Express Pigs Blanket Tree

Featured in: Party Snacks

This festive appetizer features mini sausages wrapped in golden puff pastry, arranged in a charming Christmas tree shape. The pastry bakes to a flaky crisp while the buttery parsley glaze adds richness and color. Served warm alongside a tangy honey mustard dip, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings. Preparation is quick and straightforward, making it ideal for busy hosts who want to impress without fuss.

Optional toppings like Parmesan or seeds add texture, while the star-shaped cheese or pepper at the top completes a delightful presentation. Vegetarian options and alternative dips also allow for customization, ensuring everyone can enjoy this seasonal favorite.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:26:00 GMT
Golden-brown Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree arranged with a cheesy star, ready for holiday snacking. Pin
Golden-brown Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree arranged with a cheesy star, ready for holiday snacking. | grillandbites.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 my go-to holiday appetizer because guests always love the cute Christmas tree shape and the combination of savory sausages and flaky pastry.

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.
Warm and savory Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree, with parsley garnish, perfect for a Christmas appetizer. Pin
Warm and savory Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree, with parsley garnish, perfect for a Christmas appetizer. | grillandbites.com

This appetizer has become a family tradition each holiday season bringing smiles and festive cheer to our 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

Flaky puff pastry wraps mini sausages, forming a delicious Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree, served with dipping sauce. Pin
Flaky puff pastry wraps mini sausages, forming a delicious Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree, served with dipping sauce. | grillandbites.com

Enjoy this festive appetizer warm fresh from the oven for the best experience.

Recipe FAQ

What type of sausages works best?

Mini cocktail sausages are ideal due to their size, allowing easy wrapping and even baking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the wrapped sausages and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.

What substitutes can I use for the star topper?

A star-shaped piece of cheddar cheese or yellow bell pepper adds a festive touch but can be replaced with other colorful vegetables or cheese.

Is there an alternative to egg wash?

Brush with melted butter or milk for a glossy finish if avoiding eggs.

What dipping sauces complement this dish?

Honey mustard is classic, but mayonnaise mixed with honey or spicy BBQ sauce also pairs well.

Express Pigs Blanket Tree

Mini sausages wrapped in flaky pastry, arranged in a festive tree shape and served with a savory dip.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
20 min
Overall duration
35 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American/British

Output 7 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 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 tree topper)

Dipping Sauce

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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cut Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 24 strips, each about 0.6 inches wide and 4 inches long.

Phase 03

Wrap Sausages: Wrap each mini cocktail sausage with a strip of puff pastry, overlapping the ends slightly, and place seam side down on the tray.

Phase 04

Form Christmas Tree Shape: Arrange the wrapped sausages on the tray to form a Christmas tree shape by starting with one sausage at the top and increasing by one sausage per row to seven at the base, then place the star-shaped cheese or pepper at the top.

Phase 05

Apply Egg Wash: Brush the puff pastry with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Prepare Butter Mixture: While baking, combine melted butter with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.

Phase 08

Brush with Butter Mixture: Remove the baking tray from the oven and immediately brush the pastry with the butter mixture.

Phase 09

Make Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mustard, mayonnaise, and honey until smooth.

Phase 10

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk, and possibly mustard. Verify labels of sausages and pastry for additional allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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