From Victorian Times to Your Table: The Origin of Pigs in Blankets

Even in the middle of summer, it’s hard not to start thinking about those delicious festive flavours. One classic that always stands out at Christmas is pigs in blankets; those tasty little sausages wrapped in crispy bacon. They’ve been a much-loved part of festive traditions for generations. But there’s more to them than just being delicious. Let’s look back at where pigs in blankets came from, and how they’ve become a staple on our Christmas tables today.

The Humble Beginnings

The origins of pigs in blankets go all the way back to the Victorian era, a time when cooks were both inventive and practical. Using up leftover ingredients was important, and wrapping sausages in bacon made for a simple, hearty, and flavourful dish. The name ‘pigs in blankets’ likely came from this period too, a playful way to describe sausages tucked snugly in their bacon ‘blankets’.

From grand houses to humble homes, the idea caught on quickly. Its tasty appeal and easy preparation helped pigs in blankets become popular across all walks of life.

A Quintessentially British Classic

Nowadays, pigs in blankets are a must-have for Christmas lunch. Made with small cocktail sausages wrapped in streaky bacon, they’re the perfect accompaniment to any roast including roast turkey, crispy potatoes, and all the trimmings. 

From Seasonal Treat to Year-Round Favourite

Interestingly, pigs in blankets weren’t always a Christmas-associated dish. They appeared at all sorts of celebrations throughout the year. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that they became firmly connected with the festive season, probably because their rich, indulgent taste fits so well with festive feasting. 

Bringing Tradition to Your Table

Whether you’re keeping up a family tradition or discovering pigs in blankets for the first time, there’s something special about sharing this timeless dish. It’s more than just food, it’s about warmth, togetherness, and celebration, values that have remained unchanged since Victorian times. 

Copas Farm Shop can make your festive preparation easier with our own Pigs in Blankets Kits, packed with everything you need in one place. Containing delicious chipolata sausages and unsmoked streaky bacon, these could be your best pigs in blankets yet!