The holidays are just around the corner.
So, it’s common to see pigs in a blanket as an appetizer.
However, while this dish is very delectable, the American version of pigs in a blanket is not very healthy.
The classic ones consist of sausage, bacon, or hot dog wrapped in a buttery pastry, which is not suitable for vegans.
Fortunately, there are many ways to make a vegan version of this dish, and with the right ingredients, you can quickly transform this meat-based recipe into a more healthy, tasty, and vegan-friendly dish.
Want to include the vegan pigs in a blanket as part of your festive season menu?
Here’s how you can enjoy this delicious dish with all vegan ingredients.
Why Make Vegan Pigs in a Blanket?
Healthy, inexpensive, and quick to make are one of the reasons why you should make this dish.
It’s an addictive finger food that will impress everyone, especially kids.
But if you’re still thinking about whether you can pull off this recipe, here are the reasons why we think this recipe would work:
Easy to Prepare
You can now serve this delicious dish with few ingredients and an hour of preparation. The cooking process is pretty simple, and it’s the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving menu, Christmas dinner, or even on a Sunday roast dinner with family or friends.
You can also make this recipe in advance if you’ve got a busy schedule. Just store them in the fridge (max 3 days) until the day you want to serve them.
Few Simple and Inexpensive Ingredients
This recipe that we are to make only consists of 5 ingredients. They are easily accessible in the grocery store, and most of the ingredients (if not all) are just hiding in your pantry.
If you have extra time to make vegan puff pastry from scratch, feel free to do so. After all, it’s pretty therapeutic making this main ingredient by yourself.
60-minute (1 hour) Overall Preparation
Whether you’re in a hurry or want to prep in advance, it’s not a hassle cooking this recipe. It will only take you an hour of cooking and serving time.
Perfect Appetizer
While waiting for the main course, this recipe is a perfect appetizer. It is crispy, crunchy, and perfectly salty. It is also vegan; hence it’s very healthy and flavorful. You can also serve them as a party snack or a breakfast entrée.
How to Make a Vegan Pigs in a Blanket
Can’t wait to prepare this famous hors d’oeuvres feastive season staple? We got you covered. But first, make the ingredients and equipment ready before we get cracking!
Ingredients
- Carrots: You can get big or baby carrots. Both will work for this recipe, but we recommend you opt for the big carrots because of their meaty texture.
- Spices: Prepare some smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika powder. These spices will make the recipe achieve the maximum smoky flavor. You can substitute any listed spices to match your desired taste.
- Herbs (Optional): A French mix called herbs de Provence is recommendable for this recipe. They are widely available in the US and Europe grocery and online stores. Also, this ingredient is optional, so you don’t need to include it in the recipe.
- Sesame Seeds: You can choose between black or white sesame seeds for this recipe. Both will work too.
- Soy sauce: You won’t need a lot, so any soy sauce available in your pantry will do. Either light or dark soy sauce is preferable.
- Plant-based milk: Any plant milk available can be used for this recipe. Just make sure that it is zero sugar and unsweetened dairy-free milk. You can find this information in the nutritional facts label of the product.
Check the table below to know the exact measurement needed for each ingredient:
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Vegan Pigs in a Blanket Ingredients |
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Main Ingredients:
· 2 large carrots (24 baby carrots) · 2 tsp soy sauce · 2 tsp olive oil · 1 ½ tsp garlic powder · 1 tsp paprika · 1 tsppaprika powder · ½ tsp smoked powder · ½ tsp black pepper · 1 ½ tsp Herbs de Provence · ½ tsp salt · 1 pack vegan puff pastry
Toppings:
· 1 tsp unsweetened plant-based milk (preferably almond milk) · 1 tsp Herbs de Provence · 1 ½ tbsp sesame seeds
Dipping Sauce (Optional)
· 1 tbsp vegan mayonnaise · 1 tbsp mustard · 1 tsp maple syrup · Salt and pepper (to taste)
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Equipment
- Medium Bowl
- Knife
- Chopping Board
- Measuring cup
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Instructions:
After you have prepared the ingredients and equipment needed for this recipe, it’s time to make your favorite vegan appetizer dream come true.
- Wash and chop the carrots into quarters or halves (around 6 cm to 2 in long and 3 cm to 1 thick) if you’ve got baby carrots, there is no need to chop them.
- Make the marinade by mixing all other ingredients in a bowl (except vegan puff pastry).
- If the marinade is ready, rub the mixture into the carrots to give them a flavor. Leave it for about 10 minutes to make a more intense flavor.
- Put the marinated carrots on the baking tray. Bake them for about 30 minutes at 356°F/180°C temperature. Make sure that the carrots are tender but not very soft.
- While baking the carrots, you can prepare the dipping sauce. To do it, mix the dipping sauce ingredients and set them aside.
- Once done baking the carrots, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
- Roll out the puff pastry. Wrap the carrots with the puff pastry and place them on the baking sheet.
- Brush the carrots with plant-based milk and sprinkle them with herbs de Provence and sesame seeds.
- Bake the wrapped carrots for 20 minutes at 392°F/200°C. Remove them when the edges look golden brown. You’re now done! Serve your vegan pigs in a blanket with dipping sauce or your favorite condiments.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Vegan Pigs in a Blanket
Making the best vegan dish is challenging at first glance. However, there are tons of ingenious (and easy) ways in which you can get creative to make sure you will serve the best vegan pigs in a blanket.
1. Use Thick Carrots
The sliced carrots should be around 6 cm to 2 inches long and 3 cm to 1 inch thick. Whether you slice them in half or quarters, ensure they are not cut too thin. Why? They will become thinner once cooked, which will not be tasty for a bite. It will also make your puff pastry look thick with little flavor.
2. Overlap the Puff Pastry Strips
As you wrap the baked carrots with the puff pastry, ensure that the latter overlap at the bottom. If the pigs don’t have enough borders, they will open before it is cooked. Pro tip: use a pizza cutter when cutting the puff pastry.
3. Infuse with Flavor
The marinade is unquestionably the best ingredient for this recipe. Just like other veggies, carrots are bland and mild in flavor. So this recipe will rely much on the marinade for the taste. That is why the dish needs more seasoning and herbs. If you are lacking any of the seasonings, don’t skip them. Simply substitute a different spice or herb.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Vegan Pig Blanket Last
If you do not serve the dish within the day, store them in the fridge in an airtight container. It will last for about 2 to 3 days. Also, note that it will get less crispy and crunchy as time passes. So, it’s best to munch them right away.
Is it Possible to Reheat a Vegan Pig Blanket?
It is possible. However, use the oven and not the microwave to reheat this appetizer. Reheating them in a microwave will make the dish unappetizing, too soft, and soggy.
How to Keep the Dish from Getting Soggy?
Since the dish is made from a pasty marinated carrot, it’s unlikely that it will become soggy. But to ensure they will not get soggy, bake them thoroughly. The bottom must be well-baked; otherwise, it will become soggy.
Is it Possible to Use Vegan Bacon Instead of Puff Pastry?
You’re free to substitute the puff pastry with vegan bacon. Many vegans do this, especially those from the UK. After all, the UK people usually associate pigs in a blanket with sausages wrapped in a strip of bacon.
But since it’s a vegan recipe, your recipes should be vegan-based, and there is a lot of vegan bacon you can buy in the market. You can also substitute the puff pastry with courgette or thin aubergine.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Rest assured that by following the recipe, your version of vegan pigs in a blanket will satisfy the family, especially children.
This plant-based recipe is as sumptuous as the American meat version. They can be the most addictive appetizer or snack with a few ingredients. Anyone from vegans to meat eaters and even flexitarians can enjoy the dish.