Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Heart of Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe

I’ve always loved the cozy, homey feel of pigs in blankets — those crisp-edged parcels of smoky bacon wrapped tightly around juicy mini sausages. When you add a glossy drizzle of honey, magic happens. The silky honey glaze gives a delicate caramelized sheen, balancing savory and sweet in the most comforting way.

Making Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe with you feels like sharing a warm kitchen moment. You’ll notice the rich aroma of bacon gently crisping in the oven, then the satisfying snap when you bite into that perfect combo of tender sausage and golden honey glaze. It’s simple but effortless to feel proud of — and trust me, everyone loves them.

If you want a dish that’s equally fantastic as a party snack, a holiday side, or just a satisfying bite with a cocktail, you’re in the right place. Stick around for practical tips that’ll build your confidence and even inspire some creative twists.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Smoked streaky bacon (15 rashers): The smoky fat crisps beautifully, wrapping around sausages for that irresistible texture. You can swap for pancetta or slightly thicker bacon if preferred.
• Cocktail sausages (30 pieces): Choose good-quality ones with a tender but firm bite. Pork sausages work best but feel free to use chicken or vegetarian alternatives to suit your taste.
• Honey (2 tbsp): Adds a warm caramel sweetness and helps create that glossy finish. Maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent substitutes if you want to experiment.

Before You Begin

Start by setting the oven to 200°C (400°F fan). Prepare your workspace with all ingredients within reach — this mise en place sets you up for smooth wrapping and speedy assembly. Remember, stretching the bacon before slicing makes for easier handling and better coverage around each sausage.

How to Make Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F, fan). This ensures a uniformly hot environment so the bacon crisps perfectly and sausages cook evenly.
2. Stretch out a rasher of smoked streaky bacon gently to loosen it, then slice it in half widthways. This gives you thinner strips that wrap nicely without overpowering the sausage.
3. Wrap each cocktail sausage tightly with one piece of the bacon half. You’ll want the seam side down to keep it secure while baking — this helps the bacon caramelize evenly and crisp up beautifully.
4. Arrange the wrapped sausages on a baking tray lined with parchment, spacing them so air can circulate. This airflow is key to getting that crisped hud on your bacon.
5. Bake for 25 minutes in your preheated oven. You’ll notice the bacon turning golden and fragrant, and the sausages firm and cooked through — the smell alone is worth the wait.
🔍

Pro-Level Pointers

If your oven tends to run hot, check at 20 minutes to avoid over-browning. For extra crispness, use a wire rack on the tray so fat renders away. Drizzle the honey only after the bacon is cooked to keep the glaze luscious and sticky without burning.

6. Drizzle the honey evenly over the pigs in blankets, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes. Watch as the honey bubbles softly, caramelizing to a shiny glaze that adds a subtle sweet contrast.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two — that honey will be piping hot. Then carefully transfer to a serving plate, appreciating the warm steam rising and the vibrant golden sheen.

Creative Variations for Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe

• Spiced honey glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for warm spice that gives a subtle kick beneath the sweetness.
• Mustard drizzle: Mix honey with wholegrain mustard to add tang and texture for a bold twist on the glaze.
• Herb infusions: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary on the tray before baking to impart aromatic notes that pair beautifully with bacon.
• Cheese-stuffed sausages: Use cocktail sausages filled with cheese for gooey, melty centers inside the crisp bundle.
• Maple syrup swap: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness that complements the smoky bacon.
• Serving ideas: Present with a homemade mustard dip, or nestle on a bed of fresh rocket or baby spinach for colorful contrast and peppery bite.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crispiness will soften a bit, but gently reheated they’re still delightful.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked pigs in blankets on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a moderate oven (about 180°C/350°F) for 10-15 minutes to restore crisp edges without drying out the sausages.
• Tip: Avoid microwaving if you want to keep crispness; it tends to make bacon chewy and soggy.

Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe FAQs

• Can I use regular bacon instead of smoked streaky? Yes, regular bacon works but you might lose some smoky depth. Choose streaky for the best crispy texture.
• What if I don’t have cocktail sausages? Try mini bratwursts or small breakfast sausages cut in half—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Is there a vegetarian version? Absolutely! Use vegetarian sausages and turkey bacon or even thinly sliced roasted squash for a similar wrap experience.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prep the wrapped sausages in advance and refrigerate covered for a few hours before baking and glazing.
• How sticky is the honey glaze? It forms a delicate, lightly sticky coat that’s not overly sweet but adds sweetness and shine – perfect finger food!

Print