Express Pigs in Blanket Tree

Featured in: Snack Laughs

This delightful dish showcases mini sausages enveloped in flaky puff pastry, arranged creatively into a Christmas tree shape. The pastry is brushed with beaten egg and baked until golden and crisp. After baking, a buttery parsley mixture is brushed on for added flavor. Served with a tangy mustard-mayo-honey dipping sauce, it’s a quick, savory appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Variations include vegetarian options and different seed toppings for extra texture.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Golden, flaky Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree arranged with a cheesy star on a baking sheet. Save
Golden, flaky Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree arranged with a cheesy star on a baking sheet. | nachohaha.com

A festive, fun, and speedy appetizer featuring mini sausages wrapped in golden puff pastry arranged in a charming Christmas tree shape—perfect for holiday gatherings.

This appetizer was a hit at our last holiday party. Everyone loved how cute and tasty the pigs in blankets looked and tasted.

Ingredients

  • Sausages: 24 mini cocktail sausages (about 350 g)
  • Pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g) ready-rolled puff pastry, 1 large egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional), 1 star-shaped piece of cheddar or yellow bell pepper (for the tree topper)
  • Dipping Sauce: 4 tbsp Dijon or honey mustard, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp honey

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 24 strips each about 1.5 cm wide and 10 cm long.
Step 3:
Wrap each mini sausage with a strip of pastry slightly overlapping the ends. Place the seam side down.
Step 4:
Arrange the wrapped sausages on the tray in a Christmas tree shape start with a single sausage at the top then make each subsequent row with one more sausage forming a triangular tree (e.g. 1 2 3 up to 7 at the base). Place the star-shaped cheese or pepper at the trees top.
Step 5:
Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 6:
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 7:
Meanwhile mix the melted butter with parsley and (if using) Parmesan.
Step 8:
Remove the tree from the oven and immediately brush with the butter mixture.
Step 9:
For the dipping sauce combine mustard mayonnaise and honey in a small bowl.
Step 10:
Serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
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This recipe brings my family together every Christmas we enjoy making and eating these adorable treats.

Required Tools

Baking tray, Sharp knife, Pastry brush, Small mixing bowls

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten), egg, milk, and possibly mustard. Check sausage and pastry labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 290, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 20 g, Protein 8 g per serving

Mouthwatering holiday appetizer: puff pastry-wrapped Express Pigs in Blanket, ready to serve with mustard dip. Save
Mouthwatering holiday appetizer: puff pastry-wrapped Express Pigs in Blanket, ready to serve with mustard dip. | nachohaha.com

With these tips your pigs in blanket Christmas tree will be a festive centerpiece sure to impress.

Recipe FAQ

What type of pastry is best for wrapping the sausages?

Ready-rolled puff pastry works best for its flaky texture and quick preparation, creating a golden, crisp exterior when baked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the wrapped sausages a few hours ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving to maintain crispness.

Are there alternative toppings for the tree?

Yes, a star-shaped piece of cheddar or yellow bell pepper makes a festive topper; you can also use other colorful vegetables.

What dipping sauces complement this appetizer?

A mustard, mayonnaise, and honey mix is classic, but ketchup, BBQ sauce, or cranberry sauce also pair well.

How can I make a vegetarian version?

Swap mini cocktail sausages for vegetarian alternatives and follow the same wrapping and baking steps.

Express Pigs in Blanket Tree

Mini sausages wrapped in puff pastry, arranged in a festive Christmas tree shape with buttery parsley glaze.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Carlos Vega


Complexity Easy

Heritage American/British

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements None specified

Components

Sausages

01 24 mini cocktail sausages (approximately 12.3 oz)

Pastry

01 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (approximately 8.8 oz)
02 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Garnish

01 2 tbsp melted butter
02 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
03 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
04 1 star-shaped piece of cheddar or yellow bell pepper (for the tree topper)

Dipping Sauce

01 4 tbsp Dijon or honey mustard
02 2 tbsp mayonnaise
03 1 tsp honey

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Prepare Pastry Strips: Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 24 strips roughly 0.6 inches wide and 4 inches long.

Phase 03

Wrap Sausages: Wrap each mini sausage with a strip of pastry, overlapping ends slightly, placing seam side down.

Phase 04

Shape Christmas Tree: Arrange wrapped sausages on the tray in a triangular Christmas tree formation starting with one sausage on top, then rows increasing by one sausage until seven at the base; place the star-shaped cheese or pepper at the tree top.

Phase 05

Egg Wash Application: Brush the pastry-wrapped sausages with the beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.

Phase 06

Bake Pastries: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Phase 07

Prepare Butter Mixture: Combine melted butter, chopped parsley, and optional Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

Phase 08

Brush Butter Mixture: Remove the baked tree from the oven and immediately brush the surface with the butter mixture.

Phase 09

Mix Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, blend Dijon or honey mustard, mayonnaise, and honey until smooth.

Phase 10

Serve: Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.

Tools needed

  • Baking tray
  • Sharp knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Small mixing bowls

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk, and may contain mustard; verify ingredient labels for further allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 290
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 8 g