Introduction
Sausage rolls are a beloved comfort food in many parts of the world, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia, where they’re often found at parties, picnics, and holiday celebrations. With a golden, flaky pastry exterior and a savory, flavorful sausage filling, these portable snacks are not only delicious but versatile. They can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course, making them the perfect addition to any gathering.
The combination of crisp puff pastry and the rich, spiced sausage filling creates an irresistible treat that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual family gathering, a festive celebration, or simply for a cozy evening at home, homemade sausage rolls are a sure crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making the perfect sausage rolls from scratch, sharing tips for getting the perfect golden crust and a filling that’s packed with flavor. By the end, you’ll be able to serve up a batch of irresistible sausage rolls that will have your guests asking for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a few key ingredients and basic preparation steps, you can create homemade sausage rolls that taste better than store-bought versions.
- Versatile Filling: The sausage filling can be customized to your taste. You can use pork, beef, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a party, holiday meal, or a cozy night in, sausage rolls are always a hit. They’re great as an appetizer or snack and even make for a hearty lunch or dinner.
- Crispy and Flaky Pastry: The buttery, flaky puff pastry is the perfect contrast to the savory sausage filling, creating the ideal balance of textures and flavors.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Rest Time: 10 minutes for cooling before serving
- Servings: 12 sausage rolls (depending on the size)
- Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 280, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Sausage Rolls:
- 1 pound (450g) of sausage meat: You can use any type of sausage meat you prefer—pork, beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian sausage option.
- 1 small onion: Finely chopped to add moisture and flavor to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to provide a bit of aromatic depth to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Chopped, for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements sausage wonderfully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika: For a subtle smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the filling.
- 1 sheet puff pastry: You can buy ready-made puff pastry, or make your own if you prefer.
- 1 egg: Beaten, for brushing over the pastry to give it a golden finish.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard: For a little tang and extra flavor in the filling.
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg: Beaten, to brush over the pastry to create a golden, crispy finish.
- 1 tablespoon milk: To thin the egg wash and make it easier to apply.
First Step: Preparing the Sausage Filling
- Prepare the Sausage Meat: Start by removing the sausage meat from the casings, if using sausage links. Alternatively, you can use bulk sausage meat, which is already in the right form. Place the sausage meat into a large mixing bowl.
- Chop and Mix: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Add them to the sausage meat, followed by the chopped parsley, dried thyme, and paprika. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using mustard, add it now to bring an extra layer of flavor to the sausage mixture.
- Combine the Ingredients: Use your hands or a spoon to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. The goal is to make sure the spices and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the sausage meat. This will ensure that every bite is as flavorful as the last.
- Check the Seasoning: Before you assemble the rolls, taste a small amount of the sausage mixture (you can cook it briefly in a pan for testing) and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
Second Step: Assembling the Sausage Rolls
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using pre-made puff pastry, ensure it’s thawed before starting the assembly. You’ll want to roll the pastry into a rectangle about 12 x 9 inches (30 x 23 cm) in size. This will give you a good amount of surface area to work with.
- Divide the Sausage Filling: Take the sausage mixture and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a long log that will fit along the edge of your pastry.
- Place the Sausage on the Pastry: Lay one of the sausage logs along the long edge of the pastry, leaving enough space at the sides to fold over the pastry. Repeat with the second log of sausage on the other side of the pastry.
- Roll the Pastry: Carefully fold the pastry over the sausage logs, sealing the edges with your fingers or a fork to ensure the filling stays inside. You should now have two long, filled rolls of sausage encased in pastry.
- Cut the Sausage Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the sausage roll into individual pieces, about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long. You should get around 12 pieces, depending on the size of the rolls.
Third Step: Baking the Sausage Rolls
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk to make the egg wash. This will give the sausage rolls a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Brush the Pastry: Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top of each sausage roll with the egg wash. This will create that perfect golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help the puff pastry puff up and become crisp and flaky.
- Bake the Sausage Rolls: Place the sausage rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the pastry is fully puffed and crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
Fourth Step: Serving the Sausage Rolls
- Arrange on a Platter: Place the sausage rolls on a large serving platter, arranging them neatly for your guests. They’re great for sharing, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Sausage rolls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a side of dipping sauces. Try serving them with ketchup, mustard, or even a tangy chutney to enhance the flavor.
- Pair with Sides: Sausage rolls also go well with simple sides like a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, pair them with mashed potatoes or a hearty soup.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Sausage Meat: The flavor of your sausage rolls largely depends on the quality of the sausage meat you use. Opt for fresh, high-quality sausage, or even better, buy sausage meat from a butcher if possible.
- Don’t Overwork the Pastry: When rolling out the puff pastry, be careful not to overwork it. Too much handling can cause the pastry to become tough and less flaky.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add extra ingredients to the sausage filling, like grated cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and texture.
- Bake in Batches: If you’re making a large batch of sausage rolls, consider baking them in batches to ensure they bake evenly and don’t crowd the pan.
How to Serve Sausage Rolls
1. At Parties and Gatherings
Sausage rolls are an excellent choice for appetizers at parties and gatherings. They’re easy to make in large batches and serve up quickly, making them a popular snack for your guests.
2. As a Comforting Meal
While sausage rolls are often served as snacks, they can also make for a delicious lunch or dinner, especially when paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
3. Perfect for Picnics and Outdoor Events
Due to their portability and ease of preparation, sausage rolls are a great option for picnics, barbecues, or any outdoor event. Simply pack them in a container and enjoy them on the go.
4. As a Snack for Kids
Sausage rolls are a favorite with children. Their finger-food appeal makes them an easy choice for snacks or packed lunches. You can even make smaller versions to suit little hands.
Print
Sausage Rolls: A Delicious and Savory Snack for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Description
Sausage Rolls are a delicious and savory pastry that combines seasoned sausage meat wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, the sausage is typically flavored with onions, herbs, and spices, providing a savory bite inside the crisp, buttery crust. These rolls are baked until perfectly golden and can be served warm or at room temperature. Often accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce like mustard or chutney, sausage rolls are a beloved comfort food that brings joy to any gathering with their satisfying combination of crispy and savory.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Rolls:
- 1 pound (450g) of sausage meat: You can use any type of sausage meat you prefer—pork, beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian sausage option.
- 1 small onion: Finely chopped to add moisture and flavor to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to provide a bit of aromatic depth to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Chopped, for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements sausage wonderfully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika: For a subtle smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the filling.
- 1 sheet puff pastry: You can buy ready-made puff pastry, or make your own if you prefer.
- 1 egg: Beaten, for brushing over the pastry to give it a golden finish.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard: For a little tang and extra flavor in the filling.
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg: Beaten, to brush over the pastry to create a golden, crispy finish.
- 1 tablespoon milk: To thin the egg wash and make it easier to apply.
Instructions
First Step: Preparing the Sausage Filling
- Prepare the Sausage Meat: Start by removing the sausage meat from the casings, if using sausage links. Alternatively, you can use bulk sausage meat, which is already in the right form. Place the sausage meat into a large mixing bowl.
- Chop and Mix: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Add them to the sausage meat, followed by the chopped parsley, dried thyme, and paprika. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using mustard, add it now to bring an extra layer of flavor to the sausage mixture.
- Combine the Ingredients: Use your hands or a spoon to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. The goal is to make sure the spices and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the sausage meat. This will ensure that every bite is as flavorful as the last.
- Check the Seasoning: Before you assemble the rolls, taste a small amount of the sausage mixture (you can cook it briefly in a pan for testing) and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
Second Step: Assembling the Sausage Rolls
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using pre-made puff pastry, ensure it’s thawed before starting the assembly. You’ll want to roll the pastry into a rectangle about 12 x 9 inches (30 x 23 cm) in size. This will give you a good amount of surface area to work with.
- Divide the Sausage Filling: Take the sausage mixture and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a long log that will fit along the edge of your pastry.
- Place the Sausage on the Pastry: Lay one of the sausage logs along the long edge of the pastry, leaving enough space at the sides to fold over the pastry. Repeat with the second log of sausage on the other side of the pastry.
- Roll the Pastry: Carefully fold the pastry over the sausage logs, sealing the edges with your fingers or a fork to ensure the filling stays inside. You should now have two long, filled rolls of sausage encased in pastry.
- Cut the Sausage Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the sausage roll into individual pieces, about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long. You should get around 12 pieces, depending on the size of the rolls.
Third Step: Baking the Sausage Rolls
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk to make the egg wash. This will give the sausage rolls a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Brush the Pastry: Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top of each sausage roll with the egg wash. This will create that perfect golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help the puff pastry puff up and become crisp and flaky.
- Bake the Sausage Rolls: Place the sausage rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the pastry is fully puffed and crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
Fourth Step: Serving the Sausage Rolls
- Arrange on a Platter: Place the sausage rolls on a large serving platter, arranging them neatly for your guests. They’re great for sharing, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Sausage rolls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a side of dipping sauces. Try serving them with ketchup, mustard, or even a tangy chutney to enhance the flavor.
- Pair with Sides: Sausage rolls also go well with simple sides like a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial meal, pair them with mashed potatoes or a hearty soup.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 18g
Conclusion
Sausage rolls are a delicious and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a picnic, or simply enjoying them as a snack at home, they are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you’ll be able to create golden, flaky sausage rolls with a savory, flavorful filling that everyone will love.
So, the next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer, try making homemade sausage rolls. They’re easier to make than you might think, and once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions again. Happy baking!
