The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket

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Are you looking for a change from your usual morning routine? If you’re tired of the standard cereal or toast, we understand completely. We’ve all been there, seeking something warm, savoury, and a little more exciting to begin the day. Picture the delightful scent of sizzling sausages and golden, buttery pastry wafting through your home. We have the ideal solution to elevate your morning meal: the one and only Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket.

This is far more than your typical party snack. We’re talking about hearty breakfast sausages, lovingly enrobed in a flaky pastry blanket and baked to absolute perfection. They are remarkably easy to prepare, wonderfully filling, and are a sure-fire way to delight the whole family, from sleepy children to hungry teenagers. Let’s get started and show you how to master this wonderful morning delicacy.

What Exactly Are Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket?

The phrase “pigs in a blanket” might bring to mind the traditional British canapé of small cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon. While we adore those, our breakfast version is a different yet equally delicious creation. For this recipe, we replace the bacon with a buttery pastry—such as puff pastry or crescent roll dough—and opt for full-sized breakfast sausages.

The outcome is a marvellous blend of textures and tastes. You enjoy the rich, savoury flavour of a quality sausage alongside the light, crisp crunch of the pastry. It’s essentially a more enjoyable, hand-held take on a sausage roll, which makes it an easy breakfast recipe that’s ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch, a festive holiday morning, or even as a convenient on-the-go meal during a busy week.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

We are certain that this recipe will soon become a favourite in your household. Here is why we believe it stands out as one of the best breakfast ideas you can try:

Wonderfully Straightforward: Requiring just a few basic ingredients and very little preparation, you can have these ready for the oven in a matter of minutes.
A Hit with All Ages: This is a proven crowd-pleaser. Children love them, and we find that adults can never resist them either.
Perfectly Versatile: Feel free to customise them with your preferred sausages, add a little cheese, or pair them with an array of delicious dipping sauces.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble them the evening before and simply bake them in the morning for a stress-free and delicious start to your day.

The Essential Ingredients for Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket

The charm of this recipe is rooted in its simplicity. There is no need for an extensive shopping list or complicated ingredients to produce something truly delightful. Here is what you will need to have on hand:

Breakfast Sausages: A single pack of 8 high-quality pork sausages. We suggest Cumberland or Lincolnshire for their classic, herby notes, but you should use whichever kind you enjoy most.
Ready-Rolled Puff Pastry: One 320g sheet of all-butter, ready-rolled puff pastry. Using a pre-rolled sheet is a brilliant time-saver, and the all-butter type offers the richest flavour and flakiest texture.
Large Egg: One large, free-range egg, which will be beaten. This creates the egg wash that gives the pastry its appealing golden sheen.
Optional Toppings: A scattering of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a little grated Cheddar can add extra flavour and an interesting texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions: The Perfect Method

Are you ready to whip up some breakfast magic? Just follow our simple guide to achieve flawless, golden-brown pigs in a blanket every time. This is a fantastic version of what some might call sausage rolls for breakfast.

Cook the Sausages First: Begin by gently frying or grilling your sausages for around 10–15 minutes until they are cooked through but not too brown. This initial cooking is vital, as it ensures the sausages are perfectly done inside the pastry without causing it to become soggy. After cooking, let them cool down a little.
Get the Oven Ready: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / Gas Mark 6). To prevent any sticking, line a large baking tray with a sheet of baking parchment.
Prepare the Pastry: Unfurl your sheet of puff pastry on a surface that has been lightly dusted with flour. With a sharp knife or a pizza wheel, cut the pastry into 8 long, evenly-sized strips, about 1.5 inches in width.
Time to Get Rolling: Take a cooked sausage and a pastry strip. Begin at one end of the sausage and gently wind the pastry around it in a spiral, making sure the edges overlap slightly. Pinch the pastry at both ends to create a secure seal.
Arrange on the Tray: Position the wrapped sausage on your prepared baking tray. Continue this with the rest of the sausages and pastry, leaving a small gap between each one to give them room to expand as they bake.
Apply the Egg Wash: With a pastry brush, coat the tops of the pastry with the beaten egg. This is the key to getting that rich, glossy, golden-brown appearance. If you plan to use toppings, now is the perfect moment to sprinkle them on.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. They are ready when the pastry has puffed up, looks flaky, and has turned a lovely golden-brown colour.
Let Them Rest, Then Serve: Take the tray out of the oven and allow the breakfast pigs in a blanket to cool for a few minutes before you serve them. They are best enjoyed warm with your chosen dipping sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Flawless Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket

Are you keen to elevate your breakfast creations? Here are a few of our favourite tips for customising your recipe and guaranteeing perfect results on every occasion.

Choosing the Right Sausages

The sausage is undoubtedly the main attraction, so it pays to choose a good one! While classic pork sausages are a superb choice, we encourage you to experiment. Spicy chorizo, apple-infused pork sausages, or even high-quality vegetarian sausages can work beautifully. Just remember to cook them through before wrapping.

The Pastry Predicament: Puff vs. Crescent

We have suggested puff pastry to achieve that classic, flaky texture reminiscent of a British sausage roll. However, you can also create fantastic crescent roll breakfast sausages by using ready-made crescent roll dough, which is a popular choice in many American recipes. This will result in a softer, more bread-like blanket. Both options are delicious—it simply depends on your personal taste! To learn more about different pastry varieties, take a look at this fantastic guide on how to use pastry from BBC Good Food.

Getting That Perfect Golden Glaze

For a truly professional-looking finish, the egg wash is essential. For an even richer golden hue, you could use just the egg yolk mixed with a dash of milk. If there’s an egg allergy to consider, a light brush with milk or a plant-based milk alternative will also help the pastry to brown nicely.

Adding Extra Flavour

Here is your chance to be truly creative. Before you wrap the sausages, consider spreading a thin layer of something flavourful onto the pastry strips. A few of our favourite ideas include:

A touch of English mustard for a classic, peppery kick.
Caramelised onion chutney for a delightful sweet and savoury note.
A light sprinkle of grated cheese (Cheddar or Parmesan are excellent choices) for a gooey, melted centre.

These simple additions can elevate your pigs in blankets with pastry into a truly gourmet experience.

Serving and Dipping Sauce Suggestions

While these are delightful on their own, pairing them with a dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Here are a few of our go-to accompaniments:

Classic Tomato Ketchup: A timeless choice that never disappoints.
HP Brown Sauce: A quintessentially British condiment that complements pork wonderfully.
Honey Mustard Dip: A simple yet tasty blend of wholegrain mustard and runny honey.
Spicy Chilli Jam: For those who appreciate a balance of sweet and heat.

To create a more substantial meal, serve them with scrambled eggs, a side of baked beans, or a fresh fruit salad. They form part of a well-rounded and satisfying breakfast or brunch. If you are looking for other simple and comforting meal ideas, you might like to try The Ultimate Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Wraps for a quick midweek dinner.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how easily it can be prepared in advance, which helps to make your mornings even more relaxed.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Of course! You can fully assemble the pigs in a blanket (stopping just before adding the egg wash), arrange them on a baking tray, cover it securely with cling film, and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to eat, simply brush them with the egg wash and bake as instructed, perhaps adding a minute or two to the total cooking time.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

In the unlikely event that you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, we highly recommend avoiding the microwave, as this can make the pastry go soft. Instead, arrange them on a baking tray in an oven preheated to 180°C and warm them for 5–7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the pastry is crisp again. You can also freeze them, either before or after baking, for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use vegetarian sausages?: Yes, absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with vegetarian or vegan sausages. Simply cook them according to the package directions before you wrap them in pastry. If you’re aiming for a fully vegan version, ensure you use a vegan-friendly puff pastry and a plant-based milk for the wash instead of an egg.
My pastry is soggy on the bottom. What went wrong?: A soggy base is typically the result of too much moisture. Make certain that your sausages are not overly greasy and have had a moment to cool before you wrap them. It is also crucial that your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature, as the initial blast of heat helps the bottom of the pastry to cook quickly and become crisp. For more brilliant comfort food recipes, have a look at our guide for Tasty Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes Delicious Easy.
What’s the difference between these and regular sausage rolls?: The primary distinction lies in the wrapping style and the kind of sausage used. A traditional sausage roll generally involves using sausage meat (with the casing removed), which is then enclosed within a larger pastry piece, often formed into a log and then sliced. Our breakfast-style recipe uses whole sausages wrapped in a spiral of pastry, giving them a unique appearance and a different sausage-to-pastry balance.
Can I make these in an air fryer?: Yes, you certainly can. Cook them in the air fryer at approximately 180°C for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the sausage is piping hot. Depending on the capacity of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in a couple of batches.

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Breakfast Awaits

So, there you have it—a complete guide to creating the most delicious and family-pleasing Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket. This wonderfully simple yet impressive recipe is the ideal way to enhance your weekend breakfast, mark a special occasion, or just treat yourself and your family to something truly comforting.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to gather your ingredients and prepare to make the most delightful Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket your family has ever had. We would be thrilled to see how yours turn out! Please share your pictures and tag us on social media, or leave a comment below to tell us how you found the recipe.