Pigs in a blanket are a beloved appetizer featuring mini sausages wrapped in dough, perfect for game days, parties, or casual snacking. This gluten free pigs in a blanket crockpot recipe uses a simple dairy-free dough baked right in the slow cooker, delivering a warm, tender bite without the need for an oven. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that keeps well and can be made ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter or coconut oil, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 24 cocktail-sized gluten free sausages (check ingredients for gluten)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted dairy-free butter (for brushing)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika for seasoning dough
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, salt, and optional seasonings. Add the cold dairy-free butter or coconut oil and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly, creating a dairy-free buttermilk substitute.
- Combine dough: Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon more milk, one at a time, until it holds together but is not sticky.
- Roll out dough: Lightly flour a clean surface with gluten free flour and roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick, roughly 10×12 inches.
- Wrap sausages: Cut the dough into 24 strips wide enough to wrap around each sausage. Wrap each cocktail sausage with a dough strip, pinching the edges to seal.
- Prepare crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with a little olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Layer the wrapped sausages in a single layer or slightly overlapping.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Check at 2 hours; the dough should be cooked through, soft but not doughy. Crockpot temperatures vary, so avoid opening too often to keep heat consistent.
- Finish and serve: Optional – for a golden top, brush the dough with olive oil or melted dairy-free butter after cooking. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or dairy-free ranch.
Tips
- Flour blend: Use a gluten free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum or guar gum included for best dough elasticity; avoid plain rice flour blends alone.
- Sausage choice: Check packaging carefully for gluten ingredients, as many processed sausages contain fillers with gluten. Choose specifically labeled gluten free sausages.
- Prevent sticking: Grease the crockpot well or line with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent dough from sticking to the sides.
- Common mistake: Avoid overfilling the crockpot or stacking the wrapped sausages too tightly, which can cause uneven cooking or soggy dough.
Serving Suggestions
Gluten free pigs in a blanket make a versatile appetizer or snack. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as spicy mustard, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a dairy-free ranch dip. Pair with a crisp green salad or vegetable crudités for a balanced party platter. They also work well alongside gluten free mac and cheese or baked beans for a casual comfort food spread.
Variations
You can customize this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist. Swap the cocktail sausages for gluten free vegetarian or vegan sausages for a plant-based version. For a cheesy option, sprinkle dairy-free shredded cheese over the wrapped sausages before cooking. Another variation is to make mini pigs in a blanket using gluten free crescent roll dough purchased from the store, then cook in the crockpot for convenience.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover pigs in a blanket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy. For longer storage, freeze wrapped pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sausages instead of cocktail-sized?
Yes, but keep in mind that larger sausages will require larger dough pieces and may need longer cooking times. The crockpot may need to be adjusted accordingly to ensure the dough cooks thoroughly.
Why use a crockpot instead of baking in the oven?
The crockpot method is ideal if you don’t want to heat up your kitchen or lack oven space. It also keeps the pigs in a blanket warm for longer, perfect for parties or gatherings where people nibble over time.
What if my dough is too sticky or crumbly?
If the dough is sticky, add a little more gluten free flour, a teaspoon at a time, until manageable. If it’s crumbly, add a splash more dairy-free milk. Gluten free dough can be finicky, so adjust gradually.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and wrapping the sausages.
Is it safe to cook dough in the crockpot without pre-baking?
Yes, as long as you cook on low heat for the recommended time, the dough will cook through fully. The slow, moist heat of the crockpot gently bakes the dough without drying it out.
Can I add cheese inside the pigs in a blanket?
Absolutely! Adding a small slice of dairy-free cheese inside the dough before wrapping the sausage adds a gooey texture. Just be mindful that this may increase cooking time slightly and can cause the cheese to ooze out if not sealed well.
How do I prevent the dough from becoming soggy?
Make sure not to overcrowd the crockpot and avoid excess moisture from the sausages. Greasing the crockpot well and brushing the cooked dough with oil or melted dairy-free butter can help maintain a pleasant texture.
Can I make these ahead and freeze them before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the wrapped sausages uncooked. Freeze them on a baking sheet to solidify, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed.
With its simple ingredients and hands-off slow cooking, this gluten free pigs in a blanket crockpot recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser that fits into gluten free lifestyles without sacrificing comfort or flavor. Whether for a casual get-together or a quick snack, it’s a recipe worth trying and adapting to your taste.
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