Healthy-ish Mini Pigs in a Blanket Blossom

Super Bowl LV is almost here and if I'm being honest, I'm shocked it's still happening. With COVID-19 and all the damage it's done to the sports world, I didn't think we'd get to watch the big game.

On the other hand, I also can't imagine the industry just throwing in the towel and forfeiting the billions of dollars in revenue that come from Super Bowl Sunday.

Because the stadium is only supposed to hold 25% capacity, the starting prices for the nosebleed seats are a whopping $4,200 this year. The nosebleeds! And, in case you were wondering, front-row tickets for the Chiefs sideline top out at $16,000. The average ticket price in 2018 was $2,500. I think the industry will be ok this year.

For me, the Super Bowl is just an excuse to eat snacky foods instead of three standard meals!

My husband doesn't love watching sports on TV, and I've never enjoy pro football (but I love college football!), so this national "holiday" isn't really one we care much about.

That being said, I practically have to care about every holiday as a food blogger. And while I haven't given much thought to game day weekend in the past, this year I've actually planned ahead and written recipes just for Super Bowl Sunday!

Recipes like my delicious Fresh and Healthy 7-Layer Dip and Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are great choices for winning appetizers packed with flavor, and these brand new Mini Pigs in a Blanket Blossom are perfect for simple finger foods everyone will love!

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Ingredients for Healthy Pigs in a Blanket

Normally, this is where I talk about my choice of ingredients and all the unique flavors and textures that accompany them, but today's recipe really is quite simple! All you'll need to make these healthy Pigs in a Blanket are:

• Reduced-fat crescent roll dough: I promise you won't be able to tell the difference. But after you eat half the dish, you'll thank me for choosing pastry dough with less fat and sodium.
• Turkey hot dogs: naturally lower in saturated fat and made without added nitrates and nitrites, turkey products are my choice of meat when a recipe traditionally calls for pork or beef. I purchased this brand at my local Walmart and loved them!
• Sesame seeds: totally optional, but I love sprinkling them on top of the blossom for a fun garnish. It just adds that "je ne sais quoi" to the dish, if you know what I mean.

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How to Make Mini Pigs in a Blanket Blossom

This recipe for Mini Pigs in a Blanket is so simple, your husband could make it without your help, or you could recruit your kids!

Start by popping the crescent roll dough out of the packaging (the best part!). Separate each dough triangle until you have all 16 pieces spread out. ‍

Note: the images were photographed using one package of dough instead of two simultaneously. Just refer to the images below for an idea of the process of making Mini Pigs in a Blanket.

Now, slice each triangle in half lengthwise. You should have 32 long and skinny triangles.

Remove the hot dogs from the packaging and slice them into smaller pieces until you have exactly 32 mini hot dogs.

‍Note: the goal is to end up with 32 mini hot dogs. The brand I bought came with 10 hot dogs, so I had to get creative to make sure I had enough pieces for mini hot dogs. If you happen to buy a package of 8 hot dogs instead of 10, simply slice each hot dog into four equal pieces to get 32 mini hot dogs.

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Place one mini hot dog on the bottom edge of a dough triangle and roll to the pointed end. Repeat with each triangle until you have exactly 32 mini pigs in a blanket.

Spray a 9" pie dish or springform pan with cooking spray. Place each wrapped mini hot dog upright in the dish around the edges, continuing towards the middle, until you have a "blossom" (imagine the Bloomin' Onion from Outback Steakhouse).

Spray the tops with cooking spray, then cover with aluminum foil.

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Bake covered for 15 minutes at 400°F, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the tops are toasted and the dough is completely cooked.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with your favorite dipping sauces! Our personal favorites are plain yellow mustard and this incredible BBQ sauce.

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More Game Day Recipes

Fresh and Healthy 7-Layer Dip

Healthy Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

Easy 5-Minute Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Teriyaki Steak and Veggie Skewers

Lightened-Up Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Healthy Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch Slaw

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I know you guys will love these Mini Pigs in a Blanket! Not only are they the easiest appetizer to make, but they're a fun finger food for kids and adults alike. Don't forget how cute they are too!

Be sure to leave a star rating and review below if you make this recipe so other readers know how you liked the recipe, then tag me on Instagram @kapaicooking so I can see your little piggies partying with you! Enjoy!