Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls

Imagine biting into a buttery, flaky pastry that gives way to a savory-sweet filling of seasoned turkey and tart cranberries. These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are the ultimate festive finger food that combines the classic holiday flavors in a portable, crowd-pleasing package. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, winter entertaining, or using up Thanksgiving leftovers, these rolls strike the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. You’ll learn how to create these irresistible treats with minimal effort, plus discover expert tips for achieving that perfect golden crust and juicy filling every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are about to become your new favorite holiday recipe for several compelling reasons. First, the combination of lean turkey with sweet-tart cranberries creates a flavor profile that’s familiar yet excitingly different from traditional pork sausage rolls. The contrast between the crisp, buttery puff pastry exterior and the moist, flavorful filling creates a textural experience that’s utterly satisfying with each bite.

What makes these rolls particularly special is their versatility – they’re elegant enough for a holiday appetizer spread but simple enough for a family snack. They can be prepared ahead of time and frozen, making them perfect for busy hosts. The recipe is also incredibly forgiving for beginners while still allowing experienced cooks room for creative interpretation.

Perhaps most importantly, these festive turkey cranberry pastries deliver maximum impact with minimal ingredients, proving that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable dishes. Their hand-held nature makes them perfect for mingling at parties without the need for cutlery.

Ingredients

For the Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) ground turkey (preferably thigh meat for more flavor)
• ¾ cup (90g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 sheets puff pastry (about 17.3 oz/490g), thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

The dried cranberries provide pops of sweet-tart flavor that perfectly complement the savory turkey. Opt for unsweetened cranberries if possible to control the sweetness. The orange zest adds a subtle citrus note that enhances the cranberry flavor, while fresh sage brings the quintessential holiday aroma that makes these turkey and cranberry rolls instantly recognizable as festive fare.

Pro Tips

Chill the filling: After mixing your turkey and cranberry mixture, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and preventing the pastry from becoming soggy. It also allows the flavors to meld together for a more cohesive taste experience in your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls.

Keep pastry cold: Work with one sheet of puff pastry at a time, keeping the other refrigerated. Warm pastry becomes sticky and difficult to handle, resulting in less defined layers in the final product. If at any point the pastry becomes too soft during preparation, place it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before continuing. Cold pastry equals flaky, crisp sausage rolls.

Perfect your egg wash technique: Apply a thin, even layer of egg wash to achieve that professional-looking golden sheen. Too much egg wash will pool at the base and prevent proper rising, while too little won’t give you that appetizing color. Use a pastry brush to apply it just before baking, and consider a double application – once before cutting the rolls and once after placing them on the baking sheet – for maximum shine and color on your festive turkey rolls.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, diced onion, minced garlic, fresh sage, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, but avoid overmixing as this can make the filling tough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, unwrap one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it to a 12×14 inch (30x35cm) rectangle. Cut the sheet in half lengthwise so you have two long strips. Keep the second sheet refrigerated until needed.

Step 3: Assemble the rolls

Divide the chilled turkey mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a long sausage shape and place it along the center of each pastry strip. Brush one long edge of each pastry strip with beaten egg. Fold the opposite edge over the filling and press it onto the egg-washed edge to seal. Gently press with a fork to ensure a good seal, then brush the entire surface with egg wash and sprinkle with seeds if using.

Step 4: Cut and bake

Using a sharp knife, cut each long roll into 6-8 pieces, depending on your preferred size. Place the Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each piece. Brush again with egg wash for extra shine, then bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the turkey is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 5: Serve

Allow your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the filling set slightly and prevents burnt mouths! Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a cranberry sauce or grainy mustard dip on the side for extra flavor.

Variations

Turkey & Cranberry Cheese Sausage Rolls: Elevate these festive sausage rolls by adding 4 ounces (115g) of crumbled goat cheese or cubed brie to the turkey mixture. The cheese melts during baking, creating pockets of creamy goodness that complement the tart cranberries beautifully. This variation adds a touch of luxury that makes these Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls even more special for holiday entertaining.

Herbed Turkey Cranberry Rolls: For a more herbaceous version, increase the sage to 3 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary. This garden-fresh variation creates a more aromatic filling that evokes traditional holiday stuffing flavors. The enhanced herb profile makes these turkey cranberry pastries perfect for serving alongside a formal holiday dinner as an alternative to traditional stuffing.

Gluten-Free Option: For those with dietary restrictions, substitute the puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets, now widely available in many supermarkets. You can also wrap the filling in gluten-free pie crust or even large, blanched cabbage or collard green leaves for a completely grain-free alternative that still delivers on flavor and presentation.

Storage & Serving

These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch but will compromise the pastry’s crispness.

For make-ahead convenience, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Simply prepare them up to the cutting stage, place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Serve these festive turkey rolls as part of a holiday appetizer spread alongside a cranberry dipping sauce for a double dose of cranberry goodness. They also make an excellent addition to a Christmas brunch or Boxing Day buffet. For a complete meal, pair with a winter salad of bitter greens, sliced pears, and walnuts dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pastry.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of ground turkey?
Yes! Finely chop about 2 cups of leftover roasted turkey and mix with the other filling ingredients. Since the meat is already cooked, focus on binding it well with a tablespoon of mayonnaise or beaten egg.

Why are my sausage rolls soggy on the bottom?
This usually happens when the filling is too wet. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the filling before assembling. Also, chilling the assembled rolls for 20 minutes before baking helps the pastry set up for a crisper bottom.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare them up to the baking stage, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze for longer storage. If refrigerated, bake as directed; if frozen, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Is there a way to make these lower in fat?
Use ground turkey breast instead of thigh meat and consider a reduced-fat puff pastry. You can also brush with milk instead of egg wash to reduce the fat content slightly.

What can I serve as a dipping sauce?
A cranberry sauce with orange zest works beautifully, as does a honey-mustard dip or a warm turkey gravy. For something unexpected, try a creamy horseradish sauce to complement the sweetness of the cranberries.

Conclusion

These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are comfort food at its finest — a perfect marriage of holiday flavors wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. They capture the essence of festive cooking while being approachable enough for everyday enjoyment. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between sophisticated entertaining and family-friendly fare, proving that holiday recipes don’t need to be complicated to be memorable. Whether served at a Christmas cocktail party or enjoyed as a cozy winter snack, these sausage rolls bring people together with their irresistible combination of familiar flavors in a delightfully portable package.

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