Holiday Pigs in a Blanket

Table of Contents

Ah, the magic of the holidays! The crisp air filled with scents of spice and baked goodness, and the warmth of the kitchen where laughter and stories mingle. One of my favorite holiday traditions has always been my Aunt Clara’s famous Pigs in a Blanket. Oh, the joy as the first batch came out of the oven! The buttery puff pastry wrapped snugly around juicy cocktail sausages, golden-brown and shining from a light egg wash, was pure bliss. Each bite was a delightful mix of flaky and savory, with that irresistible aroma making everyone gather around the kitchen island, eager to snag the first one. It’s impossible not to smile when you see loved ones enjoying these little treats—it’s comfort food at its very best! I promise you’ll fall head over heels for this cozy recipe, just like I did all those years ago.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep: Perfect for cooks of all skill levels—just roll, wrap, and bake!
• Crowd-Pleasing: An appetizer everyone adores—you’ll have them coming back for more!
• Versatile: Dress them up or down, serve as finger food or with a sit-down feast.
• Quick Bites: Bake them in under 20 minutes—ideal for those last-minute holiday gatherings!
• Customizable: Add your own twist with spices, sauces, or garnishments.

Ingredients

• Cocktail Sausages: Look for your favorite brand—these bite-sized wonders pack a flavorful punch!
• Puff Pastry or Crescent Roll Dough: Use store-bought for ease; puff pastry will give you that beautiful flaky texture.
• Egg Wash (egg mixed with water for brushing): This golden glaze will elevate your pigs to a whole new level of visual appeal!
• Decorative Garnishes (optional): Sprinkle on sesame seeds or herbs for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the perfect golden crisp texture on your rolls!

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry or crescent roll dough. Keep it nice and thin, about 1/8-inch thick. You want it pliable yet sturdy enough to hold in the sausage goodness!

Step 3: Cut the Dough

Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. These strips should be long enough to wrap snugly around each cocktail sausage—think cozy blankets for your little piggies!

Step 4: Wrap the Sausages

Take a strip of dough and wrap it around a cocktail sausage, overlapping slightly. Place your wrapped sausages seam side down on a baking sheet. Look how cute they are already!

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Grab that egg wash and with a pastry brush, gently paint the top of each blanket with a light coating. This will give them that gorgeous glossy finish—who wouldn’t be tempted to grab one?

Step 6: Bake

Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly aromatic. The scent should fill your home with warm nostalgia!

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once baked, serve these delightful morsels warm, alongside a mix of delicious dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or even a spicy aioli.

Pro Tips for Success

• Keep the Dough Cold: If your puff pastry starts to get too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Cold dough is easier to handle and will puff up beautifully!
• Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Providing a variety of sauces (think sweet and tangy or creamy and spicy) can turn this appetizer into a fun interactive experience for your guests!
• Don’t Rush the Bake: The golden brown color is key! If they’re not quite ready at 15 minutes, give them a few more minutes to become that perfect shade.

Flavor Variations

• Herbed Dough: Add dried herbs to your dough for extra flavor—think rosemary or thyme.
• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheese inside the dough before wrapping around the sausage for a melty surprise!
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the sausage for a fiery kick!
• Festive Touch: Opt for sausage with cranberry or apple flavors for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Holiday Pigs in a Blanket with a refreshing arugula salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette, or set them on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses and crackers. For drinks, a sparkling cider or a light white wine complements these savory bites beautifully. Presentation is everything—use a festive platter, garnished with fresh rosemary or cranberries to really dazzle your guests!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep these up to a day in advance! Simply wrap your sausages in dough, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When it’s time to bake, just brush with the egg wash and pop them in the oven! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Leftovers

Got some leftover pigs in a blanket? Dice them up and toss them into a breakfast scramble, or heat them up and serve with a homemade dipping sauce as a late-night snack. They make for a great finger food centerpiece when you have spontaneous guests as well!

Freezing

Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pigs in a blanket! Simply prepare them up to the wrapping stage, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using the oven for maximum crispiness—just warm them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can also zap them in the microwave for a quick fix, but they may lose their crunch a bit. Or, pop them in a sizzling skillet for a couple of minutes each side to regain that crunchy texture!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based options!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not in its original form, but you can use gluten-free dough if you have a favorite brand!

How do I make just a small batch?
Feel free to cut the recipe in half! Just make sure you adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I make them ahead for a party?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead—with proper storage—so all you need to do is bake them when it’s party time!

Final Thoughts

As you gather your loved ones this holiday season, I hope these Holiday Pigs in a Blanket bring a sense of warmth and cheer to your celebrations. Sharing food has a beautiful way of connecting us, and watching everyone enjoy these little bites will fill your heart with joy. So, gather your ingredients, let the laughter flow, and create some unforgettable memories around the kitchen table. Happy cooking, my friends!

Warmly,
Chef Emily 🌟