Christmas Sides & Snacks

Festive Pigs in Blankets Bao Buns

A festive twist on classic pigs in blankets, served in fluffy bao buns with pickled cabbage, fresh vegetables and a sticky sweet chilli glaze.

5 (1 review)
By Ricky Robinson Updated December 2, 2025

Pigs in blankets are a Christmas staple, but this recipe gives them a proper upgrade. Instead of serving them on the side of your roast dinner, they go inside soft, pillowy bao buns with pickled red cabbage, crunchy vegetables, and a sticky sweet chilli glaze that brings everything together. It's the sort of thing that works brilliantly for Boxing Day when you've got leftover sausages and bacon, or as party food when you want something a bit different.

The sweet chilli glaze (made with chilli jam, honey, soy sauce and rice vinegar) adds a sticky, glossy finish that transforms ordinary pigs in blankets into something special.

The beauty of this dish is in the contrast of textures and flavours. You've got the savoury, crispy bacon wrapped around juicy sausages, the soft bao buns, the sharp tang from the pickled cabbage, and the fresh crunch from cucumber and radishes. The glaze ties it all together with a balance of sweet, spicy and savoury notes. If you're using shop-bought pigs in blankets, this becomes even easier. Just glaze them and assemble. Either way, it's proper festive food with an Asian-inspired twist.

Festive Pigs in Blankets Bao Buns recipe image

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Festive Pigs in Blankets Bao Buns

The toppings are where you can have a bit of fun with this. Pomegranate seeds add little bursts of sweetness and a jewel-like pop of colour that makes these buns look festive. Fresh coriander brings brightness, while the spring onions and red chilli give you layers of flavour and a bit of heat. You don't need to stick rigidly to the toppings listed, use what you've got in the fridge. Sliced cucumber and radishes provide that essential crunch, but you could also add shredded lettuce or pickled ginger if you fancy it.

These bao buns are perfect for entertaining because you can prep most of the components ahead of time. The pickled cabbage keeps for ages in the fridge, the vegetables can be sliced earlier in the day, and the glaze takes minutes to mix together. On the day, you just need to bake the pigs in blankets, heat the buns, and let everyone assemble their own. It's interactive, colourful, and a guaranteed conversation starter at any festive gathering.

Festive Pigs in Blankets Bao Buns

Bacon Bao buns Sausages
Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
Calories 380 cal
Protein 16g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Baking Tray
  • Small Bowl
  • Oven

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  2. 2
    Cut each bacon slice in half and separate the cocktail sausages. Wrap a piece of bacon around each cocktail sausage and place on a baking tray. If using shop-bought pigs in blankets, skip to step 4 (cook according to packet).
  3. 3
    Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. 4
    In a small bowl, mix together the chilli jam, honey, soy sauce and rice vinegar to make the glaze.
  5. 5
    Remove the sausages from the oven and brush generously with the glaze. Return to the oven for 5 minutes until sticky and shiny.
  6. 6
    Heat the bao buns according to packet instructions.
  7. 7
    To assemble, open each bao bun and fill with a layer of pickled red cabbage, then add 2 glazed pigs in blankets per bun.
  8. 8
    Top with cucumber batons, sliced radishes, chopped spring onions and red chilli. Sprinkle over fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds.
  9. 9
    Serve immediately while warm.

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Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

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Storage

The glazed pigs in blankets can be made up to 2 hours ahead and kept warm in a low oven. Assemble the bao buns just before serving to keep the buns soft and the vegetables crisp.

Variations

For a spicier version, add sriracha or extra chopped chilli to the glaze. You could also swap the pickled red cabbage for kimchi for a more authentic Korean twist, or use mini hot dogs instead of cocktail sausages.

Festive Pigs in Blankets Bao Buns

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