Pigs in Blankets

If you’re looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing snack that works for any occasion, Pigs in Blankets are always a hit. Whether it’s a birthday party, game night, family gathering, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these golden puff pastry-wrapped sausages are irresistibly tasty and incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a tray of flaky, buttery bites ready in no time.

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These little savoury pastries are perfect served hot from the oven, warm, or even cold the next day. That’s what makes them so versatile — they’re ideal for appetisers, lunchboxes, or even as finger food for a casual get-together.

What Are Pigs in Blankets?

At their core, Pigs in Blankets are simply sausages wrapped in pastry or bacon. The concept may sound simple, but it’s one of those recipes that manages to be both nostalgic and timeless.

In Switzerland, they’re known as Wienerli im Teig — literally translating to “sausage in pastry.” A Wienerli is a type of hot dog sausage, while im Teig means “in dough.” This Swiss version uses puff pastry rather than bacon, resulting in a light, crispy outer layer that pairs beautifully with the soft sausage inside.

Meanwhile, in the UK, Pigs in Blankets are often made by wrapping small sausages in streaky bacon, creating a savoury treat that’s especially popular during Christmas dinners. The pastry-wrapped version, however, is the ultimate all-year-round snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Pigs in Blankets is the definition of easy comfort food. You’ll only need a handful of basic ingredients: puff pastry, sausages, and an egg for glazing. Yet the result is so much more than the sum of its parts.

The puff pastry bakes up light and flaky, encasing juicy, savoury sausages in golden layers of buttery dough. They look impressive but require almost no effort — which makes them perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or preparing ahead for parties.

For a touch of flavour and fun, you can customize them with toppings. Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or Everything Bagel Seasoning for an extra layer of taste and texture.

How to Make Pigs in Blankets

Making Pigs in Blankets at home couldn’t be easier. You can find ready-made, pre-rolled puff pastry in most supermarkets — and that’s the real time-saver here.

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start with a round sheet of puff pastry, about 32 cm (13 inches) in diameter. Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or pastry wheel, divide the pastry into 12 even triangles — just like slicing a pizza.

Step 2: Add Egg Wash

Brush a small amount of beaten egg in the center of the pastry where the triangle tips meet. This will help the pastry seal properly once rolled.

Step 3: Roll the Sausages

Place half a hot dog sausage (or a small one if you prefer bite-sized snacks) at the wide edge of each pastry triangle. Roll the sausage towards the center, tucking in as you go.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Arrange the wrapped sausages on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each one with the remaining egg wash for a shiny golden finish. If you want to elevate them a little, sprinkle on some Everything Bagel Seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the Pigs in Blankets in a preheated oven at 210°C (410°F) for about 15–20 minutes, or until they’re puffed up, crispy, and golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Pigs in Blankets

• Size matters: For meal-sized portions, use full sausages. For snacks or appetizers, cut them in half or even thirds.
• Straight sausages are best: Curved sausages can be tricky to wrap neatly. Look for straight, pre-cooked hot dog sausages for the best results.
• For adults: Add a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of the pastry before rolling. It adds a gentle kick of flavour and makes dipping optional.
• Make them fancy: A sprinkle of bagel seasoning or sea salt gives them a professional bakery-style finish.
• Kid-friendly version: Keep a few plain — not everyone likes toppings, and kids especially love the simple buttery pastry version.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Even though these Pigs in Blankets take only about 10 minutes to assemble, they’re perfect for making ahead. Prepare them as usual, then refrigerate or freeze before baking.

• Refrigerate: Keep unbaked pastries in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Brush with egg wash just before baking.
• Freeze: Arrange unbaked pastries on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven directly from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

This make-ahead method is ideal for parties or holiday gatherings. You can have a batch ready to go and bake them fresh right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pigs in Blankets are delicious on their own, but they also shine when paired with dipping sauces. Try serving them with:

• Classic ketchup or mustard
• Honey mustard or spicy aioli
• Barbecue sauce for a smoky twist
• Cheese sauce for a melty treat

They’re also perfect on a party platter alongside chips, veggies, and other finger foods.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Pigs in Blankets: Add a small slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese before rolling the sausage for a gooey surprise inside.
• Mini Pigs in Blankets: Cut the sausages into thirds and use smaller pastry triangles for bite-sized party snacks.
• Bacon-Wrapped Version: For an indulgent twist, wrap each sausage with a strip of bacon before covering it in puff pastry.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with veggie dogs or even roasted carrots for a fun alternative.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing a snack for the kids, or simply craving something comforting, Pigs in Blankets are always the right choice. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. With their golden, flaky pastry and savoury sausage filling, these little parcels are sure to disappear from the plate in minutes.

They’re proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes really are the best.

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