Figs and Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (2024)

By Melissa Clark

Figs and Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (1)

Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Rating
4(560)
Notes
Read community notes

Arguably better than pigs in blankets — or, at least, more elegant — these, flaky hors d’oeuvres will be the first things to disappear at a party. The filling of chopped dried figs and prosciutto or salami is a balanced mix of savory and sweet, but feel free to substitute other dried fruit, like apricots, raisins or cranberries, for the figs. And if you can find all-butter puff pastry, it really makes a difference here, adding a deeply golden color and rich flavor.

Featured in: 3 Simple Ways to Turn Frozen Puff Pastry Into the Ultimate Party Starter

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone

    As a subscriber, you have

    10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers.

    Learn more.

    Subscribe

  • Print Options

    Include recipe photo

Advertisem*nt

Ingredients

Yield:About 2 dozen

  • 1cup/8 ounces dried figs, stems trimmed
  • Boiling water
  • All-purpose flour, for rolling
  • 1(14-ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 4ounces thinly sliced prosciutto or soppressata salami, coarsely chopped
  • 1egg, beaten
  • 3tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • Ground fennel seeds or black pepper, or a combination, for topping
  • Mustard, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    Place figs in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Let sit until soft and pliable, 5 to 10 minutes, then drain well. Coarsely chop and set aside. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Step

    2

    On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled puff pastry out about ⅛ inch thick to form a 13-by-11-inch rectangle. Using a bench scraper or knife, cut the pastry in half lengthwise so you have two long rectangles. Evenly divide the figs between the rectangles, spreading them into a 1-inch-wide strip that runs down the center of the pastry. Mound prosciutto on top of the figs.

  3. Lightly brush the long edges of the pastry with egg wash. Firmly fold the pastry over the filling to form long rolls. Cut each roll in half crosswise, then slice into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Cover with plastic or parchment and freeze for 30 minutes or refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours.

  4. Step

    4

    Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly brush the top of each roll with beaten egg and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a pinch of fennel seeds or black pepper or both. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 35 minutes. Serve with mustard on the side for dipping if you like. These are best served warm or at room temperature on the day of baking, but leftovers will keep for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Ratings

4

out of 5

560

user ratings

Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Note on this recipe and see it here.

Cooking Notes

WB

Wait … is anyone else confused by the folding/cutting directions?

Liz

Delicious but skip the mustard, I mean the wrong taste to accompany figs. Use a syrupy balsamic vinegar if people need a dip.

Krysten Chambrot, Associate Editor, New York Times Cooking

Hi, BB! Thank you for flagging. We've updated the recipe: You slice them before baking.

eb

I'm still confused about the cutting directions. Why do we cut a roll in half before slicing into 1 inch pieces? Couldn't a whole roll still be sliced into 1 inch pieces? And then how do you put it on the cutting board "seam side down"? In my mind I'm picturing balancing a dime or penny on it's edge, which seems very confusing. Is that what we are supposed to do?

kay

Step 3 says these can be refrigerated up to 6 hours. What adjustments would be required to have success if one wanted to make these a day in advance through step 3 (and bake just before serving)?

RebeccaBB

I made these as written with the addition of fresh goat cheese smeared on the pastry, then a layer of Turkish fig spread (no time to make jam), then the layer of prosciutto and topped with black pepper. Agree that the recipe is unclear about shaping and cutting. I rolled mine into two long ropes for a pinwheel. Cut the long rolls in half bc it makes it easier to carry them and fit them the freezer and fridge. Finally I cut them into bite sized pieces right before baking, cut side down. 5*

BB

You have two long rolls, then cut them in half. When do you slice them into rounds? Before or after baking?

Deborah

Tip: Trader Joe's carries all-butter puff pastry that is excellent - but only available during the winter holidays. Stock up your freezer while you can!

Laurie

Should the rolls be cut into bite size pieces before or after baking?

Hasan

In Step 3, if cutting into one-inch pieces, why cut the rolls in half first? Does that add something? Not sure what I'm missing here...

Sarah

It helps to put the rolls in the freezer for 30 min before cutting into 1" slices. Use a serrated knife. On a general note, though, for recipes like this with somewhat complicated construction, it would be super helpful to have a video. Also, some puff pastry packages are differently configured....My little puff pastry hors d'oeuvres are twice the size as the ones in the photo, despite careful measuring, rolling and placement, haha....again, please make a video....

Barbara Barran

Delicious, but a bit dry. I served them with Dijon honey mustard. I'm wondering if adding some fig jam to the dough before adding the filling would work.

TRB

I couldn’t find any dried figs but used dates. Sweet and tasty.

Avy

After reading helpful hints, I decided to battle the concern about dryness by simmering half the figs and pulsing in food processor to mix with the chopped figs rather than fig jam which could add to the sweetness some people mentioned. I sprinkled 50 grams of blue cheese on top before folding. Topped with suggestion of parmesan, fennel seeds ground and black pepper, It was a hit at the party! Leftovers wrapped in tea towel the next morning were tasty and pastry still flakey.

Jennifer

I will add, they are like grown up fig newtons!

abpenn

Delicious! Mine took more than 10 minutes longer to bake than noted (I opted for the freezing method) - I went by eye on the pastry doneness. I also cut them into individual rolls after freezing rather than before. But the ratios and taste were great.

Jennifer

I just made this recipe using refrigerated crescent roll dough. The directions on cutting are wonky. Just add the filling to long strips, fold, pinch, cut to size and more pinching to contain the filling. I added honey goat cheese and this made them better. They are okay.

Luke S

Loved this recipe. Like some other commenters, I added goat cheese, and I thought it was a great addition. Next time, I’ll use slightly fewer figs and even more goat cheese.

Charlie

I agree with some of the comments that a fig jam or jelly would be preferable over figs alone. It needs a bit more sweetness along with the savory prosciutto.

Jessica

These are good! I used prosciutto and added fig jam per the comments - I definitely think it was the move. I saw a couple people used goat cheese as well and I think it would be a good way for the filling to meld together instead of being crumbly. Overall the flavor is good — i think the puff pastry I bought was a little sketchy but I’ll try one of the more mainstream ones next time.

September Forsyth

When you cut a roll in half, it’s easier to then cut the proper sized pieces. When you start at one end, there is more of a chance that you’ll have pieces that are more narrow or large than the others. Cut roll in half, and then cut the two rolls in half continue until you have the yield for that roll.…all of your pieces when you are finished cutting should be the same size. And, as I understand it, you do cut before baking. Hope this is helpful!

Angela Gyetvan

I feel like this was good, but needs a little something- something. I added a bit of fig jam based on the note that said the puffs were a little dry. And I think next time I’ll go with poppy seeds rather than fennel. I also feel a mustard/balsamic dipping sauce would be a good addition, rather than just straight mustard. Will try again at some point. Used Trader Joe’s puff pastry, BTW.

Fiona

I have frozen one of the “logs” and just used the other. These are a huge hit with everyone.

Barbara Barran

Delicious, but a bit dry. I served them with Dijon honey mustard. I'm wondering if adding some fig jam to the dough before adding the filling would work.

Mary

I just made them and am thinking the same about fig jam rather than the diced figs.

PABlues

Made today as written using sopresseta but felt like they still needed something. The commenter’s goat cheese schmear is a great idea for next time. I found the fennel/black pepper/ parmesan topper critical.

Sandy

I eagerly anticipated making these and was frustrated when I couldn’t find puff pastry in the stores. Finally got some, made them for New Years Eve as we were having friends over. And - blah. They were ok but not great, and not a “keeper” in the opinion of all of us.

Joanne

Delicious, but difficult to cut neatly. I used both prosciutto and salami because I had only about 2 ounces of prosciutto. Even though it was a struggle to cut, I’ll make this again because it was so good.

Private notes are only visible to you.

Figs and Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What goes well with a pig in a blanket? ›

The best side dishes to serve with pigs in a blanket are mashed sweet potatoes, baked beans, mac and cheese, Toad in The Hole, green beans and potatoes, cheese dip, deviled eggs, muffin mix waffles, blooming onion, scrambled eggs, creamy coleslaw, garlic bread, potato salad, corn on the cob, and sweet potato fries.

Should pigs in a blanket be served hot or cold? ›

Serve plain or with ketchup and mustard on the side. These are best served warm or at room temperature the day they are made, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to level up pigs in a blanket? ›

15 Absolute Best Ways To Upgrade Pigs In A Blanket
  1. Brush them in garlic butter. ...
  2. Make breakfast pigs in a blanket with breakfast sausage. ...
  3. Use choux pastry instead of puff pastry. ...
  4. Skip the co*cktail wiener for a plant-based substitute. ...
  5. Swap out the mini weenies for chicken tenders. ...
  6. Stuff the weenies or hot dogs with cheese.
Feb 26, 2024

What is the original pigs in a blanket? ›

Traditionally the sausage used is a co*cktail-sized pork-based chipolata and the wrapping a streaky bacon, but variations include those using chorizo or chicken sausage, using sausages with added ingredients such as apples or chestnuts, using full-sized chipolatas, or using flavored or smoked bacon.

What else do you call pigs in a blanket? ›

Sometimes breakfast sausages wrapped in pancakes are also called pigs in a blanket. Other names for the food are franks in a blanket, franks in blanks, and wiener winks. Although, wiener winks tend to use bread and cheese in their recipe instead of biscuit dough or croissant dough.

Can I prep pigs in a blanket the night before? ›

These mini pigs in a blanket can easily be made ahead of time and heated up later for your convenience. We don't recommend freezing them prior to baking—you can choose to either assemble your crescent roll pigs in a blanket a couple of hours ahead before baking and store them in the fridge, or freeze them after baking.

What are pigs in a blanket called? ›

If you're from England, you might recognize them as a sausage wrapped in bacon. If there is more than one kind of pig-in-a-blanket, we shouldn't be surprised that it has more than one name. It also goes by kilted soldiers, franks in blanks, sausages in bathrobes, angels on horseback, roly poly, and klobasek.

How do you keep pigs in a blanket warm and not soggy? ›

You can either keep them in a low-heat oven (around 225 F degrees), and just pull out one plate-full at a time, or you can keep them warm in a slow cooker. The slow cooker method may make them a bit soggy, but it's less hands-on than the oven method.

Why are pigs in blankets Christmas? ›

Why are pigs in blankets eaten at Christmas? There are no specific known origins of pigs in blankets becoming a traditional part of the British Christmas dinner, but the first written record of the product in general goes back to 1957.

How long can you keep pigs in blankets? ›

Pigs in blankets

This stops them from being contaminated by other food, and is a good food safety rule to apply to any cooked leftovers. Pigs in blankets should be eaten within three days.

How to cut crescent rolls into triangles? ›

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into equal slices like you would slice a pizza. I usually do 12 sections. I start with cutting into 4 quadrants and then each of those 4 sections into 3. Now don't worry if you triangles aren't all perfect.

Are pigs in blankets bacon or pastry? ›

Pigs in blankets are a staple of the Christmas season. A meaty accompaniment to a traditional roast dinner, this popular sausage dish consists of co*cktail-sized chipolatas wrapped in streaky bacon.

Can you freeze homemade pigs in a blanket? ›

Yes, you can prep them ahead by wrapping the sausages and placing on a baking tray, then cover and freeze. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then remove the cover and cook as per the recipe, straight from the fridge. If you want to cook them ahead, then cook, cool, cover and freeze the bacon-wrapped-sausages.

What is pigs in a blanket slang for? ›

In the United States the term "pigs in a blanket" typically refers to hot dogs in croissant dough, but may include Vienna sausages, co*cktail or breakfast/link sausages baked inside biscuit dough or croissant dough.

Can I cook pigs in blankets the night before? ›

Tips: The sausages, bacon and glaze can all be prepared separately up to a day ahead. Keep the pigs in blankets covered in their baking dish in the fridge. The glaze can be kept in a sealed container at room temperature, just give it a good stir before use.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Last Updated:

Views: 5838

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Birthday: 1992-06-28

Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023

Phone: +6824704719725

Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator

Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.