket: Place lil smokies on alternating sides of each dough section and roll them up. Repeat for both sheets.
4. Shape tree: Arrange the rolled pigs in a blanket on a lined baking sheet in a Christmas tree pattern. If using a Christmas tree-shaped cutting board, line them up first for guidance.
5. Bake: 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. Prepare butter glaze: Melt butter and mix with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Glaze: Brush the butter mixture over the cooked pigs in a blanket tree.
8. Serve: Offer with mustard or ketchup on the side.
Notes
- You can use traditional hot dogs if lil smokies aren’t available.
- The tree may shift slightly while baking; just reassemble before serving.
- Make ahead: Assemble on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
Why This Recipe Is Trusted
I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to ensure the tree holds up and the flavors balance perfectly. The butter glaze elevates the classic pigs in a blanket into a festive, adult-approved dish while still being kid-friendly. Using pre-sliced crescent dough and lil smokies keeps it stress-free and efficient for busy holiday cooks.
FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE HOLIDAY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:
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MORE THANKSGIVING RECIPES TO TRY:
- A Twist On Oprah’s Million Dollar Deviled Eggs (Deviled eggs are a must in my house!)
- Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin (perfect for a smaller gathering)
- 13 Amazing Easter Recipes Worth Trying!
Christmas Tree Pigs in a Blanket
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Description
These Christmas Tree Pigs in a Blanket are the ultimate festive appetizer! Adorable, cheesy, and buttery, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike. Shaped like a Christmas tree, brushed with a Parmesan butter glaze, and served with mustard or ketchup, this easy holiday treat will be the star of your table.
Ingredients
For the Pigs in a Blanket:
-
1.5 packages of lil smokies (or cut traditional hot dogs into smaller pieces)
-
2 packages of crescent roll dough (sheets preferred)
For the Butter Glaze:
-
2 tablespoons butter, melted
-
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/4 teaspoon pepper
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional for Serving:
-
Your favorite mustard or ketchup
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Use a pizza cutter to slice crescent dough sheets in half both ways, then cut each section into 10 slices(20 total) .
-
Place lil smokies on alternating sides of each cut dough section and roll them up. Repeat for both sheets.
-
Arrange the rolled pigs in a blanket on a lined baking sheet in a Christmas tree pattern. If using a Christmas tree-shaped cutting board, line them up on the board first for guidance.
-
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
-
While baking, melt butter in the microwave or on the stove and mix with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Once baked, use a pastry brush to coat the pigs in a blanket tree with the butter mixture.
-
Serve with mustard or ketchup on the side.
Notes
You can substitute traditional hot dogs if lil smokies aren’t available.
Using a cutting board shaped like a Christmas tree helps create the perfect tree shape.
The tree may shift slightly while baking; just reassemble before serving.
Make ahead tip: assemble the tree on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
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