Express Pigs Blanket Tree

Featured in: Global Kitchen

This festive appetizer features mini sausages wrapped in delicate puff pastry, arranged in a charming Christmas tree shape. The golden pastry is brushed with egg wash, baked until crisp, then coated with a savory butter and parsley glaze. Served warm alongside a honey mustard-mayo dip, it offers a delightful blend of flaky texture and juicy sausage. Ideal for quick preparation, it's a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for holiday entertaining.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:30:00 GMT
Golden brown Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree, ready to serve with mustard dipping sauce. Save
Golden brown Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree, ready to serve with mustard dipping sauce. | tastychuck.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.

I enjoy making this for holiday parties because it combines fun presentation with delicious finger food that everyone loves.

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 eg 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.
Save
| tastychuck.com

This recipe always brings smiles at family gatherings especially when the kids help arrange the sausages into the tree shape.

Notes

Great with ketchup BBQ sauce or cranberry sauce as alternate dips

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

Perfectly baked Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree, showcasing savory sausages in festive style. Save
Perfectly baked Express Pigs in Blanket Christmas Tree, showcasing savory sausages in festive style. | tastychuck.com

This quick festive appetizer will make any holiday celebration more joyful and delicious.

Recipe Guide

What type of pastry is best for wrapping the sausages?

Ready-rolled puff pastry works best for a flaky and golden finish that crisps beautifully in the oven.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Yes, substituting mini cocktail sausages with vegetarian alternatives works well without sacrificing flavor.

How do I create the Christmas tree shape with the wrapped sausages?

Arrange the wrapped sausages in rows starting from one at the top, increasing by one each row to form a triangular tree shape.

What sauces pair well with this appetizer?

Honey mustard-mayo dip is classic, but ketchup, BBQ, or cranberry sauce also complement the flavors nicely.

How do I ensure the pastry is golden and crisp?

Brushing the pastry with beaten egg before baking and baking at 200°C (400°F) until puffed helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.

Express Pigs Blanket Tree

Quick, festive treat of mini sausages wrapped in golden puff pastry and shaped like a tree.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
20 min
Full duration
35 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Easy

Heritage American/British

Output 7 Portions

Nutrition Labels None specified

What 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 cheese or yellow bell pepper (for tree topper)

Dipping Sauce

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cut pastry strips: Unroll the puff pastry and slice into 24 strips, each about 0.6 inches wide and 4 inches long.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Arrange in tree shape: Arrange the wrapped sausages on the tray to form a Christmas tree shape, beginning with one sausage at the top and adding rows with increasing numbers down to seven sausages at the base. Position the star-shaped cheese or pepper at the top.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Prepare garnish mixture: While baking, combine melted butter with parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.

Phase 08

Brush with garnish: Remove from oven and immediately brush the pastry with the butter and herb mixture.

Phase 09

Mix dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, mayonnaise, and honey until smooth.

Phase 10

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

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk, and potentially mustard; verify ingredient labels for additional allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 290
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 8 g