Posh Piggies Game Day snacks are my spiffed up version of the classic Pigs in a Blanket. They are easier to make, and with an Apricot Mustard Dip, very hard to resist!
I love me some little piggies in blankets. Pretty much anything wrapped in bread I'm good with! Don't judge.
So I'm keen to make those classic snacks when duty calls. But I've come up with a spiffed up version, that's faster to make, looks pretty fabulous on the table and tastes amazing.
In this article you'll learn:
- How to elevate classic pigs in a blanket into a refined game-day snack using store-bought puff pastry and sweet Italian sausage.
- My test-kitchen tip for ensuring flaky, golden pastry and juicy sausage bites that hold up on a crowded snack table.
- How to make a unique, tangy apricot mustard dip to go with these bites.
- Serving and presentation ideas for big gatherings like playoff watch parties and casual get-togethers.
- How to prep ahead so you can spend more time with guests and less time tied to the oven.
Generated with AI and experts from the Tara Teaspoon team.
For Game Day, and let's be honest, we are talking about THE GAME, I like to fill my table with snacks and nibbles to last for hours. The Super Bowl isn't short people!
I watch the Super Bowl for the commercials and the Posh Piggies!
Not much of a football fan (really any sport on TV—I'd much rather go to a game and have a blast than listen to the incessant commentating), I watch for the commercials and the game day snacks. Since I'm the cook around here, I get to come up with the menu by myself!
Instead of slaving away over tiny wrapped Pigs in a Blanket I simplified the savory snack. One sheet of store bought puff pastry (I like Pepperidge Farm, but there are other brands out there for sure. It's consistent and easy to find), some sweet Italian sausage links and a simple dip gets you complete delicious success.
The Best Elevated Pigs in a Blanket for Game Day
When you’re planning your game day menu or hosting a party, you want appetizers that are easy to eat, guaranteed crowd-pleasers, and still feel a little special.
These sausage puff pastry bites deliver on all counts. I took the classic pigs in a blanket and turned them into an elevated version that’s simple to make yet impressive to serve.
The puff pastry bakes into buttery, flaky layers, the sweet Italian sausage adds rich flavor, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds gives each bite a polished, professional touch.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Sausage: You could use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a little heat, or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Pastry: If you can’t find puff pastry, you could use refrigerated crescent dough, though the texture will be slightly different.
- Dip: Swap apricot jam for mango chutney or peach preserves for a seasonal twist. Use honey mustard if you’re aiming for a milder flavor.
Serving and Prep Tips
These bites are perfect for passing around at a sports-watching event, cocktail hour, or buffet.
Because they’re served on toothpicks and can be eaten without utensils, they work beautifully for a casual standing crowd.
If you’re prepping ahead, you can assemble the bites a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Then simply bake just before guests arrive.
Use a fluted cutter to make the little pastry toppers. Then simply slice the sausage links into pieces. These get threaded together on a toothpick (I like these) and baked. As easy as that. The sesame seeds make them fancy and baking makes them easy.
Nothing but delicious for my Game Day snacks!
Sausage Pastry Bites Dipping Sauce
I spruced up simple mustard by mixing in some apricot preserves and creamy mayo for a tangy, spicy dip. The beauty of these is that they can be served hot out of the oven, or at room temp. So no stress trying to get them on the snack table at a certain time.
More appetizers to try:
Looking for more snacks and nibbles? Try these:
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📖 Full Recipe
Posh Piggies Game Day Snacks
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage links
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 beaten egg
- Sesame seeds
Apricot Mustard Dip
- 6 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apricot jam
Instructions
- Cut 1 lb sweet Italian sausage links into 36 half-inch slices. Brush a sheet of thawed frozen puff pastry with a beaten egg and cut 36 circles of pastry using a 1¼-inch fluted cutter.
- Top each sausage round with a pastry circle and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Skewer each stack with a toothpick and place on a baking sheet. Bake in a 400°F oven until pastry is golden, 18 to 20 min.
- Serve with Apricot Mustard Dip: stir together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise and apricot jam.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Tara Teaspoon
I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!
Recipe Tara Teaspoon & Vanessa Seder. Photography Sang An. Prop Styling Tiziana Angelo. Food Styling Jee Levin
Amy @ These Wild Acres says
Thanks! I've been wondering what to whip up for game days... and these look amazing! I'm loving the mustard / apricot combo... pretty sure it will be amazing with our homemade brats!
Tara says
Amy this sauce is to die for! I'm sure it would be glorious with your homemade brats. MMM! I want to come over!
Mary Bench says
Such a cute idea!