Nothing quite captures the spirit of festive gatherings like a bowl of traditional British Pigs in Blankets. These irresistible morsels, featuring succulent sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, are a staple on holiday tables and a beloved party canapé. However, this year, we’re elevating this classic to new heights with our incredibly easy and utterly delicious Sticky Honey Glazed Pigs in Blankets. You might also know these delightful bites as bacon sausages, and once you try them finished with a glistening, savory-sweet glaze made from runny honey and aromatic fresh thyme, they will undoubtedly become your new go-to holiday treat. They offer the perfect balance of salty, smoky bacon, juicy sausage, and a sweet, herbaceous finish, making them an unforgettable addition to any celebration, from Christmas dinner to a cozy New Year’s Eve party.
Who isn’t a fan of pigs in blankets? These fat, juicy little cocktail bacon sausages are inherently irresistible on their own. But imagine them taken a step further, coated in a sweet, sticky, and aromatic glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This simple upgrade transforms them into a gourmet experience, making them not just a side dish, but a true highlight of your meal or appetizer spread. These are arguably the BEST easy nibble for your next drinks party, a show-stopping appetizer for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner, or even a delicious addition to a festive brunch. Their universal appeal and straightforward preparation ensure they’ll be the first to disappear from any platter. If you’re exploring other delightful party food options, you might also like our recipe for mini chicken mushroom vol au vents.
Why You Will Love This Sticky Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe
Beyond their undeniable deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire, especially during the busy holiday season:
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You only need 3 core ingredients to create these incredibly flavorful pigs in blankets. This simplicity means less shopping, less fuss, and more enjoyment of a truly sensational dish.
- Effortless Entertaining with Make-Ahead Options: These Pigs in Blankets can be largely made ahead, offering a huge advantage for easy entertaining. Prepare them in advance, and simply glaze and finish them off just before your guests arrive, allowing you to relax and socialize.
- Perfectly Adaptable for Any Occasion: This recipe is easily adapted for various sizes, from mini cocktail sausages perfect for elegant canapés to bigger chipolata-sized bacon sausages for a heartier side dish. Adjust to suit your preference and guest count with ease.
- Unbeatable Sweet and Savory Harmony: The combination of salty, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and a sweet honey glaze infused with fresh thyme creates an explosion of flavors. It’s a perfectly balanced bite that appeals to all palates.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Pigs in Blankets are a beloved classic, and adding a sticky, aromatic glaze elevates them from familiar to extraordinary. Prepare for rave reviews and empty platters!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Honey Glazed Bacon Sausages
Creating these delightful sticky pigs in blankets is surprisingly simple, relying on just a few high-quality ingredients. Choosing the right components will ensure the best possible flavor and texture for your festive treat.
You’ll find the complete, printable recipe card with detailed measurements and instructions at the bottom of this post – simply scroll down!
Deep Dive into Your Key Ingredients:
Pigs in Blankets: The foundation of this dish! For ultimate convenience, especially during busy holiday periods, I often buy them pre-made from reputable supermarkets or butchers. Many brands offer excellent quality options that save you significant prep time. However, if you prefer to exercise more control over the types of sausage and bacon used, or simply enjoy the process, you can absolutely make them yourself from scratch. Look for small, high-quality cocktail sausages (typically pork, but herb-flavored varieties work too) and pair them with thinly sliced streaky bacon for the best crispiness.
Runny Honey: This is the secret to our glorious sticky glaze. Runny honey, rather than set or creamed honey, is ideal because its liquid consistency allows it to coat the pigs in blankets evenly and caramelize beautifully during baking. The natural sweetness of honey pairs wonderfully with the savory bacon and sausage, creating a mouth-watering sweet-and-savory contrast. In a pinch, pure maple syrup can be used as a substitute, but be aware that it has a distinct flavor profile and may not achieve the exact same level of stickiness or deep caramelization as honey.
Fresh Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme are crucial for adding an aromatic, earthy, and slightly peppery note that beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the bacon. The fresh leaves infuse the glaze with a wonderful fragrance and a touch of elegance. While fresh is always best for vibrancy, you can substitute with fresh marjoram for a similar flavor, or use a very small amount of dried thyme if fresh is unavailable (use sparingly as dried herbs are more concentrated).
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations
The beauty of this Glazed Pigs in Blankets recipe lies in its adaptability. While the honey and thyme combination is a timeless winner, feel free to experiment and customize it to your personal taste or available ingredients. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire you:
Elevate the Flavor Profile:
- Add Extra Savoury Depth: A small splash of Worcestershire sauce stirred into the honey glaze before tossing will introduce an incredible umami richness and tangy complexity, making your pigs in blankets even more addictive.
- Honey Mustard Bliss: For a classic and incredibly popular flavor, whisk a dollop of wholegrain mustard (or Dijon for a smoother, spicier kick) into your runny honey. This creates a delightful tangy-sweet glaze that’s universally loved.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha or hot sauce to the honey glaze. This adds a fantastic fiery edge that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Garlic and Herb Infusion: A tiny bit of minced fresh garlic, or a sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder, can deepen the savory notes and add another layer of aroma to the glaze.
- Different Herbs: While thyme is perfect, don’t hesitate to try other fresh herbs. Finely chopped fresh rosemary pairs wonderfully with pork and bacon, offering a piney, fragrant twist. Sage is another excellent choice, particularly for a traditional holiday feel.
- Balsamic Glaze: For a richer, tangier flavor, reduce a mix of balsamic vinegar and honey until it forms a sticky glaze.
- Orange Zest: A touch of orange zest can add a bright, festive citrus note to the honey glaze, especially for Christmas.
Build Your Own Pigs in Blankets for Ultimate Control:
Crafting your own pigs in blankets from scratch offers complete control over the quality and flavor of both the sausage and bacon. It’s simpler than you might think!
- Sausage Choice: Select your favorite small sausages. Cocktail sausages are perfect for bite-sized appetizers, but you can also use standard chipolatas or even thicker butcher’s sausages cut into smaller, manageable pieces. Experiment with different sausage flavors like traditional pork, apple and sage, or a spicy variety.
- Bacon Selection: The type of bacon makes a difference! For the best crispy results, opt for streaky bacon (also known as belly bacon) as its fat renders beautifully. You can choose between smoked streaky bacon for a deeper, more robust flavor, or unsmoked for a milder taste.
- Wrapping Technique: For each cocktail sausage, allow approximately half a rasher of thinly sliced streaky bacon. Wrap the bacon tightly around the sausage, ensuring a slight overlap to keep it secure during cooking. You can secure with a toothpick if desired, but a tight wrap often suffices. Place them seam-side down on your baking tray to prevent unwrapping.
Here’s How to Make Glazed Bacon Sausages (Pigs in Blankets): A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing these delicious sticky pigs in blankets is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, beautifully glazed, and utterly irresistible results every time. Remember, the full, detailed recipe card with exact ingredient quantities and tips can be found at the very bottom of this post!
Step One: Initial Bake for Crispiness
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F or Gas Mark 6). This optimal temperature ensures the bacon crisps up beautifully without burning. Arrange your pigs in blankets in a single layer on a sturdy baking tray or roasting pan. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the tray; ensure there’s a little space between each pig in blanket. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, promoting even cooking and ensuring the bacon becomes wonderfully crispy on all sides. Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes. During this stage, the sausages will cook through, and the bacon will start to render its fat and crisp up, laying the perfect foundation for the glaze.
Step Two: Glaze and Finish for Irresistible Stickiness
Once the initial baking time is complete and the bacon is crispy, carefully remove the baking tray from the oven. Drizzle the runny honey generously over the cooked pigs in blankets. Using a pair of tongs or a spoon, gently toss and turn them until each one is beautifully and evenly coated in the sticky honey glaze. Now, sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the glazed sausages. Return the baking tray to the oven for a final 5 minutes. This crucial second bake allows the honey to caramelize further, creating that signature irresistible sticky coating, while the fresh thyme infuses the entire dish with its wonderful aroma. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage, as honey can caramelize and burn quite quickly. Once they emerge golden, shiny, and perfectly glazed, remove them from the oven. For an extra touch of freshness and presentation, you can add a final sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves just before serving. Serve them immediately and watch them disappear in moments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Glazed Pigs in Blankets
Yes, absolutely! While they are undoubtedly at their absolute best served fresh from the oven, these glazed pigs in blankets are also excellent for make-ahead entertaining. You have a couple of options: you can cook them fully, then keep them warm in a very low oven (around 65°C / 150°F) for up to half an hour. For longer-term make-ahead, cook them almost entirely, omitting the final glaze step. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the oven, then drizzle with honey and fresh thyme for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This method ensures the bacon remains crispy and the glaze is fresh and vibrant.
Of course! This recipe is incredibly versatile and easily scales up. While the mini cocktail sausages are perfect for canapés, you can certainly substitute them for larger chipolata-sized bacon-wrapped sausages. The cooking time will need a slight adjustment – typically an extra 5-10 minutes in the initial bake to ensure the larger sausages are cooked through and the bacon is adequately crispy. The glazing process, however, remains exactly the same. These larger versions make a more substantial and satisfying bite, ideal for a hearty side dish on your festive table.
For the crispiest and most flavorful results, we highly recommend using thinly sliced streaky bacon (also known as belly bacon). Its higher fat content renders beautifully during baking, leading to wonderfully crispy edges. You can choose smoked streaky bacon for a deeper, more robust flavor, or unsmoked if you prefer a milder taste. Avoid thick-cut back bacon, as it tends to be less flexible for wrapping and may not crisp up as evenly.
Any leftover pigs in blankets should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will remain delicious for up to 2-3 days. While they can be eaten cold, they are generally best when reheated to restore the bacon’s crispness and the glaze’s warmth.
To reheat leftover pigs in blankets, arrange them on a baking tray and place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and the bacon has regained its crisp texture. Be mindful not to overheat, as the honey glaze can burn. Reheating in a microwave is generally not recommended as it can make the bacon soggy.
Yes, you can freeze uncooked pigs in blankets. To do so, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time. Freezing cooked pigs in blankets is also possible, but the texture of the bacon and the glaze might suffer slightly upon reheating. If you choose to freeze them cooked, follow the reheating instructions for chilled leftovers, ensuring they are piping hot throughout before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings for Your Glazed Pigs in Blankets
These sticky honey glazed pigs in blankets are incredibly versatile and can enhance almost any festive spread. Here are some ideas for how to serve them and what to pair them with to truly impress your guests:
- As an Elegant Appetizer: Arrange them artfully on a large platter, perhaps garnished with extra sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. They are fantastic served alongside various dipping sauces such as classic cranberry sauce, a tangy apple sauce, a creamy blue cheese dip, or even an additional bowl of honey mustard.
- A Star of the Christmas Feast: Integrate them seamlessly into your main Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner spread. Their savory-sweet profile perfectly complements traditional roast turkey, ham, roasted vegetables, and flavorful stuffings, adding a touch of indulgence to the holiday meal.
- Brunch Bites Extraordinaire: Don’t limit these delightful treats to just evening events! They make a surprising and decadent addition to a festive brunch spread, pairing wonderfully with scrambled eggs, fluffy pancakes, a breakfast casserole, or even a Bloody Mary bar.
- Perfect with Drinks: Their balance of sweet and savory makes them an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of beverages. Serve them with sparkling wine, crisp prosecco, artisanal craft beers, a warming mulled wine or cider, or even classic holiday cocktails.
- Rustic Skewers: For easy handling at a party, thread 2-3 pigs in blankets onto small wooden skewers. This makes them effortlessly portable and reduces mess.
Other Delicious Recipes for Your Festive Table
Planning an elaborate holiday feast or simply seeking more delectable dishes to complement your Sticky Honey Glazed Pigs in Blankets? Look no further! We’ve curated a selection of tried-and-tested recipes that will undoubtedly elevate your festive meal and leave your guests craving more. Explore these culinary inspirations for a truly unforgettable dining experience:
- If you need some more inspiration for planning your big festive meal, why not try our recipes for Old Fashioned Sausage, Onion and Sage Stuffing, Butter and Maple Glazed Carrots, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Bacon, or our recipe for Honey Glazed Parsnips in the Air Fryer? Otherwise these honey mustard sausages, sticky hoisin sausages or smashed potatoes with creme fraiche are easy!
More Festive Favorites to Explore
Christmas Recipes
Honey Mustard Sausages
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Honey Glazed Parsnips
Christmas Recipes
Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Christmas Recipes
Sticky Sausages with Hoisin and Sesame
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Sticky Honey Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe
By: Margie
These quick, easy, Sticky Pigs in Blankets with Honey and Thyme are perfect for your next festive drinks party, or for the Christmas table! A delightful savory-sweet treat that’s sure to impress.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yields: 6 servings (approximately 24 mini pigs in blankets)
Ingredients
- 400 g pigs in blankets (store-bought or homemade cocktail sausages wrapped in streaky bacon)
- 1 tbsp runny honey
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or marjoram, leaves picked
- Optional additions: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of wholegrain mustard for extra flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F / Gas Mark 6). Arrange the pigs in blankets in a single layer on a baking tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even crisping.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are fully cooked through.
- Carefully remove the baking tray from the oven. Drizzle the runny honey evenly over the hot pigs in blankets and gently toss them with tongs or a spoon to ensure each one is thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the glazed pigs in blankets. Return the tray to the oven for a final 5 minutes. This step allows the honey to caramelize into a beautiful sticky glaze and for the thyme to infuse its aromatic flavor.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with a few additional fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Enjoy these irresistible sticky bites!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Estimated)
Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 867mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 0.2mg | Iron: 0.01mg
Please note: Nutrition information is an automatic calculation and should only be used as an approximation. Values may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
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