How-To Guides

How to cook pigs in blankets

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What Are Pigs in Blankets? A Festive Favourite Explained

How to Cook Pigs in Blankets: Succulent sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, pigs in blankets are a must-have seasonal staple on the Christmas dinner table. Beloved by carnivores across the country, this irresistible combination isn’t just for Christmas – it can be enjoyed all year round.

For the perfect pairing, serve alongside a golden, crisp-roasted free-range cockerel, complemented by Bread Sauce Recipe Easy, redcurrant jelly, and rich, proper gravy. Whether it’s the festive season or any other time of year, pigs in blankets are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Cooking Times for Pigs in Blankets

Cooking times can vary based on how crispy you prefer your bacon. For the ideal result – bacon with a satisfying crunch and gnarly, golden-brown edges – it typically takes 20–25 minutes in a preheated oven.

If oven space is at a premium (a common challenge at Christmas), pan-frying is an excellent alternative. Cook your pigs in blankets over medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Not only is this method convenient, but it also helps the sausages stay juicier while still delivering perfectly crisp bacon. This is our preferred approach for the best texture and flavour.

The Best Way to Cook Pigs in Blankets

Method: Best Way to Cook Pigs in Blankets

  1. Remove the pigs in blankets from their packaging and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
  2. Preheat your oven to 200ºC (Fan 180ºC/Gas 6).
  3. Arrange the pigs in blankets on a non-stick baking tray, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
  4. Place the tray on the top shelf of the oven and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden.
  5. For extra crispy bacon, feel free to leave them in the oven a little longer – crispy bacon perfectly complements the succulent sausage meat.

Enjoy them as part of your festive feast or paired with a roast whole chicken for the perfect Sunday lunch!

Top Tips for Perfect Pigs in Blankets

  1. Maple Syrup Glaze: Add a splash of maple syrup during the last 5-minutes of cooking for a deliciously sticky, caramelised glaze.
  2. Even Cooking: Ensure the pigs in blankets are evenly spaced on the baking tray to allow for consistent cooking and crispy edges.
  3. Add Fresh Herbs: Tuck a sprig of rosemary or thyme under each pig in blanket before cooking to infuse extra flavour.
  4. Pan-Fry for Juiciness: If you’re short on oven space, pan-fry them over medium heat for 10–15 minutes. This method keeps the sausage moist while crisping the bacon beautifully.
  5. Serve Hot: Pigs in blankets are best enjoyed straight from the oven, so try to time them to be ready just before serving your meal.

These tips ensure your pigs in blankets turn out perfectly every time!

Pigs in Blankets: The Perfect Side Dish

Pigs in blankets aren’t just for Christmas dinner – they’re the ultimate side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Their smoky, savoury flavour and crispy texture make them a star on any plate.

Ways to Serve Pigs in Blankets:

  • Classic Christmas Plate: Perfect alongside turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings.
  • Sunday Roast Essential: Add them to your roast chicken or pork loin for extra indulgence.
  • Festive Breakfast: Include them in a hearty breakfast spread with eggs, toast, and beans.
  • Topping for Pies: Use them to top cottage or shepherd’s pies for a rich, indulgent twist.
  • Stuffed Yorkshire Puddings: Pop them into Yorkshire puddings with a dollop of gravy for an irresistible bite.
  • Party Pleaser: Serve them as a canapé with cranberry or honey-mustard dipping sauce.

Make Them Even Better:

  • Drizzle with maple syrup during cooking for a sweet and sticky glaze.
  • Sprinkle with a pinch of chilli flakes and brown sugar for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
  • Wrap them in pastry for a pigs-in-blanket-meets-sausage-roll hybrid.

Whether you’re celebrating the festive season or adding a little joy to an everyday meal, pigs in blankets are a side dish that delivers every time.

Shop the ingredients

Jorge hails from the Black Mountains where he grew up surrounded by hardy, native livestock. His passion for cookery was sparked by his upbringing, but developed and intensified alongside his respect for British breeds, and zeal for nose-to-tail eating. In 2009 trained chef Jorge launched Swaledale in Haworth, and took his native-breed led whole-carcass butchery philosophy to high profile restaurateurs. Jorge is a passionate procurer and hanger of meat, and is keen to showcase the sublime taste and texture that comes from ageing, higher fat content, and an older carcass. Jorge proudly invests in native-breeds, as maintaining their market demand is crucial to their very survival. Jorge studied Creative Writing at Leeds University, and is a former Welsh athletics champion. He lives with his wife, ceramicist Amy Thomas and their 2 children, Fynn and Bea, on a remote grouse moor in West Yorkshire.