Picture a tray of glistening, golden-brown morsels, each one a perfect bite-sized explosion of flavors. You're looking at Sweet Chilli-Glazed Pigs in Blankets, a modern twist on a classic appetizer. These savory-sweet treats combine the comfort of traditional pigs in blankets with the zesty kick of sweet chili sauce. As you contemplate serving these at your next gathering, you might wonder about their origins and how to prepare them. There's more to these little parcels than meets the eye, and understanding their background can elevate your appreciation for this crowd-pleasing dish.
Key Takeaways
- Sweet Chilli-Glazed Pigs in Blankets combine bacon-wrapped sausages with a tangy sweet chili glaze.
- The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for parties, offering a savory-sweet flavor balance.
- Preparation involves wrapping cocktail sausages with bacon, then glazing and baking until crispy.
- The sweet chili glaze typically includes sweet chili sauce, honey, and soy sauce.
- These appetizers can be made ahead and are popular at holiday gatherings and cocktail parties.
History
While the exact origins of Sweet Chilli-Glazed Pigs in Blankets are unclear, this dish is a modern twist on two classic recipes. The first, "pigs in blankets," has been a popular appetizer since the 1940s. You'll find variations of this dish across different cultures, but the basic concept remains the same: small sausages wrapped in pastry or bacon.
The sweet chili glaze, on the other hand, draws inspiration from Asian cuisine. Sweet chili sauce, a staple in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, gained popularity in Western kitchens during the late 20th century. As global flavors became more accessible, home cooks and chefs began experimenting with fusion recipes.
The combination of these two elements – the traditional pigs in blankets and the sweet chili glaze – likely emerged in the early 2000s as part of the growing trend of updating classic recipes with international flavors.
You'll often see this dish at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and cocktail parties, where it's prized for its balance of savory and sweet flavors. Its popularity has grown steadily, becoming a favorite among those looking for a unique twist on a familiar appetizer.
Recipe
Sweet Chilli-Glazed Pigs in Blankets are a delicious twist on the classic appetizer, combining savory bacon-wrapped sausages with a tangy and sweet chili glaze. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a special treat for any occasion.
With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare yet delivers a burst of flavor that will impress your guests. The combination of smoky bacon, juicy sausages, and the sticky-sweet chili glaze creates a perfect balance of tastes and textures that will have everyone coming back for more.
- 24 cocktail sausages
- 12 bacon slices, cut in half
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each cocktail sausage with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Brush half of the glaze over the wrapped sausages. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is caramelized.
For best results, use thin-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up nicely around the sausages. If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
To make ahead, you can wrap the sausages in bacon and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking and glazing.
For easier serving, remove the toothpicks before presenting the dish to your guests.
Cooking Steps
To create these irresistible Sweet Chilli-Glazed Pigs in Blankets, you'll start by preheating your oven to 400°F and carefully wrapping each cocktail sausage with a half slice of bacon.
Next, you'll mix the sweet chili sauce, honey, and soy sauce to create a tantalizing glaze, which you'll brush over the bacon-wrapped sausages before baking.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 400°F
Before you begin preparing your Sweet Chilli-Glazed Pigs in Blankets, it's crucial to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your oven reaches the optimal temperature for cooking your delicious appetizers.
While your oven is heating up, you'll have time to wrap your sausages and prepare the glaze. A properly preheated oven is essential for achieving crispy bacon and caramelized glaze. It allows for even cooking and helps prevent undercooking or overcooking.
You'll want to give your oven at least 10-15 minutes to reach the desired temperature before putting in your pigs in blankets. If you have an oven thermometer, use it to verify that the temperature is accurate. Some ovens may take longer to preheat, especially older models, so plan accordingly.
While waiting, you can line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Remember, starting with a hot oven is key to creating that perfect balance of crispy bacon and juicy sausages, enveloped in a sticky-sweet chili glaze.
Step 2. Wrap Sausages With Bacon
Once your oven is preheating, it's time to wrap the sausages with bacon. Take each cocktail sausage and carefully wrap it with half a slice of bacon. As you wrap, make sure the bacon covers the sausage evenly, leaving no gaps. To secure the bacon in place, insert a toothpick through the wrapped sausage, ensuring it pierces both ends of the bacon.
Continue this process until all 24 sausages are wrapped. As you work, place the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange them in neat rows, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking.
If you're preparing these in advance, you can cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, make sure to remove the wrapped sausages from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. This step ensures even cooking and helps the bacon crisp up nicely.
Step 3. Mix Glaze Ingredients
Ready to create the mouthwatering glaze for your Sweet Chilli-Glazed Pigs in Blankets? This simple yet flavorful mixture will transform your bacon-wrapped sausages into an irresistible appetizer.
To begin, you'll need a small bowl and three key ingredients: sweet chili sauce, honey, and soy sauce.
Measure out 1/2 cup (120 ml) of sweet chili sauce and pour it into the bowl. This forms the base of your glaze, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat.
Next, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of honey to enhance the sweetness and create a sticky texture that'll caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Finally, incorporate 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of soy sauce, which adds a savory depth and helps to balance the sweet elements.
Using a whisk or fork, thoroughly combine these ingredients until they're well blended. The resulting glaze should have a smooth, slightly thick consistency.
If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. Your glaze is now ready to be brushed onto the wrapped sausages before and during baking.
Step 4. Brush Glaze on Sausages
With your glaze prepared, it's time to give those bacon-wrapped sausages a tantalizing coating. Using a pastry brush or silicone basting brush, generously apply half of the sweet chili glaze mixture to the wrapped sausages.
Make sure you're covering each piece evenly, allowing the glaze to seep into the crevices between the bacon and sausage. Don't worry if some of the glaze drips onto the baking sheet; this will create delicious caramelized bits as it cooks.
As you brush, take care not to disturb the bacon wrapping or dislodge the toothpicks. If you notice any loose bacon, this is a good opportunity to secure it more tightly.
Remember, you'll be using only half of the glaze at this stage, so don't be tempted to use it all. The remaining glaze will be applied later in the cooking process to create layers of flavor and ensure a sticky, glossy finish.
Once you've brushed all the sausages, they're ready for their first stint in the oven, where the glaze will begin to work its magic, infusing the meat with its sweet and tangy essence.
Step 5. Bake Until Bacon Crisps
The moment of truth has arrived as you place your glazed pigs in blankets into the preheated oven. Watch closely as the bacon begins to sizzle and crisp around the juicy sausages. The tantalizing aroma of sweet chili and smoky bacon will soon fill your kitchen, building anticipation for the delicious treats to come.
After about 15 minutes, you'll notice the bacon starting to turn golden brown. This is your cue to remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully brush the remaining glaze over the partially cooked pigs in blankets, ensuring each one is evenly coated. The warm sausages will readily absorb this second layer of flavor.
Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. During this final stretch, keep a watchful eye on your creations. You're looking for that perfect balance: bacon that's crispy and caramelized, but not burnt.
The glaze should be bubbling and sticky, forming a glossy coating on each morsel. Once you've achieved this ideal state, remove the pigs in blankets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Chilli-Glazed Pigs in Blankets offer a delightful twist on a classic appetizer. You'll find that these bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to elegant parties. The combination of savory sausages, crispy bacon, and sweet-tangy glaze creates a flavor explosion that'll have your guests raving.
Remember, the key to success lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Don't rush the cooking process; allow the bacon to crisp up properly and the glaze to caramelize for the best results.
If you're short on time, you can prepare these in advance and simply bake them when you're ready to serve.
For a personalized touch, experiment with different types of sausages or bacon. You might even try adding herbs or spices to the glaze for an extra kick.
Whether you're serving these as an appetizer or a fun party snack, they're sure to be a hit. With their irresistible aroma and eye-catching appearance, Sweet Chilli-Glazed Pigs in Blankets will undoubtedly become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.
