Pigs in blankets are a staple of the Christmas season. A meaty accompaniment to a traditional roast dinner, this popular sausage dish consists of cocktail-sized chipolatas wrapped in streaky bacon.

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It's generally believed that pigs in blankets were popularised in the 1990s, when Delia Smith included a recipe in her Christmas cookbook. These salty morsels are generally considered a Christmas item, owing to its moreish and indulgent qualities, and are widely accepted as one of the UK's favourite festive trimmings.

If you're after a classic version, you can find our recipe for pigs in blankets.

Discover our twists on classic pigs in blankets below. You can also find more decadent recipes in our pigs in blanket recipe collection.

1. Vegan pigs in blankets

Vegan pigs in blankets with cranberry sauce

Pigs in blankets are a classic side dish treat that no one should miss. That's why we've come up with these vegan puff-pastry versions. They're easy to make: wrap vegan sausages in dairy-free puff pastry, brush in a glaze and leave to bake for 25-30 minutes.

You can find more plant based recipes in our vegan Christmas recipe collection.

2. Air-fryer pigs in blankets

Air-fryer pigs in blankets on a navy plate

Did you know you can make pigs in blankets in an air-fryer? All you need to do is wrap bacon around each chipolata, arrange in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10-20 minutes. Add flavourings such as sage leaves, if you like.

Make more recipes in your air-fryer with our air-fryer recipe collection.

3. Veggie pigs in blankets

Veggie pigs in blankets on a gold platter

Everyone at the table can enjoy pigs in blankets thanks to this modern veggie makeover. Vegetarian sausages are wrapped in parsnip stripes then brushed with a white miso and honey glaze.

Find more vegetarian Christmas recipes.

4. Pigs in puff pastry blankets

Pigs in puff pastry blankets on a white serving tray

We've swapped bacon for buttery pastry in this revamped version of pigs in blankets. They make a great Christmas side dish alternative, as well as a fun canapé to serve at Christmas parties.

See more party canapés in our party food collection.

5. Jumbo pigs in blankets

A plate with six jumbo pigs in blankets

Ramp up the indulgence with these super-sized pigs in blankets. Brushed with maple syrup at the end, it makes for an extra-special Christmas side dish.

Find more Christmas side dish recipes to accompany your festive feast.

6. Pigs in blankets with a twist

Check out these three decadent pigs in blankets twists, featuring honey and sage, black pudding and date, or squash and chestnut, all wrapped in bacon.

For more Christmas side dish recipes watch our video on how to make the ultimate roast potatoes.

7. Pigs-in-blankets Christmas stuffing balls

Pigs-in-blankets Christmas stuffing balls served on a plate

Thought pigs in blankets couldn’t get any better? Think again. We've transformed everyone’s favourite Christmas trimming into these glorious stuffing balls; the sausagemeat and bacon add the ‘pigs in blankets’ flavour, while cranberries make them taste extra-festive.

Find more festive stuffing recipes to accompany your Christmas dinner.

8. Christmas pigs in blankets casserole

Christmas pigs in blankets casserole in a roasting tin

Mix pigs in blankets with carrots and parsnips to make this vibrant Christmassy casserole. You could make it after Christmas day as a smart way to avoid festive food waste.

See more Christmas leftover recipes and this casserole recipe collection.

9. Halloumi pigs in blankets

Halloumi pigs in blankets served on a platter

Treat the family to these salty morsels on Christmas Day. This meat-free twist sees golden halloumi chunks wrapped in thin strips of charred courgette, making a top-drawer alternative for veggies and meat-eaters alike.

See our top 10 fried halloumi recipes or browse our collection of vegetarian Christmas canapés recipes.

10. Pigs-in-blankets toad in the hole

Pot of toad-in-the-hole with sausages wrapped in bacon

Cheer up your chipolatas! In this hearty take on a classic, batter is poured around pigs in blankets and baked in the oven until deep golden brown. Serve with plenty of gravy and your favourite green veg.

See more smart variations on toad in the hole in our collection of toad-in-the-hole recipes.

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Enjoyed this? Discover more classic recipes with a twist…

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10 twists on stollen

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