Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket

A Busy Mom's Secret to a Delicious and Easy Breakfast: Pigs in a Blanket

Mornings are hectic, aren't they? Between getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, and rushing to work myself, finding time to prepare a nutritious and appealing breakfast often feels like a Herculean task. I used to find myself resorting to quick, less-than-healthy options like cereal or toast, knowing it wasn't the best start to the day. But then I discovered a breakfast game-changer that has transformed our mornings – Pigs in a Blanket!

This isn't your average party appetizer; it's a fun and surprisingly easy breakfast that even my teenage son and college-aged daughter love to make for themselves. They used to be the pickiest eaters. Pancakes or cold cereal were their breakfast standards – nothing else! The transition to something more substantial and healthy was a journey. But this recipe was the key. The combination of fluffy mini pancakes and savory sausage links is a winning combination, and it’s surprisingly quick to make. I often find myself making a double batch on weekends so we have leftovers for a quick breakfast during the week. The best part? It uses everyday ingredients I usually have on hand – Bisquick, eggs, milk, and pre-cooked sausage links. A simple microwave and a non-stick pan are all the equipment you need for cooking these.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to get creative with your pancake batter! Adding blueberries gives a delightful burst of sweetness, perfectly complementing the savory sausage. You could also experiment with other fruits, such as chopped bananas or strawberries, or even add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch of flavor. And let’s not forget the pure maple syrup! While the recipe suggests ¾ of a cup, my kids are definitely more generous, so I usually keep a whole bottle handy. It's the perfect finishing touch, adding a rich sweetness that takes these pigs in a blanket to the next level. But, even without it, the simple combination of a warm pancake and sausage link is a win.

The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy weekdays, but it’s also impressive enough for a weekend brunch. I've served them to friends and family, and they’re always a hit! They're also super kid-friendly. My kids love the interactive element of assembling the final product. It's a fun way for them to get involved in the cooking process and take ownership of their breakfast. There’s something so heartwarming about seeing them enjoy a breakfast they’ve helped to make. And the cleanup is minimal which is always a bonus for a busy mom! It's also a great way to sneak in some extra protein and nutrients into their diets without them even realizing it!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. On a weekday morning, I can whip up a batch in under 15 minutes, while on the weekends, I might take a little more time and create a more elaborate presentation. Either way, the deliciousness remains constant. It's the kind of recipe that’s saved countless chaotic mornings and provided a delicious, wholesome breakfast for my family. It's become a staple in our home, and I truly believe it could become a staple in yours, too.

So, if you're looking for a simple, delicious, and versatile breakfast option that will please everyone in your family, I highly recommend giving these Pigs in a Blanket a try. You won't regret it! They're a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious doesn't have to mean complicated or time-consuming.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 ½ cups original Bisquick baking mix
• ¼ cup fresh blueberries (optional)
• 15 links (brown & serve, pre-cooked, original sausage links)
• 6 ounces pure maple syrup

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the mini pancakes; work in small batches for even cooking.
• Adjust cooking times based on your stovetop's heat and the type of skillet you're using.
• Keep the cooked pancakes warm in the oven while you finish cooking the rest.
• Get creative with toppings! Experiment with different fruits or spices to personalize your Pigs in a Blanket.
• For an extra special touch, serve with a side of fresh fruit salad.

This easy recipe has not only solved my breakfast woes, but has become a fun family activity, too! Give it a try and see for yourself – it's more than just a breakfast; it's a delightful morning ritual.

Step-by-step

• Pre-heat oven to 250*F.
• Heat pre-cooked sausage links per box directions (I microwave them while I prepare the mini pancakes).
• Microwave the pure maple syrup while preparing the sausage links.
• Thoroughly mix the Bisquick mix, milk, egg and blueberries (if using).
• Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray.
• Heat skillet over medium heat.
• Use 2 heaping tablespoons of batter to make each mini pancake.
• Do not overcrowd the pan, work in small batches.
• When pancake starts to dry around the edges and bubble (approx 2 minutes), flip and cook on the other side (approx 1 1/2 - 2 minutes).
• (Cooking times may vary depending on the heat level and the type of skillet).
• Place cooked pancakes on an oven safe platter and keep warm in the oven while finishing the rest of the pancakes.
• When all pancakes are made, lay 1 cooked, warmed, breakfast sausage link across the middle of each mini pancake, fold over (like a taco), and run a toothpick through the pancake and sausage to keep folded.
• Serve with warmed pure maple syrup for dunking and enjoy! (You may need to heat up more syrup. I only suggested 3/4 cup, but my kids would drown them while dunking and I went through a lot more than that).