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  • The Super Bowl Appetizer Everyone Devours First

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    There are a lot of fancy Super Bowl snacks out there, but pigs in a blanket will always be the first thing gone. Every. Single. Time. These are made with juicy Lil Smokies wrapped in buttery crescent rolls and baked until golden, then served with a simple homemade dipping sauce that takes them completely over the top.

    They’re easy, nostalgic, and totally irresistible which is exactly what you want for a game day party when everyone’s grazing the Super Bowl appetizers in between plays in the big game.

    What I Do Different to Make the BEST Lil Smokies

    Carrian Cheney

    Listen, the truth is most people would choose a hamburger over a hotdog, but I am actually a die hard hotdog fan. I have been since I was a little girl. The first time that I had pigs in a blanket, I was so excited and then was completely bummed by the lack of flavor and especially by how dry they were.

    I’ve learned that there are a few things you can do to make your pigs in a blanket better than everyone else’s. Number one always brushed the crescent dough with a little butter and sprinkle with flaky salt. It adds just that little touch of flavor and texture that will make your mouth water and you won’t be able to stop eating them, which is exactly what you want for your guests.

    I love when we are throwing a party and people say they can’t stop eating fill in the blank. And my last tip always add a delicious dipping sauce and I’m not just talking ketchup and mustard. I’m talking a smoky honey mustard dipping sauce that is absolutely the best dip I’ve ever had with Little Smokies pigs in a blanket.

    Why Pigs in a Blanket are the Ultimate Super Bowl Snack

    Pigs in a blanket check every game day box. They’re handheld, crowd-pleasing, kid-approved, and easy to eat while yelling at the TV. You can make a big batch without much effort, they bake quickly, and they’re just as good warm as they are at room temperature.

    Add a homemade honey mustard dipping sauce and suddenly this classic appetizer feels extra special without losing that nostalgic, party-food charm everyone loves.

    several baked lil smokies wrapped in crescent roll sitting next to a small bowl of honey mustard dipping sauceseveral baked lil smokies wrapped in crescent roll sitting next to a small bowl of honey mustard dipping sauce

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    These wrapped lil smokies are made with just a few pantry staples and one easy homemade dipping sauce.

    • Crescent Rolls: Buttery, flaky dough that wraps around the sausages and bakes up perfectly golden.
    • Lil Smokies: Juicy, bite-sized sausages that bring all the savory flavor to this classic appetizer.
    • Unsalted Butter: Brushed on top for extra richness and that irresistible golden finish.
    • Coarse Flaked Salt: A light sprinkle adds crunch and enhances all the flavors (don’t skip it!).

    Dipping Sauce

    • Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the dipping sauce.
    • Honey: Adds sweetness that balances the savory smokies and tangy mustard.
    • Dijon Mustard: Adds just the right amount of tang and depth.
    • Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness that ties the whole sauce together.
    • Lime Juice (optional): A squeeze of brightness that wakes everything up and cuts the richness.
    one pig in a blank with a bite taken out of it so you can see the inside surrounded by other lil smokies pigs in a blanketone pig in a blank with a bite taken out of it so you can see the inside surrounded by other lil smokies pigs in a blanket

    How to Make Pigs in a Blanket with Little Smokies

    1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375℉.
    2. Cut the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the sheets of crescent roll dough and separate them where they are perforated. Cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles.
    3. Roll: Place 1 little smokie on the thick end of one triangle and roll toward the thinner side. Repeat until all little smokies or dough triangles have been used.
    4. Brush: Brush the tops of each roll with butter and sprinkle with salt.
    5. Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
    6. Make the Dipping Sauce: Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together to combine.
    7. Serve: Serve warm with the dipping sauce and enjoy!

    The Best Homemade Dipping Sauce

    You only need 5 ingredients to make this homemade dipping sauce! I took our honey mustard dipping sauce for ham and added some smoked paprika and lime to deepen the flavor. It pairs so well with these little crescent rolls pigs in a blanket!

    carrian holding a phone taking pictures of lil smokes pigs in a blanketcarrian holding a phone taking pictures of lil smokes pigs in a blanket

    How to Keep Pigs in a Blanket Warm for a Party

    There is a fine art to keeping pigs in a blanket warm throughout your party. You want them to stay warm without getting soggy. There are two methods that work well – the slow cooker method or the oven method.

    Slow Cooker Method: Put your slow cooker on warm and line it with a couple of paper towels. Put the pigs in a blanket in a single layer and keep the lid cracked open with a wooden spoon to let the steam out.

    Oven Method: Heat the oven to 200-225 °F and place the pigs in a blanket on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Tent loosely with foil. Both of these methods allow air to circulate around the piggies and they start warm and crispy.

    a golden lil smokie sitting on the side of a bowl of honey mustard dipping saucea golden lil smokie sitting on the side of a bowl of honey mustard dipping sauce

    Can You Use Puff Pastry Instead of Crescent Rolls?

    Yes absolutely! There will be a couple of key differences. You will want to use an egg wash instead of melted butter to help them get golden brown. You’ll also want to increase the baking temperature to 400-425℉. The baking time should be about the same, maybe a little longer.

    Storing and Reheating

    Extra pigs in a blanket should be completely cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them and they will keep for up to 3 months.

    They are best reheated in the oven or in an air fryer.

    Oven:

    • Preheat to 350°F
    • Place on a baking sheet
    • Reheat for 8–12 minutes (from fridge; 15–20 minutes if frozen)

    Air Fryer:

    • Heat to 350°F
    • Reheat for 3–5 minutes
    • Turn halfway through

    I prefer reheating in the oven because you can do them all at once and not in batches.

    lil smokies pigs in a blanket that are baked and golden with flaked salt sprinkled on toplil smokies pigs in a blanket that are baked and golden with flaked salt sprinkled on top

    No Super Bowl party is complete without pigs in a blanket, and this version proves why they’ve stood the test of time. They’re easy, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you expect especially when paired with a homemade dipping sauce.

    Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just loading up the snack table for kickoff, this is one recipe you’ll come back to every single year. If you’re looking for more Super Bowl food ideas, head to our recipe roundup for all the best football party recipes!

    More Super Bowl Party Foods:

    Watch How These Lil Smokies Pigs in a Blanket are Made…

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    • Preheat oven to 375℉.

    • Unroll crescent sheets and tear where perforated. Cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles.

      1 Container Crescent Rolls

    • Place 1 lil smokies wiener on the thick side of each triangle, then gently roll to thinner side.

      1 Package Lil Smokies

    • Repeat until all are used.

    • Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt. Bake 12-15 minutes.

      4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Coarse Flaked Salt

    • Stir together the sauce and enjoy!

      1 Cup Mayonnaise, ¼ Cup Honey, ⅛ Cup Dijon Mustard, ¼ teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 1 Squeeze Lime Juice

    Serving: 1sausage with dip, Calories: 107kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 284mg, Potassium: 40mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 76IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 0.3mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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    Sweet Basil

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  • The Ultimate Super Bowl Food Lineup

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    The Super Bowl isn’t just about the game…it’s about the food! From crispy wings and cheesy dips to hearty sliders and snackable sweets, game day calls for recipes that are easy to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for more.

    Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just planning game-day snacks, these Super Bowl food recipes make it easy to build the ultimate spread.

    Finger Foods & Appetizers

    These are the grab-and-go bites everyone reaches for during the game. Easy to eat, packed with flavor, and perfect for grazing from kickoff to the final whistle.

    Smoked Chicken Wings

    Slow-smoked wings with crispy skin and deep, smoky flavor and perfect for wing lovers who want something a little extra.

    Teriyaki Chicken Wings

    Sticky, sweet, and savory wings glazed in teriyaki sauce that balance bold flavor with crowd-pleasing appeal.

    Buffalo Chicken Wings

    A Super Bowl classic! Crispy wings tossed in tangy, buttery buffalo sauce. No game day spread is complete without them!

    a pile of chips loaded with bbq brisket, beans, gooey cheese and all sorts of extras like jalapenos, red onions and cilantro!a pile of chips loaded with bbq brisket, beans, gooey cheese and all sorts of extras like jalapenos, red onions and cilantro!

    BBQ Brisket Nachos

    Loaded nachos piled high with tender BBQ brisket, melty cheese, and bold toppings for a seriously hearty appetizer.

    Bacon Wrapped Avocados

    Creamy avocado wrapped in smoky bacon and roasted until crisp for a simple but irresistible bite.

    Jalapeño Poppers

    Spicy, cheesy, and baked or fried until golden. These poppers bring just the right amount of heat.


    Dips & Chips

    Dips are the MVPs of any Super Bowl party. These recipes are perfect for scooping, sharing, and going back for “just one more bite.”

    Cowboy Caviar

    A fresh, colorful mix of beans, veggies, and zesty dressing that’s perfect with tortilla chips or as a lighter option on the table.

    Creamy Artichoke Dip

    Rich and smooth with tender artichokes, this warm dip pairs perfectly with crackers or sliced baguette.

    Mexican 7 Layer Dip

    A classic party dip layered with beans, cheese, sour cream, and fresh toppings and always a hit.

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Creamy, cheesy, and packed with buffalo flavor, this dip disappears fast every single time.

    Spinach Artichoke Dip

    A tried-and-true favorite with creamy cheese, spinach, and artichokes baked until bubbly.

    Queso Fundido

    Hot, melty cheese with bold chorizo…perfect for scooping with chips or spooning over tacos and nachos.

    Chili Con Queso

    A hearty queso loaded with seasoned chili for a dip that eats like a meal.


    Crowd-Pleasing Main Dishes

    When snacks aren’t enough, these hearty dishes keep everyone full and happy through the entire game.

    a photo of an italian slider stacked on top of another slidera photo of an italian slider stacked on top of another slider

    Italian Sliders

    Soft rolls layered with savory Italian meats, saucy veggies, and a flavorful herbed butter topping. These Italian sliders are warm, hearty, and always one of the first dishes to disappear on game day.

    Instant Pot Chili

    Rich, comforting chili made fast in the Instant Pot and perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

    Baked Potato Bar

    Take the chili above and add it to a crispy baked potato for a fun, customizable option where everyone builds their own loaded baked potato with their favorite toppings.

    French Dip Sliders

    Tender beef and melty cheese tucked into soft rolls and served with warm au jus for dipping.

    Margherita Pizza

    Simple, classic, and always popular with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil baked on a crisp crust.

    BBQ Meatball Sliders

    Juicy meatballs coated in BBQ sauce and served on slider buns. Easy, saucy, and satisfying!

    Chicken Birria Tacos

    Crispy, flavorful tacos filled with tender chicken and served with rich dipping broth for serious wow-factor.

    Baked Chicken Taquitos

    Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, these oven-baked taquitos are perfect for dipping.


    Snacks

    Perfect for setting out early and keeping on the table all day. These snacks are great for munching between plays.

    Smoked Chex Mix

    A smoky twist on classic Chex Mix that adds big flavor to an easy snack.

    Best Cheese Ball

    Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this cheese ball is perfect with crackers or veggies.

    Manly Snack Mix

    A bold, savory mix loaded with crunchy bites and big flavor making it great for game-day grazing.

    Slow Cooker Ranch Chex Mix

    This slow cooker ranch Chex mix is crunchy, buttery, and packed with bold ranch flavor. Toss everything in the crockpot and let it slowly toast to perfection.


    Sweets & Treats

    Don’t forget dessert! These fun, easy sweets add the perfect finishing touch to your Super Bowl spread.

    Muddy Buddies

    Sweet, crunchy, and coated in chocolate and powdered sugar—always a crowd favorite.

    Classic Brownies

    Brownies and football just belong together and a little chocolate treat is always welcome!

    Jello Popcorn (in your team’s colors)

    A fun, colorful treat that’s easy to customize for your favorite team.

    Sugar Cookies (in team’s colors)

    Soft sugar cookies decorated in team colors for a festive, game-day dessert everyone loves.


    No matter which team you’re rooting for or if you’re there just for the commercials, one thing’s guaranteed: these Super Bowl recipes are a win. From bold, flavor-packed appetizers to easy slow cooker favorites and sweet treats to end the night, this roundup has something for everyone at your table.

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    • Preheat the smoker with super smoke if you can with the lid closed for 5 minutes.

    • Turn the heat to 225 degrees and preheat with the lid closed for 10 minutes.

    • In a bowl, whisk together the rub.

      1/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar, 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt, 1 teaspoon Ground Mustard, 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika, 2 teaspoons Oregano, 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder, 1/2 teaspoon Pepper

    • In a disposable pan, toss the chicken wings and the rub until everything is heavily coated.

      3 Pounds Chicken Wings

    • Arrange the chicken pieces evenly in the pan and set the pan in the smoker.

    • Close the lid and cook for 1 1/2-2 hours or until it reaches 165 degrees at the thickest part of the meat.

    • Pull the pan off of the smoker and heat to high heat or heat a grill if your smoker doesn’t allow that.

    • Place the chicken directly on the grill and cook on each side until grill marks appear.

    • Set aside with foil laid over the top for 5 minutes.

    • Serve!

    This dry rub can be stored in a jar with a tight fitting lid for up to 6 months.

    Serving: 3g, Calories: 352kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 94mg, Sodium: 2422mg, Potassium: 262mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 766IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 43mg, Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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    Sweet Basil

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  • Super Bowl Italian Sliders That Will Steal the Show

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    Italian sliders are the perfect party dish for a Super Bowl get together! You start with slider buns and layer them with Italian deli meats like salami, pepperoni, and ham, then add melted provolone cheese.

    For extra flavor, you drizzle some garlic parmesan sauce on top, then bake them until golden and crispy. To finish, load them up with your favorite sandwiches toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncinis and black olives mixed with a creamy Italian dressing. These sliders are delicious, easy to assemble, and perfect for a crowd!

    I’m going to fail you all a bit when it comes to the Super Bowl…we don’t watch it. It hasn’t always been easy, and it was an important decision for our family to not watch the Super Bowl. I know, don’t hate me, but Sunday is our one day set aside for our family and religion. However, we still enjoy a lot of good food (check out our Super Bowl Food Recipe Roundup for more ideas!), so I really wanted to step up a bit and provide our readers with more options for the big day. Food is everything for a football gathering, am I RIGHT?!

    I decided to take a nod from our famous ham and cheese sliders and make a new version. Because of my love of chopped salads and the goodness of Italian delis I decided to jump into a fresh version of baked sliders.

    a photo of a baking pan full of golden baked italian sliders

    What Do I Need to Make Italian Sliders?

    Head to the deli and grab a few slices of your favorite Italian meats and some provolone. Then almost everything else you’ll either have at home already or you can grab it in the produce section. Here is everything you’ll need…

    • Hawaiian Slider Buns: You can either grab a pack of rolls at the store or make homemade Hawaiian sweet rolls.
    • Provolone: Grab it from the deli when you get your meats.
      • NOTE: If you aren’t a provolone fan, use mozzarella cheese instead.
    • Meats: Ham, Pepperoni and Salami

    Garlic Parmesan Glaze

    • Butter: the base for the glaze on top of the buns
    • Parmesan: freshly and finely grated
    • Garlic Herb Seasoning: We love Johnny’s Garlic Spread, but any garlic herb seasoning will work great.

    Toppings (Grinder Salad)

    • Mayonnaise: adds creaminess to the dressing
    • Italian Dressing: adds flavor
    • Sliced Black Olives: buy a can of sliced olives or slice whole olives yourself
    • Red Onion: I like them diced pretty small so they blend right in.
    • Shredded Lettuce: shred your own romaine lettuce or buy a bag of pre-shredded
    • Tomatoes: Roma or vine ripe tomatoes work great.
    • Pepperoncini Peppers: a signature of Italian sandwiches and salads that add a little heat
      • NOTE: If pepperoncinis are too spicy for you, use banana peppers or dill pickles.

    The measurements and details for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card down below.

    a photo of all the ingredients for italian sliders including Kings Hawaiian rolls, slices of provolone, sliced meats, chopped lettuce tomatoes, red onions, olives, etc.a photo of all the ingredients for italian sliders including Kings Hawaiian rolls, slices of provolone, sliced meats, chopped lettuce tomatoes, red onions, olives, etc.

    How to Make Baked Italian Sliders

    Something so delicious shouldn’t be so easy! Baked slider sandwiches are one of my favorite ways to feed a crowd something warm and delicious. Here are the step-by-step instructions…

    1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Cut the rolls horizontally and place them in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
    2. Layer: Place a layer of provolone cheese on the bottom half of the rolls then top with all three meats. Add the top rolls and gently slice through the seams so that each sandwich is separate.
    3. Bake: Whisk together the melted butter, parmesan and garlic herb seasoning and then brush over the tops of the sliders. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
    4. Make the Chopped Salad: Whisk together the mayo and Italian dressing in a small bowl then stir in the olives (if using) and onions. Add the lettuce, tomatoes and pepperoncini peppers to a large bowl and then toss with the dressing.
    5. Finish the Sandwiches: When the sliders are done baking, carefully remove the tops and add the chopped salad. Put the tops back on and enjoy!

    Keep scrolling to the end of the post for the complete recipe found in the recipe card. You can also print or save the recipe there.

    Carrian is all about the olives while I’d rather have more spice. Create these sliders to your own tastes by making substitutions like, sun dried tomatoes, peppers, different meats and cheeses until you’ve made the sandwich of your dreams.

    What is a Slider?

    slider is an American term for a small sandwich, typically around 2 in (5.1 cm) across, made with a bun. The term primarily refers to small hamburgers like our cheeseburger sliders, but can also cover any mini sandwiches made with a slider roll.

    a photo of an italian slider sandwich loaded with sliced deli meats and chopped grinder salada photo of an italian slider sandwich loaded with sliced deli meats and chopped grinder salad

    What to Serve with Italian Sliders

    Don’t limit yourself to just the Super Bowl for these Italian sub sliders! They are great for a quick weeknight dinner, an appetizer for a party or for a potluck with friends. If you’re serving Italian sandwich sliders as a main dish, here are some side dishes to serve with them:

    a photo of several italian sliders on a serving tray with a bag of potato chips in the backgrounda photo of several italian sliders on a serving tray with a bag of potato chips in the background

    Can Italian Sliders Be Made Ahead?

    Individual components of the sliders can be made ahead of time, but I wouldn’t recommend fully assembling them. You can slice the buns and add the cheese and meats then put the tops on and cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4-5 hours.

    Do not add the garlic butter mixture on top of the buns until right before baking. The chopped grinder salad could be made an hour or so ahead of time, but I wouldn’t make it too much earlier than that or the lettuce will start to wilt and brown.

    a photo of an italian slider sandwich stacked on top of another slidera photo of an italian slider sandwich stacked on top of another slider

    Storing and Reheating

    If possible, don’t store constructed sliders. The moisture of all the vegetables and the dressing will make them quite soggy. Store the lettuce mixture separately and add right before serving.

    Sliders that have been stored with just the meat and cheese can be reheated in the oven or in an air fryer. Add the chopped salad on before serving. If you have leftover sliders that are fully assembled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for about a day and I would just eat them cold.

    a photo of a baking dish full of baked italian sliders with the front row removed so you can see the inside of the sliders spilling outa photo of a baking dish full of baked italian sliders with the front row removed so you can see the inside of the sliders spilling out

    Get ready for game day with this delicious and easy Super Bowl Italian sliders recipe! Packed with flavor and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

    More Slider Recipes:

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    • Preheat the oven to 350℉.

    • Cut the hawaiian rolls horizontally and placed the bottom in a baking dish.

      1 Package Hawaiian Slider Buns

    • Lay the provolone cheese on the bread.

      4 oz Provolone

    • Next, top with the meats; ham, pepperoni, and salami.

      3 oz Ham, 3 oz Pepperoni, 3 oz Salami

    • Place the tops back on the rolls. Gently, using a bread knife, cut through the seams to separate each sandwich.

    • Combine the butter, parmesan, seasoning in a dish. Brush the butter over the tops of the slider sandwiches.

      5 Tablespoons Butter, 3 Tablespoons Parmesan, 1 Tablespoon Garlic Herb Seasoning

    • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

    • While the sandwiches bake, prepare the chopped salad by whisking together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, olives if desired, and onions. Toss the lettuce, tomatoes, and pepperoncini peppers together with the dressing.

      1/4 Cup Mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons Italian Dressing, 1 Can Sliced Olives, 2 Tablespoons Red Onion, 8 oz Shredded Lettuce, 1 Cup Tomatoes, 1/2 Cup Pepperoncini Peppers

    • Once the sandwiches are done, remove the tops, add the grinder salad and put the tops back on and enjoy!

    Serving: 1slider, Calories: 236kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 38mg, Sodium: 1058mg, Potassium: 196mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1912IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 137mg, Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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    Carrian Cheney

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