sticky maple pigs in blankets

Pigs in blankets are the perfect Christmas side dish. I’ve stuck to the classic recipe but coated the little bacon wrapped sausages in maple syrup for a subtly sweet taste. You won’t believe how fast these sticky maple pigs in blankets will disappear!

I don’t know many people (apart from vegetarians and vegans obviously) who don’t love a pig in a blanket. What’s not to love? The little bacon wrapped sausages are simply irresistible.

My pigs in blankets macaroni cheese is a regular family meal in my house all through December. I’m telling you, it’s a crowd pleaser that makes people go WOW!

While you can easily buy pigs in blankets pre-made, I prefer to make my own. They take just 5-10 minutes to assemble and if you use the best quality sausages and bacon you can find, they will taste amazing.

I don’t think pigs in blankets should be messed around with too much. My own very simple twist is coating the bacon wrapped sausages in a little maple syrup before cooking – it adds a subtle sweetness that makes it hard to stop eating them!

I couldn’t contemplate Christmas dinner without a generous amount of pigs in blankets, nor would I ever be allowed to omit them from the menu! I always make extra so I have a few leftover for a Boxing Day sandwich.

If you’ve never tried a Christmas leftovers sandwich with cold turkey, stuffing, mayo, cranberry sauce, shredded lettuce and a couple of pigs in blankets, then you’re missing out on one of the greatest pleasures of the festive season. Honestly, it has to be done. I look forward to it just as much as Christmas dinner!

recipe notes

• If possible, try and use the best quality sausages and bacon you can find. I like to save money whenever I can, but it’s really worth spending an extra pound or so on the quality meat here.

• You must use streaky bacon – back bacon will not work the same.

• To prevent the maple syrup from burning in the oven, I mix it with a little oil before coating the sausages. You don’t need to use olive oil here – sunflower or vegetable oil is fine.

• This recipe makes 20 pigs in blankets which I find is just enough for a family of four with a few leftover for a Boxing Day sandwich – but of course it depends on your families appetite! If in doubt, always buy an extra packet of sausages!

making pigs in blankets in advance

Pigs in blankets are ideal for making in advance. Make them up, then store the uncooked bacon wrapped sausages in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for up to two days. Don’t add the maple syrup until you’re ready to cook them.

can you reheat cooked pigs in blankets?

Yes you can. Place cooked pigs in blankets in an ovenproof dish and heat in a preheated oven (180C/160fan) for 10-15 minutes (do keep an eye on them in case they burn) or until piping hot.

more christmas side dishes for your festive table

• Christmas spiced red cabbage
• Brussels sprouts with pancetta and chestnuts
• The crispiest roast potatoes ever!
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• High rise Yorkshire puddings!
• honey mustard roasted parsnips and carrots

did you make this recipe?

I hope you loved it! Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below and please rate the recipe by clicking on the stars in the recipe card. Thanks 🙂

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sticky maple pigs in blankets

Yield: makes 20 pigs in blankets

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Everyone will love these sticky maple pigs in blankets! The essential Christmas side dish.

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Ingredients

• 20 best quality mini chipolata sausages
• 400g pack steaky bacon
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vegetable or sunflower oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180Fan. Wrap the sausages in the streaky bacon. I find if you cut a streaky bacon rasher in half down the middle it's pretty much the perfect size for wrapping around one sausage.
2. Place the bacon wrapped sausages on a baking tray lined with a piece of tin foil.
3. Mix the maple syrup and oil together and pour over the sausages. Using your hands or a large metal spoon, turn the sausages in the syrup, making sure all the sausages are well coated.
4. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the bacon has gone crispy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 114Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 365mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 7g

Calories and nutritional information are provided by a third party application and should be viewed as indicative figures only.

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