The Slightly Ridiculous $10 Pig in a Blanket Gadget I Actually Love

I realize that, as you read this, you may very well be eating a pig in a blanket. Or have plans to do so later. It is Super Bowl Sunday, after all. So while you might be thinking that I’m too late, I say I AM NOT! Because pigs in a blanket can — nay, should — be enjoyed all year round!

Yes, they make great snacks on New Year’s Eve, but I’m talking about beyond that. (Think bigger, you guys!) Any time we have guests at our house for the weekend, I make sure to have a pack of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and Nathan’s Jumbo Beef Franks on hand, should a late-night craving hit while we’re playing Code Names. (It usually does.)

Recipe: The Easiest Pigs in a Blanket

I used to just wrap the hot dogs by hand, add an egg wash, bake them, and then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Until I got this super-silly silicone baking mold.

It was given to me as a jokey Secret Santa gift, only the joke’s on you, friend, because I love this thing! Do I need it? No. (Especially considering I don’t have or often feed children!) Do I love using it for parties and little get-togethers? You bet your snout I do!

It’s just a simple, silicone mold that shapes your dough to look like a little piggy — complete with a little piggy nose and floppy ears.

Of course, as with nearly any As Seen on TV product, there’s a bit of a science to it. First of all, it says it works with any batter or dough, but I haven’t had the best of luck using it with that Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough. It really does work best with pancake batter. That’s how you get the most detail in the finished piggy. (If you’re wondering, pancake batter is not weird when paired with hot dogs!) Also, you either have to use mini hot dogs or cut bun-sized ones into smaller pieces. No, even smaller than whatever you’re thinking! And despite what the infomercials say about the mold being non-stick, I really do get the best results when I use a bit of cooking spray.

One more thing: The pan only makes 12 little piggies at a time and that’s not really enough to serve a crowd, so I’ll make a tray of pigs in a blanket like usual and then set these special ones on top of the tray for presentation. I realize this definitely makes things harder for myself and that it’s not super realistic all the time. That’s why I really do think this is best for a small group. Or if you have kids and need a cute afternoon snack/activity over the weekend. Yes, a weekend snack with kids is where this mold will really shine.

For what it’s worth, I’ve also made these with just the pancake batter and served them at brunch next to a plate of bacon. That’s, by far, the easiest way to use this pan. While I’ve had great (read: incredibly adorable) results with pancake batter, it hasn’t worked quite so well with eggs (the pigs come out unrecognizable!). The mold comes with a recipe book, but honestly, I say stick to the pancake batter. Do that and you won’t be disa-pork-ted. That was terrible. I’m sorry.

Have you tried this? What’d you think?