If you’re craving a fun twist on a classic party favorite, you absolutely have to try this Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe. It’s packed with flavor, super easy to make, and will have everyone asking for seconds—even the carnivores! Trust me, swapping out traditional hot dogs for these marinated baby carrots wrapped in flaky crescent rolls was a total game changer at my last get-together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Unique: Using marinated baby carrots gives a sweet, smoky flavor that’ll surprise and delight your taste buds.
- Kid-Friendly: My family goes crazy for these—kids love the fun shape and gentle veggie flavor.
- Simple Prep: You can marinate the carrots overnight, which means less work on the day you serve them.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect appetizer, party finger food, or even a quick snack anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here works together to create that perfect sweet and smoky flavor in the carrots, balanced with the buttery crescent roll dough wrapped around them. Don’t worry if you’ve never marinated vegetables before—it’s easier than you think! And you can find everything pretty easily at any grocery store.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth—look for low-sodium if you want to control salt levels.
- Vegetable stock or water: Vegetable stock amps flavor, but water works fine too.
- Rice vinegar: Gives a mild tang and helps balance the marinade.
- Liquid smoke: The secret behind that “grilled” smoky taste—just a little goes a long way!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic makes the marinade bright and savory.
- Fresh ginger: Optional, but adds a nice zing if you like it.
- White pepper: Subtle heat and earthiness.
- Onion powder: Enhances overall savory notes without overpowering.
- Sesame oil: Toasty aroma and richness that pairs beautifully with soy sauce.
- Brown sugar: Provides gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the carrots.
- Baby carrots: The star of the show—choose fresh, firm carrots for best texture.
- Crescent rolls: Use your favorite brand; they’ll become golden pillows around your carrot dogs.
- Everything but the Bagel Seasoning: Optional but highly recommended for that extra burst of flavor on top.
Variations
I love tweaking recipes depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. This Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe is so forgiving—you can swap ingredients, add spices, or even change the wrapping dough to make it your own. The best part? It always comes out delicious!
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes mix a bit of chili powder or smoked paprika in the marinade for a warm heat that balances the sweet carrots.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can use gluten-free crescent rolls or puff pastry if someone at your table avoids gluten.
- Herb Infusion: Adding fresh chopped thyme or rosemary to the dough before wrapping adds a lovely earthy aroma.
- Dip Pairings: Swap out your dipping sauces—BBQ, vegan ranch, or spicy mustard each bring something different and fun.
How to Make Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Step 1: Marinate Your Baby Carrots for Maximum Flavor
This step is key to getting that perfect “pigs in a blanket” vibe. Start by whisking soy sauce, vegetable stock, rice vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic, fresh ginger, white pepper, onion powder, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Place your baby carrots in a bowl or shallow dish and pour this marinade on top—try to submerge them as much as possible. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight. If you’re short on time, even a couple of hours helps, but you might want to boil them longer later. The longer they soak, the more flavorful they get, I promise!
Step 2: Cook the Carrots Until Tender and Flavorful
Next, pour your marinade and carrots into a large saucepan. Make sure the carrots are fully covered—add water if needed. Bring everything to a boil, stirring occasionally, then let it simmer for 7 to 10 minutes until the carrots are just tender. This is crucial because you want them soft enough to bite easily, but still holding their shape. Once done, drain and let them cool enough to handle.
Step 3: Wrap Carrots in Crescent Rolls Like a Pro
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—it’ll save you cleanup time. Separate your crescent rolls and cut each piece into two or three smaller triangles or strips, depending on your preference. Now, take one marinated baby carrot and place it on the wide end of a dough strip. Roll the dough snugly all the way around the carrot. Keep going until all your carrots are wrapped and on the pan. If you like, sprinkle everything but the bagel seasoning over the tops for extra texture and flavor—I always do!
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Irresistible
Bake your blanket-wrapped carrots for 12-15 minutes until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. You’re looking for that perfect light crisp outside with soft, tender carrot “dog” inside. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces like spicy mustard, ketchup, or vegan ranch. I love how these rank well for both party snacks and quick after-school treats!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Marinate Overnight: I discovered this trick makes the carrots soak up all those smoky, rich flavors perfectly.
- Don’t Skip Liquid Smoke: It adds a depth that really mimics traditional smoked sausages—it’s subtle but critical.
- Even Rolling: Roll the dough snugly but not too tight or it might tear when baking.
- Bake on Parchment: Prevents sticking and keeps bottoms crispy—something I learned the hard way once!
How to Serve Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some everything but the bagel seasoning right after rolling because it adds a salt and garlic crunch that’s insanely good. Fresh chopped parsley or chives on top also brighten things up if you want a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These go fantastically with a simple mixed green salad, some crunchy pickles, or a chilled vegan coleslaw. For party time, I pair them with vegan queso dip and spicy mustard—it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange these whimsical carrot pigs in a spiral or sunburst pattern on a large platter, surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces. Kids love it when I add little flags or food picks to each one—it makes eating way more fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay surprisingly fresh and soft for up to 3 days. Just bring them back to room temperature or warm before serving again, and they’re nearly as good as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for a party, these freeze beautifully. I wrap each carrot pig individually in parchment or plastic wrap and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For reheating, I like to use the oven or toaster oven to crisp the crescent dough back up—usually about 5-7 minutes at 350°F. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the dough soggy, which I try to avoid.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Absolutely! If you use regular carrots, just peel and trim them into similar-sized sticks so they fit well inside the crescent rolls. You might need to adjust the boiling time slightly to get them tender.
-
Is liquid smoke necessary for this recipe?
While not absolutely required, liquid smoke adds an authentic smoky flavor that really makes these carrot pigs taste like the classic version. If you don’t have any, you can still get great flavor, but consider adding smoked paprika as an alternative.
-
How long can I marinate the carrots?
You can marinate anywhere from a couple of hours to 24 hours. Longer marinating results in deeper flavor, but even a short soak will work if you’re in a hurry.
-
What dipping sauces pair best with Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe?
My personal favorites include vegan ranch, spicy mustard, and classic ketchup. BBQ sauce also adds a nice smoky sweet complement. Feel free to mix and match to see what you like best!
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad you stuck around to learn how to make these Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe because it’s truly one of my family’s favorite meatless snacks. It’s approachable, comforting, and a bit playful—the kind of recipe that makes you smile while eating. If you love classic pigs in a blanket but want something light, healthy, and vegan-friendly, this is your go-to recipe. Give it a try and watch how quickly these disappear at your next gathering!
Print
Vegan Carrot Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (approximately 5 rolls per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a fun and flavorful twist on a classic childhood favorite with these Vegan Pigs in a Blanket featuring marinated baby carrots wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. The carrots are soaked overnight in a savory soy-based marinade, then boiled for tenderness before being wrapped and baked to golden perfection. This meatless recipe is easy to make and perfect for appetizers, snacks, or party treats, delivering a delightful combination of umami, spice, and comforting textures all in one bite.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup vegetable stock or water
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ½-1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or smashed)
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces baby carrots
- 16 ounces crescent rolls (2 packages)
- Everything but the Bagel Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Carrots: Whisk together soy sauce, vegetable stock or water, rice vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic, fresh ginger (if using), white pepper, onion powder, sesame oil, and brown sugar until well combined. Place the baby carrots in a bowl with a lid or shallow pan and pour the marinade over them ensuring the carrots are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably up to 24 hours, stirring occasionally for even marination. If short on time, marinate for a few hours and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Cook the Marinated Carrots: Transfer the carrots and marinade to a large saucepan. Add extra water if needed to fully submerge the carrots. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 7-10 minutes until the carrots are tender but still hold shape. Drain the carrots and let them cool enough to handle.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Separate the crescent rolls dough into individual pieces. Cut each piece into two or three smaller triangles or strips, suitable for wrapping around the carrots.
- Wrap the Carrots: Place one cooked baby carrot on the wide end of each crescent roll piece. Roll the dough around each carrot completely, making sure it is well wrapped. Place each wrapped carrot seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning if using, for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Serve these Vegan Pigs in a Blanket warm with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy as a fun appetizer, snack, or party treat!
Notes
- Marinating the carrots overnight greatly enhances their flavor and mimics savory ‘carrot dog’ taste.
- If short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours and boil the carrots until very tender.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning before baking.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- The recipe is naturally vegan and can be adapted to gluten-free by using gluten-free crescent rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 rolls
- Calories: 338 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 1787 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
