If you are looking for a snack that combines hearty flavors with a delightful cheesy twist, the Brats in a Blanket with Cheddar and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe is an absolute game changer. This fun, savory treat takes classic bratwurst bites wrapped in flaky crescent dough and elevates them with sharp cheddar cheese and that unbeatable pop of everything bagel seasoning. Perfect for game days, parties, or just indulging your cravings, these little bundles are bursting with flavor and have a golden, buttery crust that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Brats in a Blanket with Cheddar and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a vital role, crafting a perfect balance of textures and tastes. From the savory bratwurst to the melty cheddar, every component is essential.
- Bratwurst sausages (1 19-oz package): Choose quality brats for rich flavor and juicy bites in every piece.
- Beer (2 twelve-oz cans): This helps gently poach the brats, infusing subtle depth while keeping them tender.
- Water (½ cup): Alongside the beer, it creates the perfect poaching liquid.
- Crescent rolls (1 8-oz can): Flaky, buttery dough that wraps the brats to give crisp, golden bites.
- Dijon mustard (1½ Tbsp): Adds a tangy surprise that cuts through the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and melty, it elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- Melted butter (2 Tbsp): Brushed on top to ensure a shiny, golden finish and add extra richness.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning (1 Tbsp): This is the star seasoning that delivers savory, garlicky, nutty punch to the crust.
How to Make Brats in a Blanket with Cheddar and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked bites without any sticking or mess, making cleanup effortless and ensuring crisp bottoms.
Step 2: Poach the Brats
Pour the beer and water into a large pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Place the bratwurst sausages into the liquid and let them cook for about 5 minutes. This poaching step softens the brats while allowing them to absorb the beer’s subtle malty notes, creating juicy, flavorful bites inside the blanket.
Step 3: Sear and Slice the Sausages
Remove the brats from the poaching liquid and sear them in a hot skillet until all sides are nicely browned. This caramelization adds a mouthwatering crust and an extra layer of depth. Once seared, cut each sausage into three equal pieces — these manageable sizes fit perfectly into the dough and make them easy to enjoy as finger food.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Apply Mustard
Open your can of crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each triangle to sneak in a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the savory brats and cheese, brightening every bite.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cut Dough Smaller
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice each triangle in half lengthwise, forming two smaller triangles ideal for wrapping individual brat pieces. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the dough generously — when baked, this cheese melts into gooey pockets of sharpness that complement the sausage perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble the Brats in the Blanket
Place a bratwurst slice along the wide end of each mini triangle, then roll it up tightly, tucking the seam underneath to prevent unrolling. Arrange each roll seam side down on your prepared baking sheet for even cooking and a neat presentation.
Step 7: Butter and Season for the Perfect Finish
Brush the top of each roll with melted butter, which encourages golden browning and adds moisture. Then sprinkle a generous amount of Everything Bagel Seasoning on top. This seasoning is what truly sets this recipe apart, delivering the iconic burst of garlic, sesame, poppy seeds, and salt every bite deserves.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, watching for the crescent dough to turn a deep, appetizing golden brown. Once out of the oven, these treats are ready to impress any crowd with their irresistible aroma and flavor.
How to Serve Brats in a Blanket with Cheddar and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, offer some fresh garnishes like chopped chives, a drizzle of spicy mustard, or even a swipe of creamy horseradish sauce. These simple touches add bursts of freshness or heat that beautifully complement the cheesy, savory richness of the brats wrapped in dough.
Side Dishes
These brats in a blanket shine when paired with classic game day sides like tangy coleslaw, crunchy pickles, or even a vibrant mixed greens salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. If you want to keep things hearty, a side of crispy potato wedges or baked beans rounds out the meal mouthwateringly well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Brats in a Blanket with Cheddar and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe on a large wooden board arranged like little rolls around a bowl of spicy ketchup or honey mustard for dipping. You can also skewer a few pieces with cocktail sticks to make fun, easy-to-grab party bites that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The crescent dough will soften slightly but still maintain delicious flavor when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls after assembling them on the baking sheet by covering them tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and the outside regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving since it tends to make the dough soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use regular sausages instead of bratwurst in this recipe?
Absolutely! While bratwurst offers a distinctive flavor, any high-quality sausage can work. Just choose one with a flavor profile you enjoy as it will greatly influence the final taste.
Is Everything Bagel Seasoning necessary? Can I substitute it?
Everything Bagel Seasoning adds a unique garlicky, savory crunch, but if you don’t have it, feel free to use a mix of garlic powder, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt to mimic the flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can substitute bratwurst with plant-based sausages and use vegan crescent roll dough and cheese alternatives. The flavor and texture may differ, but it’s a wonderful way to enjoy this dish with dietary preferences in mind.
How spicy are these rolls? Can I adjust the heat?
These are mild in spice, focusing more on savory and cheesy flavors. If you want a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese or serve with a spicy mustard dip.
What’s the best beer to use for poaching?
A light lager or pilsner works great as it adds subtle maltiness without overpowering the brats. Avoid very bitter or heavily hoppy beers as they can alter the flavor too strongly for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Brats in a Blanket with Cheddar and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something fun, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. It’s an easy way to impress guests or treat yourself with comforting, cheesy bites that never fail to satisfy. Whether for a casual get-together or a snack that feels special, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these disappear at your table!
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Brats in a Blanket with Cheddar and Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
Description
Brats in a Blanket is a delicious and easy appetizer featuring juicy bratwurst sausages wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, enhanced with a layer of tangy dijon mustard and melted cheddar cheese, then seasoned with everything bagel seasoning and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, game day, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Brats and Cooking Liquid
- 1 (19-oz) package bratwurst sausages (Johnsonville)
- 2 (12-oz) beers
- ½ cup water
Dough and Fillings
- 1 (8-oz) can crescent rolls
- 1½ Tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Boil Bratwurst: In a large pot, combine the beers and water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the bratwurst sausages and cook for 5 minutes to partially cook and infuse flavor.
- Sear Sausages: Remove the sausages from the pot and place them in a hot skillet. Sear on all sides until browned, enhancing flavor and texture. Remove and slice each sausage into three equal pieces.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Spread a thin layer of dijon mustard evenly over each triangle.
- Cut and Add Cheese: Using a pizza cutter, cut each triangle lengthwise in half to form smaller triangles. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the dough pieces.
- Assemble Brats in a Blanket: Place a slice of sausage on the wide end of each triangle, then roll the dough snugly around the sausage, placing them seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Brush the tops of each rolled brat with melted butter and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning for a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are deep golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a quality brand of bratwurst such as Johnsonville.
- The beer used to boil the sausages can be any lager or ale you enjoy drinking, as it imparts flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier appetizer, add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to the cheese topping.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved easily to suit your serving needs.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness rather than the microwave.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
