Sausages Wrapped in Bacon: Names, Recipes, and Cooking Tips

Sausages wrapped in bacon, sometimes called “pigs in blankets”, are a beloved appetizer or main course. The salty, savory combination of the pork sausage and smoky bacon is hard to resist!

But if you’re new to cooking sausages wrapped in bacon you may have some questions. What are the different names for them? How do you wrap them properly? What are the best cooking methods? Read on for a complete guide to mastering pigs in blankets.

Names for Sausages Wrapped in Bacon

Here are some common names used for sausages wrapped in bacon:

• Pigs in a blanket
• Pigs in blankets (plural)
• Little piggies
• Devils on horseback – when the sausage is wrapped around a pitted date instead of alone
• Angels on horseback – when an oyster is wrapped in bacon instead of a sausage
• Hedgehogs – used in the UK and elsewhere
• Toad in the hole – sausages baked into Yorkshire pudding batter
• Baconey boys
• Bacon babies

The term “pigs in a blanket” is the most widely used in the United States and Canada. The plural “pigs in blankets” is probably the most common name you’ll see in recipes.

Different Ways to Wrap Sausages in Bacon

Wrapping sausages in bacon is easy once you get the hang of it. Here are some techniques:

• Basic wrap: Place one strip of bacon on a flat surface. Put the sausage at one end of the bacon strip and roll the bacon around the sausage until fully wrapped.

• Toothpick secure: After wrapping the bacon around the sausage, insert a toothpick through the bacon seam to hold it together. This prevents unravelling.

• Flag wrap: Place the sausage diagonally on the bacon strip. Roll the bacon around the sausage, leaving bacon flap ends sticking out on each side like a flag.

• Braid wrap: Lay two strips of bacon parallel to each other with some space between. Place the sausage perpendicular to the bacon strips. Wrap one strip of bacon around the sausage, then wrap the other strip around in the opposite direction to create a braid effect.

Cooking Methods for Pigs in Blankets

There are several ways to cook sausages wrapped in bacon.

• Baking: One of the most popular cooking methods is baking. Place the wrapped sausages on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400F for 20-35 minutes until the bacon is browned and sausage is cooked through. Turn halfway during baking.

• Grilling: Pigs in blankets can also be grilled for a smoky flavor. Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes if desired.

• Air frying: For a quick and crisp result, air fry at 380F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Brush with oil or sauce first if needed.

• Pan frying: Cook in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil, turning frequently, until bacon is browned and sausage cooked, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

• Slow cooker: Add wrapped sausages to a slow cooker with sliced onion and 1/2 cup broth. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until heated through.

Pairing Sausages and Bacon

Choosing complementary sausages and bacon can take your pigs in blankets to the next level.

• Sausages: Flavors like cheddar bratwurst, Italian sausage, chorizo, andouille, or apple chicken sausage pair well with bacon’s saltiness. Mini smoked sausages work perfectly.

• Bacon: Look for high-quality, thick-cut smoked bacon. Flavors like peppered, maple, or applewood complement sausages. Turkey bacon is a leaner option.

Serving Ideas for Pigs in Blankets

Pigs in blankets make fantastic appetizers for parties and game day. Or serve them as a main course or side dish. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• Appetizer platter with mustard, ketchup, or barbecue sauce for dipping

• Slider or sub sandwiches topped with cheese, onion, avocado, etc.

• On top of mac and cheese or baked potatoes

• Over a salad or baked beans

• Alongside eggs and breakfast potatoes

• On a breakfast sandwich or breakfast pizza

• Part of a surf and turf dinner with steak or lobster

• In luau recipes like pineapple pigs in a blanket

With so many wrapping techniques and serving possibilities, there’s no limit to how creative you can get with pigs in blankets! Try out different flavor combinations until you find your favorite.

Top Recipe Ideas

Here are some stellar recipes for pigs in blankets to try:

Easy Baked Pigs in Blankets

• Ingredients: Smoked mini sausages, bacon strips, brown sugar, maple syrup
• Prep: Wrap sausages in bacon, secure with toothpicks
• Bake in the oven at 400F for 20-25 until browned and cooked through
• Brush with a brown sugar and maple syrup glaze last 5 minutes

Pigs in a Pretzel Blanket

• Wrap sausages in bacon, then wrap in rectangle-shaped soft pretzels
• Bake at 375F for 22-28 minutes until pretzels are browned and sausages cooked through

Pineapple Pigs in Blankets

• Wrap sausages in bacon and secure with toothpicks
• Bake at 400F for 15 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet
• Toss cooked pigs in blankets in a pineapple juice and soy sauce mixture
• Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds

Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets

• Wrap sausages in bacon and secure with toothpicks
• Air fry at 380F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway
• Toss in buffalo wing sauce or barbecue sauce after cooking

Slow Cooker Little Piggies

• Wrap sausages in bacon and add to slow cooker
• Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and sliced onions
• Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours

Pigs in a Blanket Sliders

• Wrap mini smoked sausages in bacon strips
• Bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through
• Place in slider buns and top with desired fixings like cheese, ketchup, mustard, etc.

Mastering Sausages in Bacon

Hopefully you now have all the info you need to wrap sausages in bacon perfectly! Start with high-quality ingredients, use the wrapping method you prefer, and cook with your chosen technique. Top with fun sauces and sides, or incorporate into slider and sandwich recipes.

With so many flavors to work with, let your creativity run wild. Try sweet maple pigs in blankets, spicy andouille versions, or fusion recipes with pineapple and soy. The possibilities are endless for this classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

So next time you’re meal planning, consider adding pigs in blankets into the mix! Just follow these tips for fantastically bacon-wrapped sausages every time. Who can resist that salty, savory combination? And with such a fun name, they’re sure to generate smiles around your dinner table.