Pigs in Blankets

What Pigs in Blankets Are and How They Are Served

Pigs in Blankets are a highly popular dish in the United Kingdom, commonly served as a side accompaniment to roasted turkey, roasted potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables during Christmas dinner. They are made from small sausages wrapped in bacon before being baked or grilled.

Possible Origins in Ancient Asia and Early Chinese Cuisine

The origins of Pigs in Blankets can be traced back to ancient Asia. Some food historians believe that the concept may have originated in ancient China, where evidence of similar dishes dates back to around 1,500 BCE. In those times, the Chinese often wrapped fish with various types of meat.

Spread of the Concept to Europe via the Silk Road

This idea may have spread to Europe via the Silk Road. Upon reaching the British Isles, the Anglo-SaxonsGermanic settlers who arrived in the regionadapted the recipe by wrapping meat with bacon or dough instead.

European Variants: Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg

There are also theories suggesting that Pigs in Blankets may have originated in Germany, as the country has a similar dish called Würstchen im Schlafrock, meaning sausages in a dressing gown, typically made with puff pastry or pancakes wrapped around sausages.

Widespread Tradition of Wrapped Sausage Dishes Across Europe

Additionally, Austria has Berner Würstel, sausages stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon, while Luxembourg has a similar dish known as Blanne Jang. These variations indicate that the concept of wrapping sausages with bacon or pastry has been widespread across Europe for centuries.

First Documented Reference Appearing in the United States

Although numerous theories attempt to explain the origins of Pigs in Blankets, the earliest clear written record actually appears in the United States. The oldest documented recipe using the name Pigs in Blankets is found in a 1940 U.S. Army cookery manual, which includes a recipe titled Pork Sausage Links (Pigs) in Blankets.

Popularization Through Mid-20th Century American Cookbooks

However, the dish became widely recognized after being featured in the 1957 cookbook Cooking for Boys and Girls by Betty Crocker. Although the recipe in the book used pastry instead of baconan American styleit played a significant role in popularizing the name.

Differences Between British and American Versions of the Dish

There is a distinct difference between British and American versions of Pigs in Blankets. In the UK, the traditional version consists of small chipolata sausages wrapped in bacon, then baked or fried, served as a classic Christmas dinner side dish. In Scotland, they are also known as Kilted Sausages, and in Ireland, Kilted Soldiers.

The American-Style Pigs in a Blanket as a Snack or Appetizer

In the United States, Pigs in a Blanket typically use Vienna sausages or other small sausages wrapped in croissant dough, biscuit dough, or pancake batter, then baked and served as snacks or appetizersoften accompanied by dipping sauces.

Rise to Christmas Fame in the 1990s

Although the dish has a long history, Pigs in Blankets only became a staple of the British Christmas dinner in the 1990s. Many sources credit this rise in popularity to Delia Smith, a renowned English cook and cookbook author, who included the dish in her Christmas cookbook, helping it gain widespread recognition.

National Recognition Through Dedicated Celebration Days

Highlighting its cultural importance, the United Kingdom declared December 12 as National Pigs in Blankets Day in 2013. Meanwhile, the United States celebrates National Pigs in a Blanket Day on April 24.

Modern Variations and Expanding Ingredient Choices

As time passed, the dish has evolved into many variations. Although chipolata sausages remain the traditional choice, modern versions include chorizo, chicken sausages, chestnut sausages, and apple-infused sausages. Bacon varieties have also expanded to include maple-cured, smoked, unsmoked, and honey-cured bacon, offering diverse flavors and aromas.

A Symbol of the Christmas Season in Contemporary UK Culture

Today, Pigs in Blankets are considered an essential component of the British Christmas meal. Leading media outlets such as Good Housekeeping and The Independent have even named them a symbol of the Christmas season.