Pigs in blankets have long been one of the most beloved stars of the British Christmas table – crispy, savoury, and impossible to resist. But this year, home cooks are getting creative with new twists on the classic favourite.
From plant-based versions to indulgent pastry-wrapped bites, these festive updates prove that there’s more than one way to enjoy everyone’s favourite side.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or just fancy a fun kitchen experiment, these recipes bring fresh life to a timeless treat.
This article is for entertainment and general informational purposes only. Always follow safe cooking practices and check ingredient labels if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Air-Fryer Pigs In Blankets
Did you know that air fryers use 75% less oil than traditional frying methods? That's brilliant news for anyone who wants their festive treats without all the extra grease. Air fryer pigs in blankets come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside, and they cook in about half the time.
Pop your bacon-wrapped sausages in the basket, set it to 180°C, and you're sorted in roughly 15 minutes. No need to flip them halfway through, and your oven stays free for the roasties.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts get a bad reputation, but wrap them in bacon and suddenly everyone's fighting over them. This clever twist swaps the sausage for a sprout, giving you all that smoky, salty goodness with a proper veg in the middle.
Roast them until the bacon goes crispy and the sprouts turn tender and slightly caramelised. They're perfect for anyone trying to balance out the indulgence of Christmas dinner. Plus, they look dead fancy on the plate without requiring any actual chef skills to pull off.
3. Cheesy Pigs In Blankets
Cheese makes everything better, and pigs in blankets are no exception to that rule. Tuck a thin slice of cheddar or Red Leicester alongside the sausage before wrapping it in bacon, then watch it melt into gooey perfection as it cooks.
The cheese adds a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the salty bacon and savoury sausage. Some people even sneak in a bit of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast. These cheesy numbers disappear faster than you can say Boxing Day leftovers.
4. Mini Pigs In Pastry Blankets
Puff pastry brings a whole different texture to the party compared to traditional bacon. These little parcels puff up beautifully in the oven, creating layers of buttery, flaky goodness around your sausage.
They're brilliant for parties because they look proper posh but take minutes to assemble. Just roll out your pastry, cut it into strips, wrap your cocktail sausages, and brush with a beaten egg for that golden shine. Bake until they're crisp and watch your guests devour them before the turkey's even carved.
5. Maple-Glazed Pigs In Blankets
Sweet and savoury flavours have been best mates in British cooking for ages, from honey roast ham to Cumberland sausage with apple. Maple syrup takes pigs in blankets to another level entirely, adding a sticky sweetness that caramelises beautifully in the oven.
Brush your bacon-wrapped sausages with maple syrup about halfway through cooking, then again just before they're done. The result is a gorgeous glossy finish with a flavour that's both festive and a bit different from your standard offering.
6. Spicy Chilli Pigs In Blankets
Not everyone wants their Christmas dinner to be all mild and mellow. Adding a kick of chilli transforms pigs in blankets into something with proper personality, perfect for anyone who likes a bit of heat with their meat.
Sprinkle chilli flakes over your wrapped sausages before cooking, or brush them with a spicy glaze made from honey and sriracha. The heat cuts through the richness brilliantly. Fair warning though, keep some plain ones handy for anyone who can't handle the spice.
7. Veggie Pigs In Blankets
Parsnips are a proper British Christmas veg, so using thin strips of them instead of bacon is absolutely genius. Everyone at the table can enjoy pigs in blankets thanks to this modern veggie makeover.
Vegetarian sausages get wrapped in parsnip stripes, then brushed with a white miso and honey glaze that adds depth and umami flavour. The parsnips roast up sweet and slightly crispy, making these just as satisfying as the traditional version. Nobody needs to feel left out when the festive treats come round.
8. Vegan Pigs In Blankets
Pigs in blankets are a classic side dish treat that no one should miss. That's why these vegan puff pastry versions are such a brilliant solution for plant-based eaters at your Christmas table.
They're dead easy to make: wrap vegan sausages in dairy-free puff pastry, brush with a glaze, and leave to bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The pastry goes lovely and golden while the sausages stay juicy inside. Serve them alongside the traditional ones and watch everyone reach for seconds, vegan or not.
