If you're craving a snack that's both cozy and a little bit special, this Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe might just become your new go-to. Perfect for game nights, casual get-togethers, or even as a comforting appetizer during colder months, these little bites offer smoky, sweet, and savory notes all rolled into one. I like making them whenever friends are over-there's something so inviting about the glossy honey glaze catching the light as they come out of the oven.
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Why You'll Make This on Repeat
This Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe is simplicity mashed with elegance. Once you taste how sweet honey caramelizes over smoky bacon, paired with juicy sausages, you'll find yourself making it anytime you want a sure crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss.
- Reliable Texture: Crisp bacon and tender sausage cook consistently every time, with a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness.
- Balanced, Cozy Flavor: The smoky bacon and sweet honey blend seamlessly, creating a flavor that's both comforting and exciting.
- Pantry-Friendly: Simple ingredients you probably already have, so it's easy to pull together at short notice.
- Weeknight Simple: No complicated steps or obscure tools make this an ideal quick appetizer or snack for busy days.
Ingredient Highlights
Your success with this Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe hinges on picking quality bacon and sausages. I find getting thick-cut, smoked streaky bacon and plump cocktail sausages really flavors the dish beautifully.
- Smoked streaky bacon: Look for well-marbled, thick slices for texture and that delicious smoky depth.
- Cocktail sausages: Choose a flavorful variety, ideally with a natural casing for snap and juiciness.
- Honey: Use a runny, mild honey so it drizzles easily and browns nicely without overpowering the savory notes.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
Step-by-Step for Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by preheating your oven to a steady 200°C (400°F fan). While waiting for it to warm, take each rasher of smoked streaky bacon and stretch it out gently, then slice it in half widthways. This step makes the bacon pieces just the right size to wrap around each cocktail sausage snugly without overwhelming it. You'll notice the bacon stretches easily when it's cold but still flexible, which helps the wrapping process.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Wrap each cocktail sausage with a bacon half, making sure the bacon seam side is underneath when you lay them on a baking tray. This keeps everything together as they bake. Arrange them spaced evenly, so the heat circulates well and the bacon crisps perfectly. Being mindful to place the seam down is key to that crisp, neat finish you want. You'll love how the bacon gently renders and browns, wrapping the juicy sausage like a cozy blanket.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Bake them for 25 minutes to let the sausage cook through and the bacon get that golden crispness. Then, drizzle the honey evenly over the hot pigs in blankets and pop them back in for an extra 5 minutes. The honey caramelizes beautifully, creating a glossy, sticky glaze that adds a touch of sweetness without being overpowering. Watch carefully during this last stage so the honey doesn't burn-this little wait makes all the difference to the final texture and flavor.
Kitchen Notes I Rely On
I've learned these little tricks make all the difference when making Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe. A perfectly cooked pig in blanket should balance the snap of bacon with juicy sausage and finish shiny with that honey glaze.
- Doneness Cue: Look for crisp bacon edges and juices bubbling around the sausage.
- Temperature Trick: Using a fan oven at 200°C evenly crisps bacon without drying out sausages.
- Make-Ahead Move: Wrap sausages in bacon a few hours before baking and refrigerate to save time.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't over-drizzle honey before first baking stage; do it near the end to prevent burning.
Serving & Sides
Finishing Touches
I love serving these Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe right off the tray, but a final scattering of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds a lovely, fresh aroma and a pop of color. A squeeze of lemon on the side can brighten the richness if you want a contrast. The sticky glaze is so tempting, I usually just let it shine as-is-it speaks for itself.
Pairs Nicely With
These pigs in blankets pair beautifully with mustard dips, tangy cranberry sauces, or even a crisp green salad. For a heartier weekend feast, try serving alongside creamy mashed potato or roasted root vegetables. The sweet and smokey bites create the perfect foil to fresh, crunchy, or acidic sides.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For a quick special occasion twist, drizzle extra honey in a pattern around your serving platter or garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish. I sometimes place pigs in blankets on a bed of arugula or microgreens for a splash of color. It instantly makes the appetizer look thoughtful without extra effort.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the honey glaze intact by letting the pigs in blankets cool first before sealing them up. You'll find the bacon softens a bit after chilling, but a quick reheat will bring back some crispness.
Freezer Tips
These freeze well if you freeze them before adding the honey glaze. Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze and reheat for best texture and flavor. The honey does not freeze well, so always apply it fresh after thawing.
Reheating Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, I recommend using an oven or air fryer at about 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes to regain that crispy bacon. If you're short on time, a quick zap in the microwave (30 seconds) works, but wrap them in a damp paper towel to keep moisture in-though you might lose some crispness this way. Always add fresh honey drizzle after reheating to refresh the glossy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While cocktail sausages work best for this bite-sized treat, you can use mini bratwursts or even cut larger sausages into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure they cook through within the baking time.
You can swap honey for maple syrup or a light brown sugar glaze, which offer similar sweetness and caramelization. For a savory twist, brush with a mix of mustard and a little brown sugar instead.
Stretching the bacon before wrapping helps reduce shrinkage. Also, baking at the right temperature without overcrowding lets the bacon crisp while holding its shape.
Yes, as long as the cocktail sausages and bacon you select are certified gluten-free, this recipe naturally fits gluten-free diets without any modifications.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find this Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe as comforting and straightforward to make as I do. They're a warm invitation to gather around the table with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Once you get the hang of wrapping and timing, you'll be surprised how often these little savory treats sneak into your weeknight dinners and party menus alike. Cooking is always more fun when you have a recipe you trust-and this one truly fits that bill.
PrintPrintable Recipe
Honey-Glazed Pigs in Blankets Recipe
Delicious and easy-to-make Pigs in Blankets featuring cocktail sausages wrapped in smoky streaky bacon, baked to crispy perfection and finished with a drizzle of sweet honey. Perfect as a savory appetizer or party snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Meat
- 15 rashers/strips of smoked streaky bacon
- 30 cocktail sausages
Topping
- 2 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200C/400F (fan assisted).
- Prepare bacon: Take a rasher of smoked streaky bacon and stretch it out slightly, then slice it in half widthways to create thinner strips.
- Wrap sausages: Take one cocktail sausage and wrap a halved piece of bacon around it securely.
- Arrange on tray: Place the wrapped sausages on a baking tray, making sure the bacon seam is placed seam-side down to keep it in place.
- Repeat wrapping: Repeat the bacon-wrapping process with the remaining sausages and bacon pieces until all are prepared.
- Bake initially: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the sausages are fully cooked and the bacon is crispy.
- Add honey and continue baking: Remove the tray and drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over the pigs in blankets, then return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the honey.
- Cool and serve: Carefully remove from the oven, allow to cool for one minute to avoid burns from the hot honey, then transfer to a serving plate and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use streaky bacon instead of back bacon.
- Honey adds a sweet glaze but can be substituted with maple syrup or left out for a savory version.
- Ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the sausages to prevent unwrapping during cooking.
- Use a wire rack over the baking tray to allow fat to drip and promote even crisping.
- Great served with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
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