Express Pigs in Blanket Tree

Featured in: Starlit Suppers

This festive dish features mini sausages wrapped in flaky puff pastry, arranged in a Christmas tree shape for an eye-catching appetizer. The golden, buttery pastry is brushed with egg wash and topped with a star-shaped garnish for an extra festive touch. Served with a honey mustard dipping sauce, it combines savory and sweet flavors perfect for holiday gatherings. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a simple yet delightful addition to any celebration spread.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:18:00 GMT
Beautiful golden-brown Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree on a baking sheet, ready to serve with mustard. Save It
Beautiful golden-brown Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree on a baking sheet, ready to serve with mustard. | zetluna.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 recipe has become a holiday staple in my family because everyone loves the festive look and the delicious, savory taste.

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

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
Prepare Pastry:
Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 24 strips each about 1.5 cm wide and 10 cm long.
Wrap Sausages:
Wrap each mini sausage with a strip of pastry slightly overlapping the ends. Place the seam side down.
Shape Tree:
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.
Egg Wash:
Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake:
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Prepare Garnish:
Meanwhile mix the melted butter with parsley and (if using) Parmesan.
Brush Garnish:
Remove the tree from the oven and immediately brush with the butter mixture.
Make Sauce:
For the dipping sauce combine mustard mayonnaise and honey in a small bowl.
Serve:
Serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
Save It
| zetluna.com

This dish always brings my family together and is guaranteed to be a hit at holiday gatherings.

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

Enjoy delicious, flaky, and savory Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree shaped like a holiday centerpiece, perfect for dipping. Save It
Enjoy delicious, flaky, and savory Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree shaped like a holiday centerpiece, perfect for dipping. | zetluna.com

This easy appetizer will add a festive touch to any holiday celebration.

Common Questions About Recipes

What type of pastry is used for wrapping the sausages?

Ready-rolled puff pastry provides a flaky and golden wrap that crisps beautifully during baking.

Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the wrapped sausages and refrigerate them for a short period before baking to save time.

What can I use as a vegetarian alternative?

Vegetarian sausages can replace the mini cocktail sausages to accommodate dietary preferences.

How do I achieve a golden finish on the pastry?

Brushing the puff pastry with a beaten egg before baking helps create a shiny, golden crust.

What sauces pair well with this dish?

Honey mustard dipping sauce complements it nicely, and alternatives like ketchup, BBQ, or cranberry sauce also work well.

Express Pigs in Blanket Tree

Festive mini sausages wrapped in golden puff pastry, arranged in a charming Christmas tree shape.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Overall Time
35 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Starlit Suppers

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American/British

Recipe Output 7 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs None specified

The Ingredients You'll Need

Sausages

01 24 mini cocktail sausages (approximately 12 oz)

Pastry

01 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (approximately 9 oz)
02 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Garnish

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

Dipping Sauce

01 4 tablespoons Dijon or honey mustard
02 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 1 teaspoon honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cut puff pastry strips: Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 24 strips about 0.6 inch wide and 4 inches long.

Step 03

Wrap sausages with pastry: Wrap each mini sausage with a pastry strip, slightly overlapping the ends, and place seam side down.

Step 04

Arrange sausages in Christmas tree shape: Arrange the wrapped sausages on the tray forming a triangular tree: start with 1 at the top, followed by rows of 2, 3, up to 7 at the base, and place the star-shaped cheese or pepper at the top.

Step 05

Apply egg wash: Brush the pastry with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Prepare butter glaze: Mix the melted butter with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.

Step 08

Glaze baked pastry: Remove the tree from the oven and immediately brush with the butter mixture.

Step 09

Mix dipping sauce: Combine Dijon or honey mustard, mayonnaise, and honey in a small bowl.

Step 10

Serve warm: Serve the pastry warm alongside the prepared dipping sauce.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk, and possibly mustard; verify sausage and pastry labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 290
  • Fats: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Proteins: 8 grams