Pigs in a blanket

A Christmas dinner serving in the UK; the pigs in blankets are at top right

In the United Kingdom, "pigs in blankets" refers to small sausages (usually chipolatas) wrapped in bacon.[1] They are a traditional accompaniment to roast turkey in a Christmas dinner.[2]

The name "pigs in blankets" in the United Kingdom is relatively recent, with the first written mention in 1957,[3] and there were previous regional variations, including "wrapped sausages". Another regional variant is "pigs in skins", although only a few use this term (bc).

The pastry versions common in the United States are only ever referred to as sausage rolls in the United Kingdom, varying in size from cocktail bites to jumbo versions that are a complete snack.

Sausage wrapped in pancakes at an IHOP.

In the United States, the term "pigs in a blanket" typically refers to hot dogs in croissant dough, but may include Vienna sausages, cocktail or breakfast/link sausages baked inside biscuit dough or croissant dough. The dough is sometimes homemade, but canned dough is most common. Pancake dough is also sometimes used, although this combination is more commonly served like a corn dog and sold as a pancake on a stick. The larger variety is served as a quick and easy main course or a light meal (particularly for children) at lunch or supper while the smaller version is served as an appetizer. In Texas, they are also referred to as "kolaches", although the term usually describes a different product.

They are also sold in the US as "franks in a blanket" or "franks in blanks".[4][5]

A sausage bun (cheung jai bau) from Hong Kong

A number of countries have similar foods with similar names.

The name can also refer to Czech-American dish, klobasnek, a sausage in kolach dough..

The German Würstchen im Schlafrock ("sausage in a dressing gown") uses sausages wrapped in puff pastry[6] or, more rarely, pancakes. Cheese and bacon are sometimes present.

In Russia, this dish is named Сосиска в тесте (Sosiska v teste, "sausage in dough").

In Israel, Moshe Ba'Teiva (Moses in the basket) is a children's dish consisting of a kosher hot dog rolled in a ketchup-covered sheet of puff pastry or phyllo dough and baked.

In Denmark, there is a dish similar to the British-style dish known as the Pølse i svøb, which means "sausage in blanket", usually sold at hot dog stands known as pølsevogn (sausage-wagons). The American-style pigs in a blanket are known as Pølsehorn, meaning "Sausage horns".

In Finland, pigs in blanket are known as nakkipiilo, which means "hidden sausage" if it is translated freely.

In Mexico, the sausage is wrapped in a tortilla and deep fried in vegetable oil. The name "salchitaco" comes from the fusion of the words salchicha (sausage) and taco (sausage taco).

In Argentina, the sausage is topped with ketchup and then wrapped in empanada dough and baked.

In both Australia and New Zealand, pig in a blanket is a cocktail frankfurter wrapped in bacon or puff pastry.

In China, a Chinese sausage wrapped in pastry is called "Lap Cheong Bao" and is steamed rather than baked. In southern Canton, particularly Hong Kong, a sausage wrapped in pastry is called cheung jai bau (腸仔包) or "hot dog bun" and is baked instead of being steamed.

In Estonia, they are referred to as "viineripirukas", which means "sausage pastry".

In Serbia, the dish has a name "rol viršla", lit. "(hot) dog roll". Rol viršla is a very popular type of fast food in Serbia.

In Italy, particularly in the Sicily region, a similar preparation is made and sold as fast food or in bakeries.

In Belgium, this is a traditional dish from the city of Namur, where it is called "avisance". Historically it was a sausage or sausage meat in bread dough, replaced nowadays with puff pastry.[7]

• Retro Shack: The Hot Dog Goes Haute