Holiday Pigs in a Blanket: A festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for every holiday gathering.

Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Chef Josie

There are holiday appetizers that people politely nibble on, and then there are the ones that disappear within minutes of hitting the table. Holiday Pigs in a Blanket fall firmly into the second category. Flaky golden dough wrapped around juicy mini sausages, brushed with egg wash, sprinkled with seasoning and served with your favorite dipping sauce. It is the kind of snack that brings instant joy. These little bites deliver warm comfort, nostalgic flavor and an irresistible presentation that fits beautifully with Christmas Dinner Ideas, New Years Meal Ideas, and festive gatherings of every kind.

The first time I made these Holiday Pigs in a Blanket was for a small family get together on Christmas Eve. I wanted something fun, simple and guaranteed to be loved by everyone from picky kids to hungry adults. Within ten minutes of serving them, the plate was empty. Not one left. Since then, they have become a staple on my list of Holiday Appetizers, New Year’s Eve Recipes, and even casual winter movie nights. There is just something magical about the combination of flaky dough, savory sausage and warm seasonal spices. These bites feel like a celebration before the main meal even begins.

What makes this recipe extra festive is the ability to shape it into wreaths, rings, grazing boards or charming appetizer arrangements. Whether you need Christmas Dinner Finger Food Ideas, Ideas For Party Food, or something standout for a Christmas Cocktail Party Food Appetizers, this recipe delivers fireworks without any complicated steps. If you love easy, comforting and delicious recipes that make people smile, this is one you will reach for all season long.

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Why You Will Love These Holiday Pigs in a Blanket

• Quick to prepare and perfect for last minute gatherings
• Ideal for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Years Day Food
• A festive option for Thanksgiving Savory Appetizers and winter parties
• Simple enough for beginners and fun enough for kids to help
• Pairs well with many dipping sauces for easy customization
• Works beautifully on a Pigs In A Blanket Board with cheeses, fruits and spreads
• Crowd friendly and budget friendly
• Bakes in minutes and stays warm for serving
• Great for Fun Easy Appetizers For Party menus
• Versatile for shaping into wreaths, rings or arranged trays
• Perfect for Party Bites Ideas during holiday gatherings

Ingredient Breakdown

Mini Sausages or Cocktail Hot Dogs

These are the classic choice for pigs in a blanket. Their perfect snack size makes them ideal for party trays and holiday appetizer boards. Whether you choose beef, turkey or plant based sausages, they all work beautifully. The savory flavor balances perfectly with the light and flaky pastry.

Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry

Crescent dough gives a soft, buttery and slightly sweet finish that wraps beautifully around sausages. Puff pastry creates a flakier, crispier bite. Both options work well for this Pigs In A Blanket Recipe Christmas, so choose based on the texture you prefer. Either way, the results are delicious.

Egg Wash

A simple mixture of egg and water that creates a golden, bakery style finish on the dough. This makes the appetizer table look extra festive and polished.

Seasonings and Toppings

Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning or coarse salt add sparkle and crunch. These simple toppings elevate the look and flavor without any extra work.

Fresh Herbs for Garnish

Rosemary or thyme sprigs add fragrant holiday charm to appetizer boards and are perfect when serving for Christmas Food Ideas or New Year parties.

Dipping Sauces

Ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, cheese sauce, barbecue, spicy mayo or cranberry mustard make these bites even more exciting. Offering a variety of dips is a simple way to impress guests with minimal effort.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into triangles. If using puff pastry, cut it into long strips. Lay them flat on a cutting board so they are easy to wrap around each sausage.

2. Wrap the Sausages

Place a mini sausage at the wide end of each dough triangle. Roll tightly until the dough overlaps the sausage. If using puff pastry strips, wrap each strip around the sausage like a snug blanket. Place each wrapped sausage seam side down on a baking sheet.

3. Brush With Egg Wash

Use a pastry brush to coat each piece lightly with egg wash. This step ensures the golden shine that makes your appetizer look festive and professionally finished.

4. Add Toppings

Sprinkle poppy seeds, sesame seeds or seasoning on top. These toppings give flavor and a visually appealing finish, perfect for Christmas Shower Food or Ideas For Party Food.

5. Arrange in a Festive Shape (Optional)

To make a holiday wreath, place the wrapped sausages in a circle on your baking sheet. For a New Years ring, place them in two circle layers. For a Pigs In A Blanket Board, bake them separately and assemble with dips, cheeses and olives.

6. Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven according to dough package directions, usually around 12 to 15 minutes. The result should be golden brown, puffed and fragrant.

7. Serve Warm

Transfer to a serving tray and surround with dipping sauces. If creating a holiday wreath, place a dipping bowl in the center for a complete festive presentation.

Notes and Top Tips

• Keep the dough cold until ready to use because cold dough puffs better.
• Use parchment for easy cleanup and even baking.
• If the dough shrinks during baking, stretch it a bit more before wrapping.
• To make ahead, wrap sausages earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Add a small slice of cheese under the sausage for a rich variation.
• Use plant based sausages for vegetarian guests.
• For spicier bites, brush dough with a thin layer of spicy mustard before rolling.
• Serve with several sauces to keep guests excited.
• Make multiple trays if serving for New Years Dishes or large gatherings.
• Add rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes as garnish for holiday colors.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving Ideas

• Perfect appetizer before Christmas dinner
• Festive addition to New Years Food Ideas
• Crowd friendly snack at office holiday potlucks
• Fun starter for game nights and family celebrations
• Adds personality to Christmas Dinner Finger Food Ideas
• Great for appetizer buffets or grazing tables

Variations

Cheesy Holiday Pigs in a Blanket
Add cheddar or mozzarella stick slices inside each wrap for a melty surprise.

Everything Seasoned Pigs in a Blanket
Top with everything bagel seasoning for bold flavor.

Puff Pastry Holiday Bites
Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for an elevated flaky texture.

Spicy Holiday Pigs in a Blanket
Add jalapeno slices or chili flakes for a festive kick.

Cranberry Mustard Pigs in a Blanket
Serve with a sweet and tangy cranberry mustard dip for holiday flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F until warm and crispy
• Air fryer: Heat at 375°F for 4 minutes
• Microwave: Not ideal but works when needed

Freezing:
You can freeze unbaked wrapped sausages on a tray, then store them in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Why You Will Make This Again

This recipe checks every box. Simple. Delicious. Festive. Family friendly. Perfect for gatherings. These Holiday Pigs in a Blanket are the kind of appetizer that brings everyone together around the table, sparks conversation and adds instant holiday cheer. Whether you serve them for Christmas Eve, a New Year’s Eve celebration or a winter party with friends, they never fail to delight. They are easy to make, easy to love and easy to bring into your yearly holiday traditions.

FAQs

1. Can I make Holiday Pigs in a Blanket ahead of time
Yes. Wrap the sausages in dough, place them on a tray and refrigerate until baking.

2. Can I use full sized hot dogs
Yes. Cut them into thirds for the perfect bite size.

3. How do I keep them warm for parties
Serve on a warming tray or reheat in small batches during the event.

4. Can this be made vegetarian
Absolutely. Use plant-based mini sausages and follow the same instructions.

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