Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Brats in a Blanket take the nostalgic charm of pigs in a blanket and elevate it with juicy bratwurst wrapped in golden, buttery pastry. The combination of savory brats and flaky dough creates a bite that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual meals. What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can use classic brats, beer brats, or even flavored varieties, and each one adds its own character. I once brushed the dough with a light mustard butter before wrapping, and it worked great, adding a tangy depth that paired beautifully with the rich bratwurst. Whether served as appetizers or a fun main dish, Brats in a Blanket deliver crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort.
Brats in a Blanket: A Fun, Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic Party Favorite
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6–12 servings depending on portion size
- Diet: Halal
Description
A fun and hearty twist on pigs in a blanket, featuring juicy bratwursts wrapped in golden crescent dough and baked until perfectly crisp—ideal for parties, game days, or easy dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 bratwursts, fully cooked
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 cup sauerkraut or caramelized onions (optional for serving)
- Mustard or dipping sauces of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Cut each bratwurst in half for 12 pieces or leave whole for larger servings.
- Wrap each brat piece in a crescent triangle, starting at the wide end and rolling toward the tip.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with mustard, sauerkraut, or dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra flavor, lightly pan-sear bratwursts before wrapping.
- Use cheddar-stuffed brats or add a slice of cheese under the dough for a cheesy version.
- Great with beer cheese dip for parties.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bratwursts
Choose your favorite style—classic, beer brats, or cheddar-stuffed. Their juicy, seasoned flavor forms the hearty center of each wrap.
Puff Pastry or Crescent Dough
These doughs bake up golden and flaky, sealing in the bratwurst and providing a buttery, crisp exterior.
Mustard (Optional)
Adds tang and pairs wonderfully with the savory bratwurst. Dijon or whole-grain mustard both work well.
Egg Wash
A simple mixture of egg and water brushed over the dough helps achieve a glossy, beautifully browned finish.
Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds (Optional)
Sprinkled on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Salt and Black Pepper
Used sparingly to season the dough or sprinkle lightly over the top.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Cook the bratwursts in a skillet or simmer them in beer until they are fully cooked through. Allow them to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
Roll out the puff pastry or unroll the crescent dough. Cut into rectangles large enough to wrap around each brat. If using mustard, brush a thin layer onto each piece of dough.
Place a bratwurst onto each dough rectangle and roll tightly, seam-side down. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before slicing or serving whole.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. These also freeze well—freeze unbaked or baked Brats in a Blanket for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.
Variations and Customization
Beer Cheese Brats in a Blanket
Serve with a warm beer cheese dipping sauce for added richness.
Cheddar-Stuffed Version
Slice the brats lengthwise and tuck a strip of cheddar inside before wrapping.
Pretzel-Wrapped Brats
Use pretzel dough for a soft, chewy crust reminiscent of soft pretzels.
Spicy Mustard Layer
Brush dough with spicy brown mustard or horseradish mustard for bold flavor.
Everything Bagel Topping
Sprinkle everything seasoning on top for a savory, aromatic finish.
Mini Brats in a Blanket
Cut brats into small chunks and wrap for bite-sized appetizers.
Jalapeño Kick
Add thin jalapeño slices inside the wrap for heat.
Herb Butter Brush
Brush melted herb butter on top after baking for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free pastry dough and verify the brats are gluten-free.
BBQ Brats
Brush the brats with a thin layer of BBQ sauce before wrapping for a sweet-smoky twist.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the brats before wrapping?
Yes, bratwursts must be fully cooked before baking to ensure safety and proper texture.
Can I use crescent rolls instead of puff pastry?
Absolutely—crescent dough creates a softer, more traditional texture.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Bake on parchment and ensure brats are well-drained before wrapping.
Can I air-fry them?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or until golden.
What dips pair best with these?
Mustard, beer cheese, ranch, or BBQ sauce all work well.
Can I use sausage instead of brats?
Yes, any fully cooked sausage can be used.
Do they freeze well?
Yes, freeze before or after baking and reheat as needed.
Can I add vegetables inside?
Thin-cut onions or peppers can be added inside the wrap.
How do I cut them neatly?
Cool slightly and use a sharp serrated knife for clean slices.
Conclusion
Brats in a Blanket bring together juicy bratwurst and flaky pastry for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. With their golden crust, steaming savory center, and endless customization possibilities, these delicious wraps offer comfort and fun in every bite. Whether served whole for meals or sliced for appetizers, this recipe is sure to become a staple at gatherings and family dinners alike. Enjoy crafting—and devouring—this irresistible twist on a classic favorite.
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