If you’re looking for a delightfully simple and irresistible appetizer or snack, this Easy Beef Wraps (Pigs in Blankets) Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine juicy cocktail sausages wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry, baked to golden perfection with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Each bite offers a wonderful mix of savory, tender meat and crispy pastry that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether for a casual get-together or a cozy night in, these easy beef wraps are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the sausages bring that rich meaty flavor, the puff pastry adds a light, flaky texture, and the egg wash ensures a gorgeous golden finish. The seasonings enhance the taste without overwhelming it, making this dish perfectly balanced.
- Cocktail sausages: Choose good quality sausages for juicy, flavorful bites every time.
- Puff pastry: Puff pastry is the star for that buttery, flaky wrap – make sure it’s thawed but still cold for easier handling.
- Egg (beaten for egg wash): This helps your wraps turn a shiny, golden brown in the oven, adding to their visual appeal.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Pepper: Freshly cracked is best to add a gentle kick and depth.
- Optional mustard or ketchup: Great as a dipping option to bring an extra tangy or sweet contrast.
How to Make Easy Beef Wraps (Pigs in Blankets) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the puff pastry will puff up beautifully and crisp just right. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your wraps from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your puff pastry until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Not too soft or too thick – just enough to get that perfect flaky texture. Then, slice the pastry into strips roughly 1 inch wide by 4 inches long, sized perfectly for wrapping around each cocktail sausage.
Step 3: Wrap the Sausages
Take each cocktail sausage and place it snugly at the end of a pastry strip. Roll it up tightly but carefully, making sure the pastry overlaps slightly to keep everything secure as it bakes. This is where the magic happens—these little bundles will transform into golden, puffed parcels full of savory goodness.
Step 4: Brush and Season
Arrange your wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Next, brush each one with the beaten egg wash—this step is what gives the pastry that irresistible glossy finish. Finally, sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper on top to enhance every bite’s flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry has risen and turned a stunning golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be impossible to resist! Once baked, let the pigs in blankets cool just slightly to keep the pastry crisp and handle it safely.
How to Serve Easy Beef Wraps (Pigs in Blankets) Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish is all you need to elevate these beef wraps. Try sprinkling some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of your favorite mustard or ketchup on the side adds a tangy or sweet kick that complements the savory meat and crisp pastry beautifully.
Side Dishes
Easy Beef Wraps (Pigs in Blankets) Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think fresh green salads for a light balance, crispy fries for that comforting crunch, or even a creamy coleslaw to add texture and a cool contrast. These wraps are so versatile that you can tailor the sides to fit any occasion or mood.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family meals, arrange the pigs in blankets on a large board or platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or spicy mayo. You could also skewer a couple of wraps with cocktail sticks to make fun finger foods, perfect for casual snacking or entertaining guests in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store any uneaten beef wraps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered prevents the pastry from drying out, so they stay enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
This Easy Beef Wraps (Pigs in Blankets) Recipe freezes really well. Freeze them on a baking sheet first until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month. When you want a quick snack, just bake from frozen—no need to thaw!
Reheating
To reheat, place the wraps on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as this can make the pastry soggy, losing that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cocktail sausages are traditional and convenient, you can experiment with other small sausages like bratwurst bites or even chicken sausages. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before wrapping if not pre-cooked.
Is puff pastry difficult to work with?
Not at all! Puff pastry can seem intimidating at first, but keeping it chilled and working on a lightly floured surface makes it easy to roll and cut without sticking. It’s one of the secrets to achieving that perfect flaky texture.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Yes, you can assemble the wraps ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This makes last-minute preparation stress-free and lets you focus on your guests.
What’s the best way to serve these to kids?
Kids love these Easy Beef Wraps (Pigs in Blankets) Recipe because they’re fun and finger-sized. Serve them with familiar dips like ketchup or honey mustard, and maybe pair with some raw veggie sticks to round out the meal.
Are these suitable for freezing after baking?
It’s better to freeze them before baking to maintain texture and flavor. Once baked and cooled, freezing can affect the crispness of the pastry, but you can still freeze leftovers if necessary—just expect slightly softer pastry after reheating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about this Easy Beef Wraps (Pigs in Blankets) Recipe that makes it a staple for any casual gathering or snack-time craving. Its simplicity, combined with the delicious combination of flavors and textures, keeps everyone coming back for more. Give these a try—you’ll not only impress your friends and family but also enjoy a warm, tasty treat that feels like a cherished tradition.
Print
Easy Beef Wraps (Pigs in Blankets) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16 pigs in blankets)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Pigs in Blankets recipe features cocktail sausages wrapped in flaky puff pastry, baked until golden and crispy. Perfect as a savory appetizer or snack, these easy-to-make beef wraps are delicious served with mustard or ketchup for dipping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound cocktail sausages
- 1 package puff pastry (about 17.3 ounces)
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Optional: mustard or ketchup for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the puff pastry until golden and crisp.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick to get a thin, even layer for wrapping.
- Cut Pastry Strips: Using a knife, cut the puff pastry into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 4 inches long for easy wrapping around the sausages.
- Wrap Sausages: Place a cocktail sausage at one end of each pastry strip and roll it up tightly, ensuring the pastry overlaps slightly to seal the edges. Repeat with all sausages.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the wrapped sausages on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced evenly.
- Apply Egg Wash & Season: Brush the tops of the wrapped sausages with the beaten egg using a pastry brush, then sprinkle salt and freshly cracked pepper over them.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pigs in blankets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving with optional mustard or ketchup dips.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a thin layer of mustard inside the pastry before wrapping the sausage.
- Make sure the puff pastry is cold for easier handling and better puffing during baking.
- Use cocktail sausages of your choice: pork, beef, or chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- These can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake from frozen adding extra cooking time.
