Holiday Pigs in a Blanket

Every year, as the holidays beckon, my cozy kitchen transforms into a festival of flavors, laughter, and warmth. One of my fondest memories is the first time I whipped up a batch of Holiday Pigs in a Blanket for a gathering of friends. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of crisping pastry and savory sausages, inviting everyone to the kitchen. My friends giggled, their eyes lighting up like the twinkling lights outside, as I pulled out tray after tray of golden-brown bites. They popped like little morsels of joy, bursting with flavor and wrapped in a flaky embrace!

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Now, I can’t imagine a holiday celebration without these delightful treats. They’re not just easy to prepare; they carry with them the warmth of cherished moments and the excitement of togetherness. I know you’ll love them, too—from the comforting crunch when you take that first bite to the joyful chatter they inspire around the table. So, gather your loved ones and let’s celebrate with some irresistibly festive Pigs in a Blanket!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for novice cooks or seasoned chefs short on time.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Always a hit at parties, everybody just loves ’em!
• Versatile: Great for any occasion—holiday gatherings, game nights, or cozy nights in.
• Flavorful: The combination of crispy pastry and juicy sausages is simply irresistible.
• Customizable: You can easily tailor them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs!

Ingredients

• Cocktail Sausages: These little guys are bursting with flavor! Look for a brand you love or try an herbed variety for an extra kick.
• Puff Pastry or Crescent Roll Dough: Both options are delicious! Puff pastry gives a flakier finish, while crescent roll dough offers a softer, buttery bite.
• Egg Wash: A simple blend of egg and water is your ticket to a beautiful, golden sheen. Don’t skip this part!
• Decorative Garnishes (optional): Think sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a touch of flair that adds flavor and visual appeal.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The anticipation is part of the fun—just wait until the scent of baking fills your home!

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry or crescent roll dough onto a clean surface, letting it warm up while keeping an eye on the texture. Cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Feeling playful? Don’t worry about being perfect; a little rustic charm adds character!

Step 3: Wrap the Sausages

Grab a cocktail sausage and wrap a strip of dough around it. Start at one end and spiral down to the other, leaving a tiny bit of sausage peeking out. It’s like giving your sausage a cozy blanket—how cute!

Step 4: Place on a Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking, it also makes for easy cleanup later. Lay your wrapped sausages on the sheet, leaving a little space in between each.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Whisk together your egg wash and gently brush the top of each wrapped sausage. This step creates that glorious golden crust we all love!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly—oh, it’s almost magical!

Step 7: Garnish (if desired)

Once they’re golden brown, remove them from the oven and sprinkle on any decorative garnishes you’d like. It’s the little details that make it festive!

Step 8: Serve Warm

Transfer your beautiful Pigs in a Blanket to a serving platter and watch them disappear!

Pro Tips for Success

• Keep Dough Cold: If your dough gets too warm, work quickly to maintain its flakiness.
• Use a Kitchen Scissors: A clean pair of kitchen scissors works wonders for cutting dough strips!
• Experiment with Flavors: Try different types of sausages or spices for a delightful twist.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give each sausage enough space on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.

Flavor Variations

• Cheesy Surprise: Add a thin slice of cheese along with the sausage for a melty addition!
• Herbed Dough: Mix dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) into the dough for a savory kick.
• Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage instead of the regular ones for a flavorful punch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these delightful bites with a zesty mustard or savory dipping sauce—mustard or even a sweet chili sauce works beautifully! Serve them on a festive platter garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. To enhance the holiday vibes, consider enjoying them with a nice glass of bubbly or warm mulled cider.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the wrapped sausages ahead of time! Simply prepare everything up to step 4, cover them in the fridge, and bake just before serving. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days—just make sure they’re in an airtight container!

Leftovers

What leftovers? 😉 But if you do happen to find any, chop them up and toss them into a hearty soup or salad. They’ll bring lots of flavor to pasta or casserole dishes, adding quick warmth to any meal!

Freezing

Yes! You can freeze them! After wrapping, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, or pop them straight into the oven if you’re feeling adventurous!

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftover Pigs in a Blanket in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, though your pastry won’t be as crispy—so I recommend saving that for when you’re really craving them!

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausages?
Absolutely! Turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian sausage work beautifully. Just ensure they’re cooked through if needed.

What if I can’t find puff pastry or crescent roll dough?
You can always use biscuit dough if that’s what you have on hand; they’ll be just as tasty!

How do I make them gluten-free?
Simply switch to gluten-free dough options available in stores, and they will work just as well.

Can I bake these without egg wash?
Sure! You can choose to bake them without the egg wash for a softer finish, though the crust won’t be as shiny or golden.

Final Thoughts

As the holiday season approaches, let your kitchen bustle with warmth and laughter. These Holiday Pigs in a Blanket will not only fill bellies but also hearts, creating moments that shine even brighter than the twinkling decorations around us. So roll up your sleeves, spark some joy in your kitchen, and come together with loved ones around these delightful treats. Trust me—you’ll find a special place for them in your own holiday traditions. Happy cooking! 🍽️