When you’re looking to bring a festive twist to the classic sausage roll, look no further than these Pigs in Blanket Sausage Rolls with Gravy. These golden, flaky bites combine the savory goodness of sausage and bacon, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked to perfection. Dip them in a rich gravy for the ultimate holiday treat! Perfect for parties, these pigs in blanket sausage rolls are sure to be the star of your Christmas snack table.
Pigs in blanket sausage rolls combine two favorite party foods—sausages wrapped in bacon and classic sausage rolls for delicious Christmas flavours. This festive twist adds layers of flavor with honey, thyme, and a golden puff pastry finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings, pigs in blanket sausage rolls bring that warm, comforting taste everyone loves, especially when dipped in savory gravy. This easy sausage roll recipe is ideal for snack tables or a Christmas buffet this Christmas time, they’re sure to impress.
If you are looking for another Christmas recipe to add to your Christmas party table spread this holiday season alongside this Christmas sausage roll recipe then you need to make my Christmas Decorated Focaccia with a festive Holly decoration. Another must try Christmas recipe to add to your Christmas party food list for those looking to experiment and try something different is my Turkey Christmas Cracker Wontons, Christmas fried dumplings in the shape of Christmas crackers!
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Ingredients
Sausages - Using traditional pork sausages brings a hearty flavor and juicy texture to these pigs in blanket sausage rolls. By removing the casings, the sausages blend smoothly with the seasonings, allowing for easy mixing and spreading on the puff pastry.
Ready Rolled Puff Pastry - Flaky, golden puff pastry is the ideal wrapper for these sausage rolls, giving you that essential crunch in each bite. I prefer store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but you can use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
Bacon - Bacon strips add an extra layer of flavor, turning these pigs in blanket sausage rolls into a rich and smoky treat. Wrapping bacon around the sausage before rolling in puff pastry gives you that familiar "pigs in blanket" taste, all with a delightful pastry twist.
Honey - Adding a touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the sausage and caramelizes beautifully while baking. The honey also pairs incredibly well with the salty bacon, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor in each pigs in blanket sausage roll.
Fresh Thyme - For a festive herbal touch, I love adding fresh thyme. Its earthy notes bring out the savoriness of both the sausage and bacon, and it infuses the entire roll with a subtle holiday aroma.
Egg Wash - Brushing the sausage rolls with egg wash gives them a beautiful golden-brown sheen and ensures the puff pastry crisps up nicely.
Gravy - To complete these pigs in blanket sausage rolls, serve with a warm gravy for dipping. The savory, comforting gravy adds moisture and makes these sausage rolls even more indulgent.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (Gas Mark 6), ensuring it’s ready for baking once the sausage rolls are assembled. Slice each sausage down the middle and remove the casings. Place the sausage meat in a mixing bowl, and add the honey and fresh thyme. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined – the honey helps bind the ingredients and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Step 2: Unroll your puff pastry sheet and cut it in half. On each half, arrange a line of halved bacon rashers to create a base for the sausage filling. Spread a line of the sausage mixture on top of the bacon.
Baking the Sausage rolls
- Step 3: Fold the puff pastry over the sausage and bacon helps secure the filling, creating a pigs in blanket sausage roll shape. Press down on the edges of the puff pastry with a fork to seal the exposed pastry. Cut each roll into 6-8 even pieces, making sure each one is uniform in size. You can also keep make them longer if you want long sausage rolls. Using a sharp knife, make two small slits on the tops of each roll; this allows steam to escape and helps the rolls bake evenly.
- Step 4: Place the sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. With a pastry brush or cooking brush, brush the top of each roll with beaten egg wash to give it that golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown. While the sausage rolls are baking, heat up or prepare your gravy for dipping.
5. Step 5: Serve the Christmas sausage rolls fresh from the oven with a side of gravy for that perfect pigs in blanket sausage roll experience. I like to opt for good quality ingredients here as good-quality sausages and bacon make a big difference in flavor.
Hint: A rich gravy elevates these pigs in blanket sausage rolls to another level, but you could also serve them with mustard or cranberry sauce for added holiday flavor.
Substitutions
Sausages - Ground pork is an excellent alternative. It has a similar flavor and texture, allowing you to season it to your taste or add in Christmas spices, you could also use pork sausage meat. Chicken sausage is a lighter option and pairs nicely with bacon, bringing a milder flavor while still being juicy. For a healthier twist, turkey sausage works well too, providing a leaner option with plenty of savory taste.
Puff Pastry - While classic ready-rolled puff pastry is rich and flaky, phyllo dough can be a lighter option, though it will give a more delicate crunch. You could also try crescent roll dough for a slightly sweeter, breadier texture if you want to experiment with something different.
Bacon - To switch up the flavor profile, consider prosciutto for a more delicate, slightly sweet taste that crisps up well when baked. Pancetta can be used as well and has a similar savory profile to bacon. For a non-pork option, turkey bacon brings a smoky flavor with less fat.
Honey - For a different sweet note, maple syrup is a lovely alternative, adding a hint of caramelization that pairs perfectly with sausage. Brown sugar can also work here, creating a slightly deeper sweetness that melds beautifully with the savory ingredients. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, try agave syrup as a milder, less sweet alternative.
Thyme - Rosemary is a wonderful substitution that adds an earthy, pine-like flavor. Sage also pairs beautifully with sausage and bacon, especially for a holiday feel. Dried Italian seasoning can be used for a blend of herbs that brings a similar depth if fresh herbs aren’t available.
Topping substitutions
Egg - If you’re looking for an egg-free option for brushing the pastry, milk or cream can create a nice golden finish on the pastry. For a vegan alternative, olive oil or melted vegan butter will also give a lovely color and slight sheen.
Gravy - While traditional gravy is a classic dipping option, mustard provides a sharp, tangy contrast to the rich pastry. Cranberry sauce is another festive substitute, adding a sweet-tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sausage and bacon. Cheese sauce can be a deliciously creamy and indulgent dip if you're looking to add extra richness.
Variations
Cheese-Stuffed Pigs in Blanket Sausage Rolls - Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the sausage filling before wrapping in bacon and pastry and topping with sesame seeds or poppy seeds. The cheese melts as it bakes, creating a creamy, gooey surprise inside. Serve with a side of warm gravy or wholegrain mustard for extra flavor.
Spicy Pigs in Blanket Sausage Rolls - Mix a touch of chili flakes or finely diced jalapeños into the sausage meat mixture for a spicier kick. A hint of heat complements the bacon’s smoky festive flavour, making this version a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Herbed Pigs in Blanket Sausage Rolls - Add finely chopped rosemary or sage to the thyme and sausage mixture. This earthy, fragrant combination makes for a more aromatic flavor profile, enhancing the traditional flavors of pigs in blanket sausage rolls and giving them a holiday-inspired touch. Use as part of a sausage roll wreath for an extra festive twist on these delicious festive sausage rolls.
Equipment
Storage
To store leftover pigs in blanket sausage rolls, allow them to cool completely after baking. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes to restore the crispiness, as microwaving may make the pastry soggy.
For longer storage, pigs in blanket sausage rolls can also be frozen. Arrange the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and golden. This keeps your pigs in blanket sausage rolls tasty and fresh for future snacking!
You can also freeze pigs in blanket sausage rolls before cooking. Assemble them as usual, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), place the rolls on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the sausages are fully cooked. For extra shine, brush with egg wash before baking.
Top Tip
To prevent over-salted pigs in blanket sausage rolls, opt for low-sodium sausages or bacon if possible. This allows the flavors of the honey and thyme to shine without overwhelming saltiness.
FAQ
Sausage rolls stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven to keep them crisp.
Sausage rolls are fully cooked when the pastry is golden-brown, puffed, and the internal temperature of the sausage filling reaches 75°C (165°F). Cut one open to check for no pinkness and clear, cooked-through filling.
Sausage rolls get soggy if excess moisture isn’t managed. Using cold pastry, a lined baking tray, and pre-cooking fatty fillings can help. Bake sausage rolls on a wire rack to allow airflow underneath for a crisp base.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with pigs in blanket sausage rolls with gravy:
Recipe
Pigs in Blanket Christmas Sausage Rolls with Gravy
Equipment
- Large Baking tray or dish
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 400 g sausages
- 320 g ready-rolled puff pastry or 1 puff pastry sheet
- 6 bacon rashers halved
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 10 g thyme
- 100 ml gravy for dipping
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (Gas Mark 6), ensuring it’s ready for baking once the sausage rolls are assembled. Slice each sausage down the middle and remove the casings. Place the sausage meat in a mixing bowl, and add the honey and fresh thyme. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined – the honey helps bind the ingredients and adds a touch of sweetness.400 g sausages, 10 g thyme, 1 tablespoon honey
- Unroll your puff pastry sheet and cut it in half. On each half, arrange a line of halved bacon rashers to create a base for the sausage filling. Spread a line of the sausage mixture on top of the bacon.6 bacon rashers, 320 g ready-rolled puff pastry
- Fold the puff pastry over the sausage and bacon helps secure the filling, creating a pigs in blanket sausage roll shape. Press down on the edges of the puff pastry with a fork to seal the exposed pastry. Cut each roll into 6-8 even pieces, making sure each one is uniform in size. You can also keep make them longer if you want long sausage rolls. Using a sharp knife, make two small slits on the tops of each roll; this allows steam to escape and helps the rolls bake evenly.
- Place the sausage rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. With a pastry brush or cooking brush, brush the top of each roll with beaten egg wash to give it that golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown. While the sausage rolls are baking, heat up or prepare your gravy for dipping.1 egg
- Serve the Christmas sausage rolls fresh from the oven with a side of gravy for that perfect pigs in blanket sausage roll experience. I like to opt for good quality ingredients here as good-quality sausages and bacon make a big difference in flavor.100 ml gravy
