If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, this Irresistibly Sticky Pigs In Blankets Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been dreaming of. Picture juicy cocktail sausages lovingly wrapped in smoky streaky bacon, glazed with a luscious mix of honey, brown sugar, and tangy Dijon mustard, then baked to sticky, caramelized perfection. This dish strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making it a knockout appetizer or snack that everyone will beg to have again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but truly essential. Each one plays a starring role in building the perfect sticky glaze and giving the pigs in blankets that irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
- 20 cocktail sausages: Choose good-quality sausages for juicy, flavorful bites every time.
- 10 slices thin-cut streaky bacon (cut in half): Wrapping with bacon adds rich smokiness and crispy edges.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Provides that deep, caramel-like sweetness that forms the sticky glaze.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze set beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy sharpness that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses subtle umami depth for complex flavor layers.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish): Adds an herbal freshness and lovely aroma to finish.
How to Make Irresistibly Sticky Pigs In Blankets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tray
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking, then place a wire rack on top. The rack is essential because it lets air circulate around the pigs in blankets, ensuring that perfectly crisp bacon all around.
Step 2: Wrap Sausages in Bacon
Cut each slice of bacon in half so the size is just right for wrapping cocktail-sized sausages. Wrap each sausage snugly with bacon, placing them seam-side down on the wire rack. This keeps the bacon securely wrapped as it crisps up.
Step 3: Mix the Sticky Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir them together until smooth and glossy—this easy glaze is what transforms these simple pigs in blankets into something truly irresistible.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake
Brush each bacon-wrapped sausage generously with the sticky glaze. Save a little glaze to brush on again halfway through baking for an extra glossy finish. Pop them into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing again to lock in flavor and sheen.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Once baked to golden, sticky perfection, let the pigs in blankets cool for about 5 minutes. If you’re using fresh thyme, now’s the moment to sprinkle it on for a burst of color and subtle herbaceous flavor.
How to Serve Irresistibly Sticky Pigs In Blankets Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves not only adds a lovely green contrast but also complements the rich, sweet glaze with a mild earthiness. You can also try a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick or a light dusting of smoked paprika to amplify the smoky vibe.
Side Dishes
These sticky pigs in blankets are delicious on their own but also shine when paired with crispy fries, a fresh crisp salad, or even a tangy coleslaw. For a festive spread, add dipping sauces like mustard aioli or a spicy ketchup to cater to all tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving them on a rustic wooden board with rosemary sprigs for a cozy, inviting look. You could also thread the pigs in blankets onto skewers for easy grabbing at parties. Mini dipping pots around the platter encourage guests to mix and match flavors while enjoying each sticky bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their delicious sticky flavor but do lose some of that fresh crispiness, so plan to reheat properly.
Freezing
This Irresistibly Sticky Pigs In Blankets Recipe freezes well! Arrange the wrapped, unbaked sausages on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to be baked fresh whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm and slightly crisped. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain that gorgeous sticky texture and bacon crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cocktail sausages are easy and bite-sized, you can experiment with mini bratwursts, chipolatas, or even vegetarian sausages to create your own twist on this Irresistibly Sticky Pigs In Blankets Recipe.
Is it okay to prepare these ahead of time without baking?
Yes, you can wrap the sausages in bacon and glaze them a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated and bake just before serving to ensure the bacon crisps nicely and the glaze stays sticky and fresh.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If Worcestershire sauce isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a splash of soy sauce or leave it out altogether. The other ingredients will still create a wonderfully sticky, flavorful glaze that’s hard to resist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just double-check that your sausages and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, as some brands add fillers or flavorings containing gluten. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I get the bacon really crispy without overcooking the sausages?
Using a wire rack allows air circulation around each pig in blanket, helping the bacon to crisp evenly without drying out the sausages. Flipping halfway and glazing again also helps keep everything tender but crispy on the outside.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistibly Sticky Pigs In Blankets Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for a casual gathering or a festive celebration. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors wrapped in crispy bacon is a total winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try these at home and see just how quickly they disappear from the plate!
Print
Irresistibly Sticky Pigs In Blankets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 pigs in blankets
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These irresistibly sticky pigs in blankets are a delicious appetizer featuring cocktail sausages wrapped in streaky bacon, glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Baked to perfection, they are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for parties or snack time.
Ingredients
Sausages and Bacon
- 20 cocktail sausages
- 10 slices thin-cut streaky bacon, cut in half
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top to allow the pigs in blankets to cook evenly and prevent sogginess.
- Wrap Sausages: Cut each slice of bacon in half. Wrap each cocktail sausage with a piece of bacon, ensuring the seam is on the bottom to keep it secure while baking. Place each wrapped sausage seam-side down on the wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.
- Apply Initial Glaze: Generously brush each bacon-wrapped sausage with the glaze mixture. Be sure to coat all sides for maximum flavor.
- Bake and Glaze Midway: Bake the pigs in blankets for 30 to 35 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Halfway through the baking time, flip each sausage and brush again with the remaining glaze to ensure a sticky and caramelized coating.
- Cool and Garnish: Once baked to golden perfection, remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves if desired, then serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using a wire rack helps the bacon cook evenly and become crispy by allowing air to circulate around the sausages.
- Flipping and glazing halfway through baking ensures an even caramelization and sticky glaze coating.
- Optional thyme garnish adds a fresh herbal aroma and enhances the presentation.
- Ensure not to overcook to avoid dry sausages or burnt glaze.
