Sausage Rolls

Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky pastry that gives way to a savory, herb-infused sausage roll filling. The crispy exterior crackles under your teeth while the juicy, aromatic meat center delivers a burst of comforting flavor. These homemade sausage rolls are a British classic that has conquered appetizer tables worldwide for good reason. Whether served as party finger food or enjoyed alongside a warm soup for dinner, these versatile sausage rolls are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. You’ll learn how to create bakery-quality sausage rolls with the perfect balance of flaky pastry and seasoned meat in this foolproof recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sausage rolls strike the perfect balance between impressive and approachable. The contrast between the buttery, flaky puff pastry and the savory, herb-flecked sausage filling creates a texture sensation that’s impossible to resist. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by tender, flavorful meat.

What makes these sausage rolls special is their versatility. They’re elegant enough for holiday gatherings but simple enough for weeknight dinners. The recipe uses store-bought puff pastry, eliminating the most intimidating part of pastry-making while still delivering professional results.

The hands-on preparation time is minimal, with most of the magic happening in the oven as they transform into golden parcels of deliciousness. These sausage rolls can be prepared ahead of time and frozen, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or quick family meals. The aromatic blend of herbs and spices in the filling will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Ingredients List for the Sausage Rolls

These carefully selected ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in these classic sausage rolls. The combination of herbs and seasonings elevates the sausage filling while the puff pastry provides that irresistible flaky exterior.

• 1 lb beef sausage
• 1 17.3 oz 2-pack box puff pastry
• 2 eggs, divided
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of pepper
• 1 tablespoon water

Pro Tips

Pastry Temperature Matters: For the flakiest sausage rolls, ensure your puff pastry is cold but pliable. If it becomes too warm while working with it, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Warm pastry won’t puff properly and can result in a soggy rather than crispy texture.

Perfect Sealing Technique: When sealing your sausage rolls, lightly brush one edge of the pastry with egg wash before pinching the seams together. This creates a stronger seal that prevents the filling from escaping during baking. Always place the seam-side down on your baking sheet for the most attractive presentation.

Even Browning Secret: For that picture-perfect golden finish on your sausage rolls, apply the egg wash thoroughly but gently. Be careful not to let it pool around the base of the rolls. For extra shine and crispness, you can apply a second light coating of egg wash halfway through the baking time – this professional bakery trick ensures even coloring and maximum flakiness.

Instructions

Step 1: Defrost puff pastry according to package directions.

Step 2: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Step 3: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.

Step 4: In a bowl, mix together sausage, bread crumbs, 1 egg, thyme, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Step 5: Section off into 6 equal portions and set aside.

Step 6: On a floured surface, unfold your pastry dough and gently roll out a little bit so it gets a little thinner, then cut into 3 long rectangle sections.

Step 7: Place sausage down the center of each section leaving an inch or so of pastry on either side.

Step 8: Bring sides together and pinch to seal and pat down slightly, repeat with remaining sausage and dough.

Step 9: Cut each “log” into 6 equal portions about 2″ long and then pierce the top with a knife 2 times to create venting holes.

Step 10: Place sausage rolls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.

Step 11: In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water and then brush on tops of the sausage rolls.

Step 12: Bake in oven for about 20 minutes until pastry is puffed and tops are golden.

Variations

Spicy Sausage Rolls: Transform these classic sausage rolls into fiery treats by adding 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 finely chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture. For an extra kick, incorporate 1 tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. These spicy sausage rolls pair beautifully with a cooling dip like sour cream or yogurt.

Mediterranean Sausage Rolls: Give your sausage rolls a Mediterranean twist by substituting the beef sausage with lamb, adding 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped mint to the filling. Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds before baking for an authentic touch. These Mediterranean-inspired sausage rolls make a delightful pairing with tzatziki sauce.

Vegetarian Sausage Rolls: Create meat-free sausage rolls using 1 pound of plant-based sausage or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts processed to a sausage-like texture. Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and nutritional yeast for umami depth. These vegetarian sausage rolls satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Storage and Serving

Storage: Allow baked sausage rolls to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze fully baked and cooled sausage rolls in a single layer until solid, then transfer to freezer bags where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Unbaked assembled sausage rolls can also be frozen for future baking – simply add an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm sausage rolls with English mustard or a tangy chutney for an authentic British experience. Create an elegant appetizer spread by pairing these sausage rolls with a cheese board and fresh fruit. For a complete meal, serve larger sausage rolls alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. These versatile pastries also make excellent picnic fare as they taste delicious at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make sausage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare sausage rolls completely, then freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding about 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can bake them up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.

Why are my sausage rolls soggy on the bottom?
Soggy bottoms in sausage rolls are usually caused by excess moisture in the filling. Make sure to use breadcrumbs as directed to absorb moisture, and always pierce the tops with venting holes to allow steam to escape. Using a preheated oven and parchment paper also helps create crispy bottoms.

Can I use different types of meat for the filling?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for beef sausage, you can substitute pork, chicken, turkey, or lamb sausage. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to your sausage rolls. Just ensure the meat is properly seasoned and contains enough fat to stay juicy.

What’s the best way to reheat sausage rolls?
For the crispiest results, reheat sausage rolls in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as this can make the pastry soggy. If reheating from frozen, add an additional 5-10 minutes to the reheating time.

Can I add vegetables to the sausage filling?
Yes, you can add finely diced or grated vegetables like onions, carrots, or zucchini to the sausage roll filling. Be sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture and allow them to cool before mixing with the sausage to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

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