Our very best pigs in blankets recipes
Pigs in blankets: they’ve gained something of a legendary status at the Christmas dinner table over the years, with many people reaching for them ahead of the turkey or roast potatoes. But what makes people get so excited over these little bacon-wrapped chipolatas? Perhaps it’s their moreish sizing (isn’t it funny how there’s always space for another on your plate?) or their salty-sweetness.
Whatever the reasoning behind your adoration, we’ve no doubt that you’re going to drool over this selection of our best pigs in blankets recipes. We’re got everything from traditional options to mermaids in blankets (that’s a bacon-wrapped prawn!) and pigs in blanket sausage rolls – plus a tempting pigs in blankets savoury traybake.
Planning your Christmas dinner? Browse our favourite stuffing recipes, too.
Pigs in blankets: FAQs
What are pigs in blankets?
As the name comically suggests, pigs in blankets are typically pork chipotalas wrapped in a slice of streaky bacon. You often buy them uncooked and they’re then baked until cooked through.
Why are they called pigs in blankets?
Pigs = pork sausages; blankets = bacon. Once assembled, they look like a little pig sleeping in a blanket. Gettit?
Can you get vegetarian pigs in blankets?
Many supermarkets now offer alternatives to the traditional pigs in blankets, either using vegetarian or plant-based alternatives for the sausage and bacon elements.
Should you only serve pigs in blankets for Christmas dinner?
Why limit yourself to one day of the year when pigs in blankets taste so darn good? Typically, you’ll find them available in the supermarket in the months leading up to Christmas but if you fancy some off-season, simply make your own at home using some of our recipes below.
Can you freeze pigs in blankets?
Absolutely. Pigs in blankets are best frozen when they’re raw, rather than once they’ve been cooked. When you’re ready to cook them, defrost thoroughly before putting in the oven.
Our best pigs in blankets recipes
This recipe couldn’t be simpler if it tried: you need just three ingredients and then two steps are required. Serve alongside Christmas dinner or, if you’re having them at a different time of year, with Yorkshires and gravy for a wonderful Sunday roast.
Pigs in blankets for Christmas
We’ve really taken pigs in blankets to the next level here with the crafty addition of rosemary and honey, providing welcomed boost of flavour and sweetness. You can prepare them in advance and freeze to cut down your prep on Christmas Day, too. You’re very welcome!
Pigs in blankets with bubble and squeak
Without a shadow of a doubt, the best part of Christmas has to be the leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have leftover pigs in blankets after the main event, serve them up with bubble and squeak. Our recipe is a breeze, as it uses a handful of shortcut ingredients.
Everyone loves stuffing, and everyone loves pigs in blankets, so we thought it only fair we made a combination of the two. Wafer-thin pancetta is wrapped around homemade sausage stuffing balls for an easy side dish or festive nibble.
Pigs in blankets sausage rolls
We’ve only gone and created the ultimate festive hybrid: pigs in blankets sausage rolls! The best part is they’re quick to make, require just five ingredients and are extremely moreish (you have been warned…).
Who said pigs in blankets were just for Christmas dinner? Enjoy them as top-drawer midweek meal in this pigs in blankets traybake. Brie, redcurrant jelly and sweet potatoes join the bacon-wrapped chipolatas in this easy dish that’ll soon become a build-up-to-Christmas favourite.
French onion casserole with pigs in blankets
Discover our French onion sausage casserole: pigs in blankets come cooked in a sherry-laced, onion-rich sauce. It’s quick, it’s easy and it makes a great weeknight winner.
Two festive favourites join forces in this fun canapé recipe. Swaddle chipolatas in bacon, with a prune or two stuffed in, and roast until golden.
Save time – and precious oven space – by combining two classic Christmas sides into one handy dish. Even sprout refuseniks will give them a whirl once the brassicas are wrapped in crispy bacon.
Swap sausages for everyone’s favourite squeaky cheese in this canapé recipe. Roast thick slices of halloumi with the bacon, honey and a touch of oregano until the cheese is soft, the bacon is golden and the results are irresistible…
Maple and mustard sausages wrapped in pancetta
Posh up your pigs. We’ve taken chipotatas and roasted them with olive oil, wholegrain mustard and whisper-thin slices of pancetta. Different name, same concept.
In the time-honoured tradition of combining bacon with seafood, may we present… prawns in blankets (AKA mermaids in blankets). Juicy prawns wrapped in bacon or pancetta make for an elegant canapé (pssst… hold some back to try in a sarnie with rocket and mayo. You’re welcome.).
Up your veggie intake with this flavourful take on the classic, which uses batons of celeriac to add earthy dimension to the trad recipe. Great on the Christmas dinner plate, or as a party snack.
Now that the pigs in blankets are sorted, make sure you’ve got all bases covered with our very best Christmas trimmings recipes.