Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe
There’s something truly magical about a bite-sized snack that wraps up all those cozy holiday flavors in one sticky, delicious package. This Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe is one of my absolute favorites for festive gatherings — the combination of crispy bacon, savory sausages, the hint of warmth from sage, and that irresistible maple syrup glaze just *works*. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday bash or just want to impress guests with a classic made extraordinary, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What I love most is how easy it comes together with simple ingredients — yet the result feels so special. Plus, that sweet and tangy sticky glaze adds a delightful twist that I promise you’ll want to make every Christmas party. If you’re looking to elevate a classic finger food, this Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe will quickly become your go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in the harmony of its ingredients. Each one contributes a unique layer of flavor, from the smokiness of the bacon to the earthy sage and that sweet touch of maple syrup. When shopping, pick sausages you love since they’re the star beneath the bacon blanket, and opt for streaky bacon to get that perfect crispiness.
- Thin-cut streaky bacon: Thin slices crisp up nicely without overpowering the sausages.
- Sausages: I use good-quality pork sausages; their flavor really shines through.
- Large sage leaves: Fresh is best here for that herby, festive aroma.
- Maple syrup: Adds sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooking.
- Whole-grain Dijon mustard: Brings a bit of tang and texture, balancing the sweetness.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a warm undertone perfect for holiday flavors.
Variations
I always encourage making this Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe your own. Sometimes I swap out sage for rosemary or thyme depending on what’s fresh, or add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle kick. Feel free to experiment with different sausage types or even try turkey sausages for a leaner twist.
- Herb swap: Rosemary or thyme work wonderfully, offering a slightly different earthy note I’ve enjoyed.
- Sweet and spicy: I’ve added chili flakes to the glaze before for a nice spicy contrast that guests loved.
- Vegetarian version: Swap sausages for vegetarian alternatives and use maple syrup alone to glaze – still delicious!
How to Make Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out your thin-cut bacon slices on a chopping board, ready to wrap around the sausages. I like to pat my sausages dry if they’re a bit moist to help the bacon stick better and crisp up nicely. Have your fresh sage leaves washed and dried, as they’ll be sandwiched between the sausage and bacon for that extra flavor punch.
Step 2: Wrap Sausages with Bacon and Sage
Here’s the fun part: take one sausage and gently place a sage leaf along it. Then, wrap a bacon slice snugly around the sausage-and-sage combo. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to keep everything together. If it feels a little loose, you can secure it with a toothpick—just don’t forget to remove them before serving!
Step 3: Mix the Sticky Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, whole-grain Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg. This glaze brings that glorious sticky texture and rich flavor to these pigs in blankets. Make sure the mustard is well blended so you get even distribution of flavor with every bite.
Step 4: Bake and Glaze
Place your wrapped sausages on a lined baking sheet. Brush generously with the maple-mustard glaze. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, brushing again with glaze halfway through. Keep an eye out – you want the bacon to get crispy but not burn, and the glaze to caramelize delightfully sticky over the sausages.
How to Serve Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe

Garnishes
I love finishing these with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra sage leaves for an inviting look and fresh flavor boost. A little crack of black pepper right before serving adds just the right final touch that makes them pop.
Side Dishes
These sticky pigs in blankets pair wonderfully with tangy cranberry sauce or a sharp mustard dip. For the bigger feast, I often serve them alongside roasted chestnuts, spiced nuts, or festive salads to round out the spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like to thread a few pigs in blankets onto cocktail sticks and arrange them standing upright in a festive mug or a wooden board for a rustic look. Another fun idea is to lay them out alongside warm dips in mini ramekins so guests can help themselves and mix flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers keep well overnight in an airtight container in the fridge. When I’ve saved them, I find the flavors actually deepen after a day. Just make sure they’re cool before sealing to keep the bacon crispier.
Freezing
I’ve frozen unbaked pigs in blankets wrapped and ready to go, spaced out on a tray first so they don’t stick together. When frozen solid, I transfer them to a sealed bag. Then, you can bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes—this helps keep the bacon crispy and the glaze sticky without drying them out. Microwave reheating makes them a bit soggy, so I avoid that when possible.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork sausages work best for their flavor and fat content, you can use turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the sausages are thicker or leaner.
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How do I make sure the bacon stays crispy?
Wrapping the sausages tightly with thin-cut streaky bacon helps crispiness. Also, baking at a high enough temperature without overcrowding the pan lets the bacon render and caramelize well. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep that crisp texture.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pigs in blankets a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Alternatively, freeze them pre-cooked or unbaked for easy party prep later.
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What else can I serve with sticky pigs in blankets?
Cranberry sauce, mustard dips, roasted nuts, and fresh salads all pair beautifully. Consider serving with warm mulled wine or cider to embrace the full festive vibe.
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Do I need to remove the toothpicks before serving?
If you’ve used toothpicks to secure the bacon, definitely remove them before serving to avoid any accidental bites. If well wrapped, you may not need them at all!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe has been a festive staple in my home for years, and sharing it feels like handing over a little piece of holiday joy. It’s simple to prepare, feels special, and brings people together around delicious food — what more could you ask for? I hope you give this a try at your next celebration and watch how quickly these sticky, savory bites disappear from the platter. Trust me, your guests will thank you!
PrintChristmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets Recipe
These Christmas Party Sticky Pigs in Blankets are a festive twist on the classic appetizer, featuring juicy sausages wrapped in crispy streaky bacon and infused with aromatic sage leaves. Finished with a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze of maple syrup, mustard, and a hint of nutmeg, they are perfect for holiday gatherings and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 thin-cut streaky bacon slices
- 16 sausages (preferably cocktail or chipolata size)
- 16 large sage leaves
Glaze
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1.5 tablespoons whole-grain Dijon mustard
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Wrap the sausages: Place a sage leaf on each sausage, then wrap each sausage with one thin slice of streaky bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary to keep the bacon in place.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, whole-grain Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the wrapped sausages: Use a pastry brush to generously coat each wrapped sausage with the maple syrup glaze, ensuring they are evenly covered to develop a sticky finish.
- Bake: Arrange the sticky pigs in blankets in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and caramelized and the sausages are cooked thoroughly.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These sticky pigs in blankets are best served hot and make an irresistible festive finger food.
Notes
- Use thin-cut streaky bacon for easier wrapping and crispier results.
- Ensure sausages are fully cooked; smaller cocktail sausages work best.
- Turning halfway during baking ensures even cooking and caramelization.
- To keep bites neat, toothpicks can be used to secure the bacon wrapping.
- These can be made ahead and reheated; just brush with a little extra glaze before serving to re-energize the sticky coating.
Keywords: pigs in blankets, Christmas appetizer, sticky sausage bites, festive finger food, bacon wrapped sausages, holiday party snacks
