Pull Apart Pigs In A Blanket

 The homemade bread makes these so goo. This is good without the dipping sauce, but even better with it. I double this recipe and put it in a 9x13 inch baking pan when bringing to a larger party.  I tip my pan a little when filling it.  I find it easier to stand them upright.

PULL APART PIGS IN A BLANKET

(makes around 72)

Store boughtDough Ingredients

*1 1/2 tubes of pillsbury pizza dough

Homemade Dough Ingredients (this is so much better than store bought):

*2 cups bread flour (can use all-purpose)

*2 tablespoons granulated sugar

*1 teaspoon salt

*3/4 cup very warm water (120 degrees)

*2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 

*1 large egg

*1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

*1 1/2 tablespoons chick fil-a sauce, mustard, or ketchup

*4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

*2 (14 ounce) packages of lil smokes (or a package of hot dogs, cut into fourths)

*sesame seeds

*poppy seeds

Dip Ingredients:

*1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

*1/2 cup heavy cream

*1/2 cup light beer

*1 (8 ounce) package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

*4 ounces pepper jack cheese or provolone cheese, shredded

*1 teaspoons garlic powder

*1/4 teaspoon ground paprika

*2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

*1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Homemade Dough Directions:

~In a small bowl mix 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 3/4 cup warm water together.

~Allow to proof (about 5-10 minutes.

~In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups bread flour 1 teaspoon salt, 1 large egg and yeast mixture and mix for 2-3 minutes.

~Add dough hook, and mix in butter slowly.

~Knead for 5-7 minutes.

~Place dough into a grease bowl, and move around unit all sides of dough are coated.

~Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean damp tea towel/

~Allow dough to rise until double in size in a warm draft free area.

~Sprinkle flour lightly on a clean dry surface.

~Place dough on floured surface and flatten it out.

~Roll into a 15X10 inch rectangle (approximately).

~Lightly spread 1 1/2 tablespoons chick fil-a sauce, mustard, or ketchup over top of dough

~Sprinkle 4 ounces cheddar cheese over top of sauce.

~Cut the dough into long strips vertically and horizontally (about 1/2 the size of the lil smokies) (about 50 pieces).

~Grease a 10-inch springform pan  (You can use a round cake pan, but I would line it with parchment paper for easier removal)

~Place 1 lil smoke on each piece of dough, roll dough around each piece.

~Place them straight up (hot dog vertically), starting on the outside of the pan working inward.

~Sprinkle desired amount of  poppy seeds and sesame seeds over top.

~Loosely cover pan with aluminum foil.

~Allow to rise for 45 minutes.

~Preheat oven 375 degrees.

~Bake for 20-22 minutes.

~Remove foil and cook or for 5 more minutes.

Cheese Dip Directions (make while pigs in the blanket is cooking):

~In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 8 ounces softened cream cheese.

~Cook over medium heat, stirring until cream cheese has melted.

~Stir in 1/2 cup beer and bring to a simmer.

~Slowly add, 8 ounces sharp cheese, and 4 ounces pepper jack or provolone cheese whisking constantly until cheese is melted.

~Stir in 2 teaspoons mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper (it will thicken up as it cools)