Have you ever experienced that cozy, delectable feeling of sinking your teeth into a hot pig in a blanket? It’s undoubtedly one of the best snacks around. However, what happens when you have some leftovers and want to warm them up? Can you use the microwave to reheat them, or is that a recipe for disaster? Additionally, how long should you heat them up for?
In this guide, I’ll provide you with the steps to expertly reheat pigs in a blanket using the microwave. I’ll also offer up some pointers on storing and serving these delightful treats, as well as some mouthwatering variations to experiment with.
Can You Reheat Pigs In a Blanket in the Microwave?
Yes, you can reheat pigs in a blanket in the microwave, but you might not get the best results. The biggest problem with reheating these snacks in the microwave is that the base can get soggy while the filling can turn dry and chewy.
Although you won’t get the same crispy texture with microwaved pigs in a blanket as you would when they are heated in an oven, there are a few steps that you can take to improve your results.
For example, try lightly wrapping the pigs in blankets in a dry paper towel before reheating them in the microwave. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Or if you’ve ever heard about using a microwave crisper pan, this is a great time to give it a try. This pan is a special pan that helps to crisp food that otherwise wouldn’t crisp up when heated in the microwave.
How Long Should You Reheat Pigs In a Blanket in the Microwave?
The exact time will depend on your microwave and the number of pigs in a blanket that you are heating, but in general, you should aim for about 30 to 45 seconds when microwaving one or two pigs in a blanket. If you are reheating a larger batch of pigs in blankets, you’ll need to continue heating them in 15-second intervals until they are warmed through.
Another thing that can increase the cooking time is if you heat the pigs in a blanket from frozen. In this case, you will need to increase the cooking time to about 1-2 minutes.
How to Reheat Pigs In a Blanket in the Microwave: Step-by-Step
Let’s take a closer look at how to reheat pigs in a blanket in the microwave, step by step:
- Line a microwave-safe plate with a dry paper towel.
- Arrange the pigs in blankets on the paper towel, making sure to separate them so that they don’t touch.
- Cover the pigs in blankets with another paper towel.
- Microwave the pigs in blankets on high heat for 30 seconds.
- Check to see if they are warmed through, and continue reheating in 15-second intervals until ready.
- Once the pigs in blankets are warmed through, remove them from the microwave and serve immediately.
Another option for reheating pigs in a blanket is to use a microwave crisper pan. Here’s how:
- Preheat the microwave crisper pan in the microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Place the pigs in blankets on the pan.
- Microwave for 30 seconds on high heat, checking every 15 seconds to ensure that they are warmed through.
- Once the pigs in blankets are warmed through, carefully remove them from the microwave.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
Safety Tips for Heating Pigs In a Blanket in the Microwave
As with any food that you are reheating in the microwave, it’s important to take a few safety precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use a Microwave-Safe Container
First and foremost, always make sure to use a container that is safe for the microwave. Ceramic or glass containers are generally safe choices. Avoid using plastic as it can potentially melt or release harmful chemicals into your food.
2. Arrange the Pigs in Blankets in a Single Layer
When reheating pigs in blankets in the microwave, it’s best to arrange them on a plate or in a dish so that they don’t touch each other. This helps to ensure that they heat evenly and prevents them from getting soggy.
3. Make Sure The Internal Temperature Reaches 165 Degrees F
The third safety tip is to make sure that the internal temperature of the pigs in blankets reaches 165 degrees F. You can do this by checking with a food thermometer before removing them from the microwave.
4. Use a Paper Towel to Absorb Excess Moisture
Another tip to prevent sogginess is to wrap the pigs in blankets with a dry paper towel before reheating them in the microwave. This will help absorb excess moisture and prevent it from seeping into the pigs in blankets.
5. Be Careful When Removing a Microwave Crisper Pan
Finally, be careful when removing a microwave crisper pan, as it will be very hot. Use oven mitts or gloves to protect your hands.
An Alternative to Reheating Pigs In a Blanket in the Microwave
If you’re looking for an alternative to reheating pigs in a blanket in the microwave, one option is to use your oven instead. Arguably, the oven is a better choice for reheating this popular snack because it gives you that browned, crispy crust you may be looking for.
To reheat pigs in a blanket in the oven, simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, arrange the pigs in blankets on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish, making sure to leave a little space between them. Bake the pigs in blankets for 4-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and starting to brown.
Dipping Suggestions for Your Pigs In a Blanket
Everyone knows that the best part of a pig in a blanket is the dipping sauce. Whether you like your dipping sauces sweet, savory, or spicy, there’s a sauce out there for you. Here are 5 of my favorite dipping sauces for pigs in a blanket.
1. Classic Burger Sauce
There’s nothing quite like a classic burger sauce to take your pigs in a blanket to the next level. This rich and flavorful sauce is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and it pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of your pigs in a blanket.
2. Mustard
A classic dips for pigs in a blanket, mustard is tangy and salty and pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of your favorite wrapped appetizers. Whether you like yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or honey mustard, there’s a mustard out there for you.
3. Ketchup
Ketchup is another classic dipping sauce for pigs in a blanket. Sweet and savory, ketchup is the perfect partner for your wrapped pork appetizers. Plus, it’s easy to find at any grocery store.
4. BBQ Sauce
If you’re looking for something with a little more kick, BBQ sauce is the way to go. The smoky Flavors of BBQ sauce are the perfect complement to the pork in your pigs in a blanket, and the heat level can be easily adjusted to suit your taste buds.
5. Spicy Cheese Sauce
For those who like their dip on the hotter side, spicy cheese sauce is the way to go. This dip combines the creaminess of cheese with the heat of peppers to create a dipping sauce that packs a punch. Just be warned: this one is not for the faint of heart!
Conclusion
Reheating pigs in a blanket in the microwave can be a bit of a challenge, but with a few tips, you can achieve decent results. If you want to mimic the crispiness you get from reheating these snacks in the oven, try using a microwave crisper pan. If you don’t have one, you can try using a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture and prevent your pigs in a blanket from getting soggy.
