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Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe

If you’re gearing up for Christmas parties and want a crowd-pleaser that’s irresistibly tasty, I can’t recommend this Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe enough. What makes these little bites so special is that perfect balance between the smoky bacon, savory sausage, and that sweet sticky glaze that keeps everyone coming back for more. I’ve made these for countless holiday gatherings, and they never disappoint—warm, cozy, and festive all rolled into one delicious snack.

You’ll find that this Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe works wonderfully whether you’re hosting a big family event or a casual get-together with friends. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to throw together, which means you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the fun. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to festive appetizer every year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that combination of savory, sweet, and herbaceous flavors. When shopping, try to pick sausages and bacon that suit your taste buds—fresh sausages with lots of flavor and streaky bacon for that crispy, fatty edge are key.

  • Thin-cut streaky bacon: Thin slices are perfect here as they crisp up quickly and wrap smoothly around the sausages.
  • Sausages: Choose small or cocktail-sized sausages—flavorful and juicy ones are best for maximum yum.
  • Large sage leaves: Fresh sage infuses a warm, earthy flavor that complements the bacon and sausage beautifully.
  • Maple syrup: This adds a deep sweetness that caramelizes and gives the “sticky” magic to the pigs in blankets.
  • Whole-grain Dijon mustard: Adds tangy zest and texture that cuts through the richness.
  • Pinch of nutmeg: Just a touch for subtle warmth and complexity.

Variations

I like to keep things classic with this recipe, but I’ve played around with flavors over time to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll find little tweaks can make it feel extra special.

  • Spicy kick: I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes before glazing to add a hint of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
  • Herb swap: If you’re not a fan of sage, rosemary or thyme are fantastic alternatives.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free sausages and ensure your mustard is gluten-free—it works just as well.
  • Vegan twist: Try vegan sausages and vegan bacon alternatives, then glaze with maple syrup for a plant-based party snack.

How to Make Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe

Step 1: Wrap the Sausages and Sage in Bacon

Start by taking a thin slice of streaky bacon and carefully wrap it around each sausage. I like to place a fresh sage leaf right on the sausage before wrapping—the sage not only adds flavor but also holds the bacon in place nicely. Make sure the bacon seam is tucked underneath to keep it neat during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sticky Glaze

Mix together the maple syrup, whole-grain Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg in a small bowl until it’s well combined. This glaze is what makes these pigs in blankets *sticky* and extra delicious, so don’t skip it. The nutmeg adds a festive warmth that’s perfect for holiday snacking.

Step 3: Bake and Glaze

Place the wrapped sausages on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (about 400°F) for around 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden. Then, remove from the oven and brush generously with the sticky maple-mustard glaze before popping back in for another 5 minutes. This last step caramelizes the glaze beautifully.

How to Serve Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe

A white oval plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with two layers of shiny, dark brown sausages wrapped in bacon, stacked neatly in a crisscross pattern. The sausages are glazed with a sticky, glossy sauce and sprinkled with small green herb leaves, giving a fresh look. A silver fork rests beside the sausages on the plate. In the background, there are blurred white containers and a glass jar holding silver spoons and forks. A white cloth is placed casually near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing these with some chopped fresh parsley or thyme sprigs—adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the plate. Sometimes, a sprinkle of coarse sea salt right after glazing elevates the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

These sticky pigs in blankets shine as an appetizer, but I often serve them alongside a tangy cranberry dip or even creamy horseradish sauce to complement the smoky sweetness. For more finger foods, consider roasted chestnuts or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve served these on a wooden board lined with Christmas-themed parchment and surrounded by sprigs of rosemary and holly berries (just the decoration!). Another fun idea is to skewer two or three together on cocktail sticks for easy grabbing during a busy party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, I usually pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, which is perfect if you want to enjoy them as a snack the next day without re-cooking.

Freezing

These pigs freeze beautifully too! I wrap them individually in parchment before placing in a freezer bag, so they don’t stick together. When you want some party nibbles, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a hot oven. It’s a real time-saver during the holidays.

Reheating

To revive the crispness, I reheat leftover pigs in blankets for about 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) in the oven. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the bacon soggy. The oven method keeps them nice and sticky with a great texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use smoky sausages or flavored bacon for this Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe?

    Absolutely! Using smoky sausages or flavored bacon can add an extra depth to your pigs in blankets. Just keep in mind the flavors so they don’t overpower the sweet maple glaze—sometimes simpler is better to let all tastes shine.

  2. Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe?

    Yes! You can use plant-based sausages and a vegan bacon substitute. Wrap and glaze them the same way, adjusting cooking times as needed. The sticky maple-mustard glaze helps mimic the festive flavors wonderfully.

  3. How far ahead can I make these pigs in blankets before a party?

    You can prepare them fully and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving. Just reheat in the oven to regain that lovely crispiness right before your guests arrive.

  4. What can I serve with the Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe to complement the flavors?

    Try tangy sides like cranberry sauce, mustard dips, or even a simple green salad. These contrast nicely with the rich, sticky bacon and sausage.

  5. Can I use regular bacon instead of streaky bacon for this recipe?

    While streaky bacon crisps up much better and wraps more easily, you can use back bacon if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on cooking times; it may not get quite as crispy or sticky.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions—there’s something so comforting about gathering around with friends and family and sharing these sticky, savory little bites. I hope you find making and sharing them as joyful as I do. Give them a go at your next festive occasion, and I’m confident you’ll have a new favorite on your party platter!

Print
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Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe

  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings (one pig in blanket per serving) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

These Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets are a festive twist on a classic appetizer, featuring succulent sausages wrapped in smoky streaky bacon, enhanced with aromatic sage leaves, and glazed with a sweet and tangy maple syrup and whole-grain Dijon mustard glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they deliver a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and herby flavors in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Herbs

  • 16 thin-cut streaky bacon slices
  • 16 sausages (small cocktail or chipolata size)
  • 16 large fresh sage leaves

Glaze

  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1.5 tablespoons whole-grain Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sausages: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out the sausages on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a wire rack for even cooking.
  2. Wrap with bacon and sage: Take one sage leaf and wrap it together with one thin slice of streaky bacon around each sausage, securing it if needed with a toothpick or by tucking the bacon ends underneath the sausage.
  3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, whole-grain Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg until well combined.
  4. Apply glaze and cook: Brush the wrapped sausages generously with the maple syrup glaze. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through and basting again with the glaze, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized, and the sausages are cooked through.
  5. Serve warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. These sticky pigs in blankets are best enjoyed warm as a party appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Use thin-cut streaky bacon for easy wrapping and crispiness.
  • Choose high-quality sausage varieties for the best flavor.
  • If desired, secure the bacon with a toothpick to prevent unraveling.
  • Can be prepared ahead of time and glazed just before baking.
  • Serve with extra mustard or a dipping sauce of your choice.

Keywords: pigs in blankets, Christmas appetizer, sticky sausages, bacon wrapped sausages, holiday party snacks

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